The American Legion celebrated its 100th anniversary in March 2019. It was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans’ organization. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities. The Legion evolved from a group of war-weary World War I veterans into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. Membership swiftly grew to over 1 million, and local posts sprang up across the country. Today, membership stands at nearly 2 million in more than 13,000 posts worldwide. The posts are organized into 55 departments: one each for the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines.
Over the years, the Legion has influenced considerable social change in America, won hundreds of benefits for veterans and produced many important programs for children and youth.
In 1921 the Legion fostered the creation of the U.S. Veteran’s Bureau, the forerunner of the Veteran’s Administration.
In 1943 the Legion National Commander drafted the GI Bill of Rights.
Legion financial grants to the American Heart Association in 1946 and the National Association for Mental Health in 1950 played an essential part in their growth, sustainability, and research.
In the 1960’s the Legion worked for a full accounting of POWs and MIAs.
In the 1980s the Legion was the largest single contributor to the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Fund for construction of the Wall in Washington and commissioned an independent study on the effects of exposure to Agent Orange on Vietnam War veterans.
The Legion continues to work on behalf of the health and welfare of veterans and their families including temporary financial assistance delivered to military and veteran families.
The local Poolesville American Legion post is Daniel-Jeffers Post 247. Join them at Whelan Commons 11:00 a.m. on November 11th to honor veterans and celebrate Veteran’s Day. Register for the Poolesville Seniors’ Veterans Day presentation on 11/11 at 7:00 p.m.