American Legion

The American Legion is a nonprofit veterans organization that stands as one of the largest and most influential in the United States. Founded on March 15-17, 1919, in Paris, France, by members of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) after World War I, it has evolved into a vibrant community service organization with a strong focus on supporting veterans and their families.

History

The organization was established by a thousand commissioned officers and enlisted men from the AEF, who were still awaiting return to the United States after the war. This initiative was driven by the need to address the morale of troops in Europe and to provide a framework for mutual support among veterans. The charter for the American Legion was granted by the U.S. Congress on September 16, 1919, which formally recognized it as a patriotic veterans organization.

Areas of Involvement

1. Social Service and Veteran Support:

   • The American Legion plays a vital role in supporting disabled and unemployed veterans by providing them with access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
   • It advocates for veterans' benefits, including pensions and compensation for disabled veterans and their families.
   • The organization was instrumental in the establishment of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in 1930, formerly known as the Veterans Administration, which provides healthcare services to veterans.

2. Education and Youth Programs:

   • The American Legion is renowned for its youth programs, such as American Legion Boys State, which was initiated in Illinois in 1935 and became a national program by 1946. It aims to educate young people about democratic processes.
   • The organization also supports activities like American Legion Baseball, which promotes sportsmanship and citizenship among youth.

3. Lobbying and Advocacy:

   • The Legion is actively involved in lobbying for veterans' rights and benefits at both federal and state levels. It played a pivotal role in drafting and advocating for the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the GI Bill, which provided educational and housing benefits to military veterans.

4. Community Involvement:

   • The organization supports community activities through its posts, which often partner with other civic groups to promote patriotism and assist local veterans.

Structure

The American Legion operates with its national headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, and comprises over 13,000 local posts organized into 55 departments, representing the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and overseas locations. Membership exceeding two million during its peak, it remains one of the largest veterans' organizations in the U.S., with international reach and impact.

Tax Status

The American Legion is a 501(c)(19) organization, classified as a war veterans organization.

Emerging Issues and Challenges

Today, the American Legion continues to face challenges in advocating for veterans' rights, addressing evolving issues such as mental health support, and ensuring that veterans benefit from current legislation.

Conclusion

The American Legion's enduring mission is to support veterans, foster community engagement, and uphold American values, making it a cornerstone of patriotism and service in the United States.