In the USA, an association for former members of the armed forces (veterans), the largest in the world. Incorporated in 1919, its aims are to rehabilitate veterans, promote child welfare, ensure a strong national defence, and encourage patriotism.
In addition to organizing commemorative events and volunteer activities, the American Legion is active in U.S. politics.
The state American Legions run an annual civic training event for high school juniors called Boys State. The American Legion Auxiliary runs Girls State and Girls Nation.
Timeline
1910s
The American Legion was founded in mid-March 1919 in Paris by members of the American Expeditionary Forces, and chartered by the United States Congress in September of that same year. The first national convention of the American Legion was held from November 10-12, 1919 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The American Legion allowed these young men and women who had served "Over There" to re-integrate into their hometowns and to still remain in contact with others who had been abroad. In 1919, a new American Legion group in Washington was involved in the Centralia Massacre (Washington).
1920s
The American Legion was very active in the 1920s. The Legion also created its own American Legion Baseball Program.
1930s
By 1931, membership of the American Legion had reached 1 million.
The Sons of the American Legion was formed at the American Legion's 14th National Convention in Portland, Oregon on September 12-15, 1932. Membership is limited to the male decedents of members of the American Legion or deceased individuals who served in the armed forces of the United States during times specified by the American Legion. In 2007 The Sons of the American Legion celebrates seventy-five years of service to God and Country.
According to congressional testamony in the 1930s several of the American Legion's leaders, including its original bankroller Irénée du Pont, plotted a fascist coup against the Government of Franklin D.
The American Legion's first National High School Oratorical Contest was held in 1938.
1940s
In 1942, the original charter of the American Legion is changed in order to allow veterans of World War II to join. Throughout the 1940s, the American Legion was very active in providing support for veterans and soldiers who fought in World War II. The American Legion campaigned for the G.I.
The American Legion was active in campaigning for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II in relocation camps.
1950s
The American Legion asked for a congressional investigation into the ACLU for their petitioning to end loyalty-oath laws for public workers such as school teachers during the red scare.
Veterans of the Korean War were approved for membership in The American Legion in 1950.
The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation is formed in 1954.
1970s
In 1976, there was an outbreak of bacterial pneumonia among those attending a convention of the American Legion at The Bellevue Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia.
1980s
After a 1989 Supreme Court decision, the American Legion launched and funded a campaign to win a constitutional amendment against harming the flag of the United States.
1990s
In a letter to U.S. President Bill Clinton in May of 1999, the American Legion urged the immediate withdrawal of American troops from Operation Allied Force in Yugoslavia. The National Executive Committee of The American Legion met and adopted a resolution unanimously that stated, in part, that they would only support military operations if "Guidelines be established for the mission, including a clear exit strategy" and "That there be support of the mission by the U.S. Congress and the American people". Cadmus, National Commander, stated in an address to the Legion's National Convention that terrorism should be stopped by "any means necessary." National Commander of the American Legion Thomas L.
References In Popular Culture
On their 1989 album, Key Lime Pie, the alternative rock band Camper Van Beethoven referenced the American Legion in their song "When I Win The Lottery", with the lyrics,
"And when I win the lottery, gonna buy the house next to Mr. Red, White and Blue, and when I win the lottery, gonna buy Post 306 American Legion, paint it red with five gold stars."
American Legion Post 306 is the John W. Soldiers Back Home: The American Legion in Illinois, 1919-1939 (2004) William Pencak. Country: The American Legion, 1919-1941 (1989) Thomas A. The American Legion: An Official History, 1919-1989 (1990)
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