This month marks a very auspicious time for us. March 15th is the designated birthday of The American Legion. On that day in 1919, the first American Legion caucus, held by members of the American Expeditionary Force, convened in Paris. Much like the birthday of the United States is celebrated on July 4th for the date in 1776 when the Spirit of America was born – March 15th is the date when The American Legion came to life.
Ninety-one years later, we do not say “Mission Accomplished,” we say “Still Serving.” Because that is what The American Legion does. It is who we are. The spirit of the Legion is much the same as it was in 1919. We serve those who served and we serve America. The Legion is the epitome of the Americanism for which it stands.
For 91 years, The American Legion has led the charge as America’s leading advocate for veterans’ health care, children and youth programs, a strong national security policy and one hundred percent Americanism. The “Spirit of The American Legion” is the same is it was in 1919. Our organization was established on four pillars and remains true to those pillars today.
First, we take care of our veterans – we lobby for veterans benefits and our service officers help veterans with their claims. Our members volunteered nearly one million hours last year to 161 VA medical facilities, saving the VA more than $18.5 million.
Second, we take care of our kids. We provide for them through the Child Welfare Foundation, the Children’s Miracle Network, The American Legion Endowment Fund, Temporary Financial Assistance and The National Emergency Fund.
Third, our Americanism programs. Our Boys State and Boys Nation, the High School Oratorical Contest and the Junior Shooting Sports programs cannot be matched anywhere. The American Legion’s support of the Boy Scouts of America is solid and longstanding. The American Legion is the nation’s leading authority on flag etiquette and we unflinchingly support a constitutional amendment to protect our flag from desecration.
Finally, we are for a strong national defense. We lobby congress for better pay and benefits for our troops and the superior firepower and training that our military needs to be able to win this nation’s wars. To say “We support our troops” is not just a slogan to us. It’s a way of life.
Each post in our country has its own way to contribute. Post 416 in Greendale, Wisconsin meets or exceeds the expectations of our overall organization. Our goal is simple. We seek in full measure to serve America…and that’s what we do.
If you are interested and want to part of this, if you want to be all you can be, to serve with honor and pride, The American Legion is for you. It is the largest veteran’s organization in the world. Our post consists of 558 members and we offer friendships and a comradeship that is like no other. The only requirement is that you must have served in the United States military during a wartime period. After that we welcome you to the finest organization you will join. Welcome aboard.
Bob Naffier
1st Vice Commander - Membership
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American Legion Post 416
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