What is the American Legion? A Comprehensive Overview

The American Legion, a congressionally chartered patriotic veterans organization, has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of veterans, active service members, and communities across the United States. Founded in 1919 by war-weary veterans of World War I, it has evolved into one of the nation’s most influential non-profit groups, boasting a membership of over 1.6 million in more than 12,000 posts worldwide. These posts are organized into 55 departments, covering each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Latin America, and the Philippines.

Over the decades, the American Legion has established a strong identity through its dedication to securing benefits and services for veterans, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces, and fostering responsible citizenship among young people. From the landmark GI Bill to advocating for veterans exposed to toxic substances, the Legion has consistently worked to improve the lives of those who have served.

Key Milestones in the American Legion’s History

The American Legion’s history is marked by numerous significant achievements and contributions. Here’s a chronological overview of some key moments:

The Founding Years (1919)

March 15-17: Members of the American Expeditionary Force gathered in Paris for the first American Legion caucus, laying the groundwork for the organization’s formation.
May 8-10: The St. Louis Caucus adopted the official name, “The American Legion,” and drafted the preamble to the organization’s constitution.
September 16: Congress officially chartered The American Legion, solidifying its status as a recognized veterans organization.
November 10-12: The first American Legion National Convention was held in Minneapolis, attracting approximately 15,000 attendees and establishing the organization’s core principles. Delegates approved equal treatment for women veterans, employment programs, and support for disabled veterans.

The 1920s: Advocacy and Expansion

September 27, 1920: The poppy was designated the official flower of The American Legion, symbolizing remembrance and sacrifice.
December 16, 1920: Recognizing the growing issue of neuropsychiatric conditions among veterans, The American Legion raised awareness of what would later be known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
August 9, 1921: The Legion’s advocacy led to the establishment of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, the precursor to the modern Veterans Administration.
November 11, 1921: Legion leaders participated in the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, a project supported by Legion-backed legislation.
June 15, 1923: The first Flag Code was drafted during a Legion-organized conference in Washington, aiming to establish guidelines for respecting the flag.
October 17, 1923: The American Legion National Convention passed a resolution supporting equal rights and opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, creed, or class.
September 19, 1924: The Legion launched a successful fundraising campaign to support disabled veterans and war orphans, establishing the American Legion Endowment Fund (now the American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation).
June 17, 1925: American Legion Baseball was born, becoming an official national program in October of that year, fostering youth development and a love for the sport.

The 1930s: Supporting Veterans and Youth

June 30, 1930: The federal Veterans Administration was established, thanks to tireless lobbying from The American Legion, consolidating veteran services under one agency.
September 12-15, 1932: The Sons of The American Legion was founded, providing a way for male descendants of Legionnaires to support the organization’s mission.
June 23, 1935: The first American Legion Boys State convened in Springfield, Ill., offering high school students a hands-on experience in understanding government operations.

The 1940s: World War II and the GI Bill

August 22, 1941: The U.S. Navy commissioned the USS American Legion, which played a vital role in World War II, including landing troops at Guadalcanal.
December 7, 1941: Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, many Legion members returned to wartime service, and the organization contributed significantly to community support efforts.
June 22, 1942: Congress passed the U.S. Flag Code, adapted from rules established at Legion-led flag conferences, solidifying guidelines for flag etiquette.
December 15, 1943: Past National Commander Harry W. Colmery began drafting what would become the “GI Bill of Rights,” the Legion’s most significant legislative achievement.
June 22, 1944: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the original GI Bill into law, revolutionizing higher education and providing opportunities for millions of veterans.
August 9, 1946: The American Legion Boys Forum of National Government, later renamed American Legion Boys Nation, was conducted for the first time, shaping future leaders.

The Cold War Era (1950s-1980s)

May 4, 1950: The Legion contributed funds to the field of mental health, playing a key role in launching the National Association for Mental Health.
July 9, 1954: The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation was formed, providing grants to organizations that help children facing severe challenges.
July 23, 1962: Baseball legend Bob Feller, an alumnus of American Legion Baseball, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
July 24, 1963: Future U.S. President Bill Clinton met President John F. Kennedy at the White House during American Legion Boys Nation.
March 30, 1960: U.S. Highway 281 was dedicated as the national “American Legion Memorial Highway”.
July 18, 1979: The American Legion long promoted National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
February 1980: After decades of American Legion pressure and proof, post-traumatic stress disorder is recognized as a psychological diagnosis.
Jan. 1, 1989: The Veterans Administration is elevated to Cabinet-level status as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Oct. 16, 1989: The long-standing objective of the Legion to improve adjudication procedures for veterans claims is achieved when the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals becomes operational.

The Modern Era (1990s-Present)

Aug. 2, 1990: The Legion files suit against the federal government for failure to conduct a Congress-mandated study about the effects of Agent Orange on veterans who served in Vietnam.
Oct. 11, 1990: The Legion creates the Family Support Network to assist families of servicemembers deployed for operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Middle East.
Fall 1993: In Garden City, Mich., Chuck “Tramp” Dare and Bill “Polka” Kaledas, commander of American Legion Post 396, start an association to bring all American Legion Family members together to share a common love for motorcycles; this evolves into the national American Legion Riders.
July 26, 1995: Electronics giant Samsung chooses The American Legion to administer a scholarship fund of $5 million, as a gesture of appreciation for U.S. military personnel who came to South Korea’s aid to fight communist forces in the Korean War.
Sept. 5, 2000: The American Legion presents the first “Spirit of Service” Awards to active duty service members for their off-duty volunteer activities.
Oct. 10-11, 2001: The American Legion creates the American Legacy Scholarship Fund for children of military members killed on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001.
December 2008: Operation Landstuhl expands to help recovering troops at military facilities elsewhere and is renamed Operation Comfort Warriors.
Oct. 22, 2009: President Obama signs the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform Act of 2009, guaranteeing “advance funding” for VA appropriations, a formula that The American Legion has strongly supported for many years.
May 5, 2014: In the midst of a VA waiting-list scandal that reached up to the deaths of veterans waiting for care, The American Legion calls for the resignations of several top officials, including VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, who leaves office before the end of the month.
Aug. 16, 2017: The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 – also known as the “Forever GI Bill” because it removes time limits for veterans who wish to use it for college – is signed into law by President Donald J. Trump.
June 20, 2019: The U.S. Supreme Court rules 7-2 in favor of The American Legion in its case to allow a 40-foot cross-shaped World War I memorial in Prince George’s County, Md., to stay on public property.
July 30, 2019: President Trump signs the Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service – the LEGION Act – which extends recognized wartime service to cover previously unrecognized periods of U.S. military conflict, back to World War II.
Dec. 1, 2020: The American Legion and Chip Ganassi Racing announce plans for a multi-year sponsorship relationship in support of the Legion’s Veterans & Children Foundation; the relationship soon shifts gears to promote veteran suicide prevention through the Be the One mission.
Aug. 10, 2022President Joe Biden signs into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act, a historic move strongly supported and promoted by The American Legion, to provide health-care service and disability compensation to some 4 million additional veterans, mostly post-9/11, who were exposed to toxic contamination in the military.
Oct. 1, 2023: American Legion accredited service officers secure what is believed to be an all-time one-year high in VA benefits for disabled veterans, with $18.8 billion.

The American Legion: A Legacy of Service

The American Legion’s enduring legacy is one of unwavering service to veterans, their families, and the nation. From advocating for groundbreaking legislation like the GI Bill to providing critical support during times of crisis, the Legion has consistently stood as a pillar of strength for the veteran community. As the organization continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its members, its commitment to its core values remains steadfast, ensuring that the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten.