American Legion

American Legion, organization of United States veterans of war; more specifically World War I (1914-1918); World War II (1939-1945); the Korean War (1950-1953); the Vietnam War (1959-1975); the 1983 conflicts in Lebanon and Grenada; the 1989 invasion of Panama; and the Persian Gulf War (1991). The organization was chartered by the Congress of the United States in 1919.

The American Legion's primary mission is to help American veterans and their families, as well as American children and youth. The United States Veterans Bureau, forerunner of the Veterans Administration (subsequently the Department of Veterans Affairs), was created in 1921 as a result of efforts by the Legion. The American Legion also authored the first draft of the Serviceman's Readjustment Act, popularly known as the GI Bill of Rights, passed by the U.S. Congress in 1944. In addition, the organization continues to press for improved educational and medical benefits for new veterans, and for a complete accounting of all prisoners of war (POWs) and soldiers listed as missing in action (MIAs).

Programs founded by The American Legion for the benefit of children and youths include American Legion Boys State/Boys Nation, American Legion Baseball, The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest, and The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports competition. The organization also is a major sponsor of the Boy Scouts organization.

Organizations affiliated with The American Legion include The American Legion Auxiliary for women of veterans' families and the Sons of The American Legion. National headquarters of The American Legion is in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Reviewed by: American Legion