For God and Country: The American Legion

By Ruth Aresvik AMERICAN LEGION POST 154, RATHDRUM, IDAHO

As a young girl, I remember seeing my Pop put on his cap as Commander of the local American Legion post and head off to a meeting, with my mama close behind, usually with a pie in her arms so that the auxiliary could serve dessert after the gathering. I remember going to the Gooding County Fair to play Bingo at the Legion booth. I won a ceramic pony. And I got to meet Senator Frank Church. But did I really know what The American Legion was? What did they really do?

The American Legion was founded in March 1919 by members of the World War I American Expeditionary Forces still stationed in Europe – waiting to come home. Soon after the war ended, they realized how poorly prepared the United States was to assist the many disabled and unemployed veterans who faced uncertain futures in their communities, states and the nation. And so, the American Legion built its legacy and mission to strengthen the nation through programs, services and advocacy that helped millions throughout the organization's first century.

Today there are nearly 3 million members of the American Legion, making it the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization. The American Legion has close to 15,000 posts worldwide. These posts are organized into 55 departments – one each for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Some Legion programs are more well-known than others. Haven't most of us attended a Legion baseball game? Did you know someone who went to Boys State? Like Neil Armstrong, Bill Clinton, Michael Jordan, Tom Brokaw? Even Jon

LIBBY KAMROWSKI/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

The American Legion leads a flag tour via vehicle parade through Riverside Memorial Park on Memorial Day on May 25 in Spokane. The motorcycle riders were followed by classic cars and then contemporary vehicles with visitors, reducing the amount of people walking on the memorial grounds.

Bon Jovi.

Under the Americanism and Children & Youth programs, the Legion actively supports Boy Scout groups, flag etiquette, oratorical contests, and assorted scholarships. Promoting citizenship, patriotic awareness and sportsmanship to the nation's youth is a mission that will make our nation prouder, stronger, smarter, and more respectful of those who have sacrificed some, or all, in defense of the nation.

And speaking of those who have served or sacrificed for our nation, it is no surprise that the American Legion knows only too well the importance of programs and services for veterans. Post-service Officers and Legislative Chairmen keep up to date on Veteran Affairs benefits and changes to inform members and direct them to proper resources channels for help and action. The power behind the American Legion has successfully lobbied Congress to provide for and protect veterans in countless ways, most recently with the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act.

The American Legion immerses itself into their respective communities with assorted events – not just parades and fair booths – but with honor and remembrance ceremonies. Posts offer services, including an Honor Guard, for veteran funerals, Veterans Day and Memorial Day recognitions. Many posts are involved with the annual Wreaths Across America. They call members to do a "buddy check." The American Legion offers temporary financial aid (TFA) to minor children of current active duty or American Legion members to meet the cost of shelter, food, utility and health expenses.

If you have served federal active duty in the United States Armed Forces since December 7, 1941, and have been honorably discharged, or are still serving, you are eligible for membership in the American Legion. To find a post near you, or for more information, go to www.legion.org.