American Legion

The American Legion is a U.S. nonprofit organization of war veterans, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was founded on March 15-17, 1919, in Paris, France, by members of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) during World War I. The Legion was chartered by the U.S. Congress on September 16, 1919, and has grown into one of the largest veterans' organizations in the United States, with over 2.4 million members in 14,000 local posts worldwide[1][3][4].

Mission and Activities

The American Legion is dedicated to service to veterans, active military personnel, and their families. Its mission includes promoting patriotism, national security, and mutual helpfulness among its members. The organization is nonpartisan and nonsectarian, with a focus on community service, youth programs, and veterans' advocacy[3][5].

Programs and Initiatives

• Youth Programs: The American Legion sponsors numerous youth programs, including over 1,700 Boy Scout units, American Legion Boys State (founded in 1935), and American Legion Boys Nation. These programs aim to educate young people about democratic government and civic responsibility[1][2].
• Veterans Support: The Legion has been instrumental in securing benefits for veterans, including the creation of the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) and the enactment of the GI Bill. It also provides service officers to help veterans file for benefits[2][3].
• Community Service: Members participate in various community service activities, including support for VA hospitals, disaster relief efforts, and patriotic events[4][5].

Historical Impact

The American Legion has played a significant role in shaping veterans' policy and advocating for social change. It was instrumental in drafting and promoting the GI Bill, which provided educational and vocational benefits to millions of World War II veterans[3][4]. The organization continues to lobby for veterans' rights and benefits at local, state, and federal levels[5].

Structure

The American Legion is organized into 55 departments, including all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines. Each department oversees local posts, which engage in community service and advocacy efforts[1].

Publications and Affiliations

The organization publishes The American Legion magazine and is affiliated with the Sons of The American Legion, as well as other veterans' groups[4].

The American Legion's commitment to community service, veterans' welfare, and civic engagement has established it as a prominent force in U.S. veterans' advocacy.