The American Legion
The parent organization — comprised of veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who meet eligibility criteria.
The American Legion Family
Four Pillars. One Mission.
Founded by WWI veterans in Paris in 1919. Chartered by Congress on September 16, 1919. Today: ~1.6 million members, ~12,000 Posts, and 55 departments worldwide.
Our Mission
"To enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by devotion to mutual helpfulness."
The Four Pillars
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
Advocating for veterans' access to high-quality healthcare, benefits, and support for service-connected disabilities.
National Security
Supporting a strong national defense and policies that protect the United States and its service members.
Americanism
Promoting patriotism, respect for the U.S. flag, civic education, and the values that define our nation.
Children & Youth
Financial and educational support for the families of veterans and active-duty military, plus youth development programs.
The Legion Family
"The Legion Family" refers to the four organizations that share the Legion's mission and serve different members of the veterans community.
American Legion Auxiliary (ALA)
Wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, and direct female relatives of American Legion members, plus women veterans.
Sons of The American Legion (SAL)
Male descendants — sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons — of veterans eligible for Legion membership.
American Legion Riders (ALR)
A motorcycle association of Legion, ALA, and SAL members who ride for charity and community events nationwide.
Who Can Join?
The American Legion is open to anyone who served at least one day on federal active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces since December 7, 1941, and received an honorable discharge — or is currently serving honorably.
Major Programs
- American Legion Baseball. Founded in 1925 — a nationwide youth baseball program whose alumni include Hall of Famers like Bob Feller.
- Boys State & Girls State. High-school programs that teach the structure and operation of American government through hands-on participation.
- Oratorical Contest. National competition focused on constitutional awareness and public-speaking skills.
- Junior Shooting Sports. Marksmanship and firearm-safety program for youth.
- Legacy Run & Scholarship. The annual Legacy Run raises funds for college scholarships for children of military personnel who died on active duty on or after September 11, 2001.
- Be the One. National campaign to reduce veteran suicide by reducing stigma and empowering the community to step in.
- VA Benefits Assistance. Accredited American Legion service officers help veterans navigate and apply for VA benefits.
Noteworthy Achievements
- The GI Bill. The American Legion drafted the original Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 — widely considered the Legion's greatest legislative achievement.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs. The Legion was instrumental in lobbying for the agency that became today's VA.
- The U.S. Flag Code. The Legion led the conferences that produced the codified rules for the proper handling and display of the American flag.
Support Post 137
Help us serve our veterans
Every dollar keeps the Honor Guard firing, the lights on at the Post Home, and our community programs running throughout Henry County. Thank you for your support.
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