The American Legion Department of South Dakota established the program in 1925 at Milbank, South Dakota . Purpose. The initial goal of the organization was to fight for proper benefits of foreign wars. The American Legion was founded more than 100 years ago, in Paris on March 15, 1919, by a group of battle-drained World War I veterans. Veterans are welcome to … History. To improve and maintain open communications, to keep FODPAL members better informed about national and international policy changes germane to the overall service mission of The American Legion. Generally the American Legion national commander will join us for the meeting and we hold a banquet on Friday evening. They have done a large amount of good not only for veterans but for society as a whole for over 100 years. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion organizations are the two “best known” veterans associations for U.S. military veterans. I have no association with the American Legion. Best Defense What the hell is wrong at the American Legion? The purpose of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States among high school students. The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) is A Community of Volunteers Serving Veterans, Military, and their Families.Founded in 1919, the ALA has been dedicated to serving veterans, military, and their families. Membership is limited to the male descendants of members of The American Legion, or deceased individuals who served in the armed forces of the United States during times specified by the Legion. The legislative body of The American Legion is a national convention, held annually. If they are not, please find one that does. Though volunteer members do most of the work of the American Legion, the national organization has a regular full-time staff of about 300 employees. Auxiliary members exemplify Service Not Self through countless volunteer hours, programs, conferences, and an increased presence in Washington, D.C. Here in Pelham, that serves many of our Veterans in Westchester County. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. The league still stands behind the traditional values upon which it was founded in 1925. About the Sponsor: American Legion. Partnership: The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, the Sons of The American Legion and The American Legion Riders need to be partners in providing service to our veterans, their families and their communities. To promote the 4 Pillars of The American Legion. So, if the American Legion offers those things that you are craving from a VSO, by all means, please join and contribute. The American Legion extends eligibility to active duty or honorably discharged soldiers who have served in any of seven eligible war eras, beginning with World War I.