It was 95 years ago, on March 15, 1919, when members of the American Expeditionary Forces convened in Paris, France for the first American Legion caucus. The American Legion was born.
The Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. Today, our membership stands at over 2.5 million in 14,000 posts worldwide.
In The American Legion, a veteran was a veteran regardless of whether they were enlisted or commissioned, black or white, male or female. In fact, women Legionnaires were able to vote for Legion national commander before they could legally vote for the president of the United States
The American Legion focuses on service to all veterans, service members and communities. It is about principles, not politics.
Since The American Legion is not indebted to any political party, it is widely respected by members of both major political parties. Most importantly, it is respected for what it does every day in communities across America.
In Alexandria and across the nation The American Legion serves America's youth with outstanding programs such as American Legion Baseball, Junior Shooting Sports, Junior Law Cadet, Junior ROTC, Oratorical programs, Boys State and Boys Nation.
By offering temporary financial assistance to veterans facing extreme economic hardship, the Legion helps provide food, shelter, clothing and medical necessities for our service members and their young children.
We have also not forgotten the young people whose parents have made the ultimate sacrifice during the war on terrorism. The American Legion's Legacy Scholarship Fund was created to help pay for the college educations of those who lost a military parent serving since 9/11.
The author of America's greatest legislation, Past National Commander Harry Colmery, knew that it was right for America to remember returning war veterans by making it possible for them to obtain a formal education and have the ability to purchase a home.
While others scoffed that such a benefit would “break the treasury,” The American Legion held firm and ensured the passage of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, also known as the GI Bill of Rights.
But The American Legion has not rested on its laurels. Today we are fighting to improve post-9/11 GI Bill benefits so the current generation of veterans can pursue the educational opportunities needed to succeed in the 21st century. In 2008, U.S. Rep. Tom “Chet” Edwards said the new Post-9/11 GI Bill “would not have happened without The American Legion.”
We are constantly reminding Congress and the White House of their promises to “not balance the budget on the backs of veterans.” The veterans did not cause this deficit and they should not see their retirement benefits cut, disability compensation reduced, or health care diminished because our elected leaders fail to do their jobs.
We are also fighting to make sure that the flag of the United States is constitutionally protected from desecration. If it's sacred enough to place on a soldier's coffin, it is important enough to protect from physical desecration.
Through our Operation Comfort Warriors program, The American Legion turns financial donations into gifts for wounded, injured and ill service members recovering in military hospitals, VA Centers and warrior transition units around the world. OCW gifts may not make these veterans “whole” again, but they do show that The American Legion appreciates their service and sacrifice.
It is The American Legion's presence in a community like Alexandria that makes a difference. It is the true value of our membership. We are not in this for ourselves; we are in this for our brothers and sisters-in-arms. We are in this for the husbands, wives and parents of those who served.
Legionnaires today still live by the motto: “Still Serving America.”
If you are a veteran and not a member of The American Legion, what are you waiting for?