American Legion

Overview

The American Legion is a patriotic nonprofit organization of U.S. war veterans, dedicated to mutual helpfulness and service to veterans, servicemembers, and their communities. The Legion was founded by members of the American Expeditionary Forces in Paris from March 15 to 17, 1919, and was chartered by the U.S. Congress on September 16, 1919[1][3][4].

History

The American Legion emerged from the experiences of World War I veterans who recognized the need for an organization to support returning soldiers and promote national interests. The Legion's creation was influenced by Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., who envisioned a national organization for veterans[5].

In its early years, the Legion rapidly expanded, with membership growing over a million by the early 1920s. Today, it is one of the largest veterans organizations in the U.S., with over 2.4 million members[1]. The organization is structured into local posts, departments for all 50 states, and additional departments in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines[1].

Programs and Advocacy

The American Legion focuses on several areas:

• Youth and Community Programs: Initiatives include sponsoring over 1,700 Boy Scout units and the American Legion Baseball program, which has produced a significant number of Major League Baseball players[1]. The Legion also supports youth participation in government through programs like Boys State and Boys Nation[1][3].

• Veterans Support: The organization played a key role in establishing the U.S. Veterans Administration (now the Department of Veterans Affairs)[1][3]. It has also been instrumental in lobbying for veterans' benefits, including the GI Bill, which provided education and housing benefits to millions of veterans[3][4].

• National Security and Patriotism: The Legion supports programs promoting U.S. citizenship and national security. It has advocated for the protection of the U.S. flag and has lobbied for legislation related to veterans' issues[2][4].

Structure

The American Legion operates as a 501(c)(19) tax-exempt organization, with its national headquarters located in Indianapolis, Indiana[4]. It is governed by a national commander and a national adjutant, supported by a national executive committee[4]. The organization includes subsidiaries like the Sons of The American Legion and has affiliations with other veterans' groups[4].

Conclusion

The American Legion has evolved from its origins as a post-World War I veterans group to become a leading voice in American society, advocating for veterans' rights and fostering community development through youth programs and patriotic initiatives.