A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

The American Legion was founded March 15-17, 1919, by members of the American Expeditionary Forces still stationed in Europe and awaiting passage home. Their experiences in what was called the “war to end all wars” would shape an enduring agenda for the nation’s largest organization of U.S. military veterans. Many of the Legion’s founders voluntarily drilled in civilian-military camps before the United States entered the first world war. Trained in the “Preparedness Movement,” several future Legion founders were commissioned as officers when the United States entered the war and discovered firsthand the nation’s deficiencies in defense, citizenship, and education. Soon after the war’s end, they realized how poorly prepared the nation was to assist disabled and unemployed veterans who faced uncertain futures in their communities, states and the nation after discharge. The American Legion’s emergence and rise to prominence was based on a mission to strengthen the nation, veteran or not, through programs, services and advocacy that have helped millions for over a century. The American Legion built its legacy with a vision to make the nation prouder stronger, smarter and more respectful of those who have sacrificed some or all in defense of the nation.

THE PREAMBLE TO THE AMERICAN LEGION CONSTITUTION

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY, WE ASSOCIATE OURSELVES TOGETHER FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:

To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America;

To maintain law and order;

To foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism;

To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars;

To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation;

To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses;

To make right the master of might;

To promote peace and goodwill on earth;

To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy;

To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

THE AMERICAN LEGION EMBLEM

Every part of the American Legion emblem has meaning. The emblem is laid upon the rays of the sun, giver of life, warmth and courage, foe of the cold, of the darkness, of fear, of apprehension. In turn, each of the emblem’s parts signifies a meaning, which no American Legionnaire who wears the emblem should take lightly, and which he/she should know from the first moment it is put on. Why does the star signify constancy of purpose? Because the stars are fixed in the heavens. As the stars do not wander, so should The American Legion not wander from its fixed purposes. Further, the words “The American Legion” demand that the wearer “shall ever guard the sanctity of home and country and free institutions.” There shines the emblem of The American Legion. It is your badge of pride and distinction, honor and service.

The Rays of the Sun

The rays of the sun form the background of the emblem and suggest the Legion's principles will dispel the darkness of violence and evil.

The Wreath

The wreath forms the center, in loving memory of those brave comrades who gave their lives in the service of the United States that liberty might endure.

The Star

The star, victory symbol of World War I, symbolizes honor, glory and constancy. The letters "U.S." leave no doubt as to the brightest star in the Legion's constellation.

Inner Rings

The Smaller of two inner rings set upon the star represents service to our communities, states, and nation. The larger outer ring pledges loyalty to Americanism.

Outer Rings

The large of the two outer rings signifies the rehabilitation of our sick and disabled comrades. The small inside ring denotes welfare of America's children.

The Words

The words "American Legion" tie the ring together for true, remembrance, constancy, loyalty, service, veterans affairs and rehabilitation, children and youth, national security, and Americanism.