The American Legion is the largest U.S. veterans organization with more than 1.6 million members who strengthen the nation through programs, services and advocacy for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, youth and communities.

History

The American Legion 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 veterans of World War I 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 over 1.6 million in more than 12,000 posts worldwide. The posts are organized into 55 departments: one each for the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Latin America and the Philippines.

Over the years, the Legion has built its identity by achieving hundreds of benefits and services for veterans, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and instilling the values of responsible citizenship among young people. From the nation-changing of The American Legion-drafted GI Bill to relief for veterans exposed to toxic contamination in the service, veterans of The American Legion have worked for over a century to improve and strengthen the nation they swore with their lives to defend.