Our Mission

The Four Pillars:

Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation. For more than 90 years, the Legion has been the nation’s leading advocate for proper health care and earned benefits for America’s veterans. The Legion was instrumental in creating the Veterans Administration in 1930, and an ardent supporter of its rise to Cabinet status when it became the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 1989. As the relationship between VA and veterans evolves, the Legion will help VA meet its critical mission.

National Security.   To those who have sworn with their lives to protect America against enemies near and far, national security is a deeply held value. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 exposed this nation’s vulnerabilities and magnified the importance of this value - not only for military veterans, but for all Americans.

Americanism.  This pillar of American Legion service is filled with respect for the nation that those in the military swore with their lives to defend, including devotion to law and order, proper treatment of the U.S. flag, voter education, youth programs like Boys State that make life-changing differences and respectful observance of patriotic holidays and remembrances.

Children & Youth.  The American Legion’s long-held position is that “every child deserves a square deal”. Youth Advocacy includes such programs and efforts as the Child Welfare Foundation, the Family Support Network, Temporary Financial Assistance and other initiatives that aim to help children and youth follow their dreams, no matter their circumstances.