American Legion

The American Legion is a U.S. nonprofit organization focused on providing services to veterans, service members, and communities. It was chartered by Congress in 1919.

History

The organization was founded in Paris, France, from March 15 to 17, 1919, by members of the American Expeditionary Forces, marking the end of World War I. The founding was motivated by the need for an organization to support veterans returning from the war. In September 1919, the U.S. Congress granted the American Legion a national charter. Over the years, the charter has been amended to include veterans from subsequent conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and more recent military engagements[1][3][4].

Mission and Activities

The American Legion's mission encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at serving veterans and promoting community welfare. Key areas of focus include:

• Veteran Services: The Legion has been instrumental in advocating for veterans' benefits, leading to the establishment of the U.S. Veterans Administration and the enactment of the GI Bill of Rights in 1944. These efforts have provided education, training, and housing benefits to millions of veterans[2][3][4].

• Youth Programs: The organization sponsors several programs for youth, including American Legion Boys State and Boys Nation, which educate young people about democracy and government. Additionally, it supports thousands of Boy Scout units and junior baseball teams[1][3].

• Community Service: The Legion is involved in various community service initiatives, including assistance at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities and participation in local charity projects[4].

Structure and Membership

The American Legion is structured into local posts, which are organized into 55 departments across the U.S., U.S. territories, and overseas locations. Membership is open to U.S. military veterans who have received an honorable discharge. The organization is nonpartisan and nonsectarian[1][3][4].

External References

While specific information about the local post alpost175 is not directly available in the provided sources, it operates under the broader framework of the American Legion's national mission and organizational structure.