WHY US?

The American Legion's mission statement, as adopted by the National Executive Committee in October 2020, is:

To enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. The American Legion's vision statement is "The American Legion: Veterans Strengthening America.” The American Legion's value principles are as follows:

A VETERAN IS A VETERAN - which means The American Legion embraces all current and former members of the military and endeavors to help them transition into their communities.

SELFLESS SERVICE - which means The American Legion celebrates all who contribute to something larger than themselves and inspires others to serve and strengthen America.

AMERICAN VALUES AND PATRIOTISM - which means The American Legion advocates for upholding and defending the United States Constitution, equal justice and opportunity for everyone and discrimination against no one, youth education, responsible citizenship and honoring military service by observing and participating in memorial events.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - which means The American Legion meets the unique needs of local communities.

ADVANCING THE VISION - which means The American Legion educates, mentors and leads new generations of Americans.

HONOR THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE US - which means The American Legion pays perpetual respect for all past military sacrifices to ensure they are never forgotten by new generations.

The American Legion's motto is "Veterans Strengthening America."


The Four Pillars of The American Legion

  1. Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation

  2. National Security

  3. Americanism

  4. Children & Youth

I Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation

  • Access to VA Care

  • Support for Veterans with Special Needs

  • A GI Bill for a New Century

  • Heroes to Hometowns

  • Final Respects

  • Better Funding Formula

  • Career Opportunities

  • Employment and Business

  • Volunteering

II National Security

  • Strong National Defense

  • Homeland Security

  • Full Accounting of POW/MIAs

  • Military Quality of Life

  • Foreign Relations

  • Operation Comfort Warriors

III Americanism

  • Flag Protection

  • Voter Registration and Participation

  • The Pledge of Allegiance

  • Illegal Immigration

  • Boy Scouts

  • Establishment-Clause Lawsuits

IV Children & Youth

  • Catastrophic Illness

  • Immunization

  • Media Violence

  • Child Sexual Exploitation

  • Intellectual Disabilities

  • Family Integrity

  • Drug Abuse

Want to learn about some of the benefits you can have just joining The American Legion?

Know Your Benefits.pdf