American Legion

American Legion
Name	American Legion
Founded	15 March 1919
Founders	Theodore Roosevelt Jr., Hamilton Fish III, Franklin D'Olier
Headquarters	Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Membership	~1.8 million
Commander	Daniel J. Seehafer
Website	www.legion.org

American Legion. The American Legion is a federally chartered veterans organization in the United States, founded in Paris in 1919 by members of the American Expeditionary Forces. It is one of the nation's most influential nonprofit groups, focusing on veterans affairs, patriotic events, and community service. With posts across all 50 U.S. states and territories, it plays a significant role in advocating for veterans' benefits and fostering a sense of camaraderie among those who have served.

History

The organization was conceived during the Paris Peace Conference by a caucus of twenty officers led by Theodore Roosevelt Jr. and was formally chartered by the U.S. Congress in September 1919. Its first national convention was held in Minneapolis later that year, electing Franklin D'Olier as its first National Commander. The Legion grew rapidly, establishing itself as a powerful force in advocating for benefits like the World War Adjusted Compensation Act of 1924. It was instrumental in the creation of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, a precursor to the Department of Veterans Affairs. During the Great Depression, it was involved in the Bonus Army protests, though its national leadership officially opposed the march on Washington, D.C.. Following World War II, the Legion was a key proponent of the G.I. Bill, which transformed higher education and housing in America.

Organization and structure

The Legion is structured with a national headquarters in Indianapolis, with additional offices in Washington, D.C. for legislative affairs. The basic unit is the local "Post," which are grouped into Departments for each state, the District of Columbia, and territories like Puerto Rico. The supreme governing body is the annual National Convention, which elects a National Commander and sets policy. Major affiliated organizations include the American Legion Auxiliary, the Sons of The American Legion, and the American Legion Riders. Its publications include the national magazine *The American Legion* and the internal newsletter *Dispatch*.

Programs and activities

The organization runs extensive programs, notably American Legion Baseball, which has featured future Major League Baseball stars like Frank Robinson and Derek Jeter. Its Boys State and Boys Nation programs teach youth about government and have involved participants such as Bill Clinton and Neil Armstrong. The Legion provides millions in college scholarships through programs like the Legion College and sponsors Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies nationwide. It operates a strong veterans service officer network to help file claims with the VA and supports rehabilitation programs at facilities like the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Political positions and advocacy

The Legion is a nonpartisan but politically active organization, maintaining a strong lobbying presence on Capitol Hill. It has historically advocated for a strong national defense, supporting actions from the Cold War to recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. A perennial legislative priority is protecting and expanding veterans' benefits, including healthcare through the Veterans Health Administration and disability compensation. The organization was a leading voice in the creation of the World War II Memorial and has taken firm stances on issues like protecting the Pledge of Allegiance and opposing flag desecration.

Notable members

Many prominent Americans have been members, including several U.S. Presidents such as Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, and George H. W. Bush. Military leaders like General of the Army Douglas MacArthur and Medal of Honor recipient Audie Murphy were active members. Figures from entertainment and sports, including actor Clark Gable and baseball legend Ted Williams, also belonged. Other notable members include FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, astronaut John Glenn, and Senator John McCain.

Controversies

The organization has faced criticism for its early 20th-century exclusionary practices and involvement in Red Scare activities. In the 1920s, some local posts were involved in vigilantism and supported the Ku Klux Klan. During the McCarthy era, its National Americanism Commission published anti-communist literature and blacklists. More recently, it faced internal debate and media scrutiny over its long-standing exclusion of LGBT veterans, a policy it officially reversed in 2020 to allow membership for all veterans who served honorably.

Category:Veterans' organizations based in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1919