Category: Purpose
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To adopt in letter and spirit all of the great principles for which The American Legion stands
The S.A.L. is a program of The American Legion. Each time we recite the Preamble we reaffirm that we will do our part to maintain the mission of the Legion. We pledge that we will devote our time to mutual helpfulness, friendship, law and order, Americanism, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, and Children &… Read more
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To consecrate and sanctify our friendship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.
When World War I (the war to end all wars) ended, soldiers who returned relatively unscathed without wounds or what was known back then as shellshock, got together to form an organization whose aim was to aid and support the wounded and those afflicted emotionally and psychologically by the horror of war. The Legion was… Read more
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To assist in carrying on for God and Country
Life is God’s gift to you. What you do with your life is your gift to God. When you assist a child or an adult in need you are carrying on for God. When you assist a veteran, you are carrying on for our country – the United States of America. Read more
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To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy
The Legion family actively works to preserve and transmit these principles to future generations, ensuring that justice, freedom, and democracy remain at the core of American society. This is done in a variety of ways such as advocacy and legislation, veterans support, community service, education and awareness, patriotic activities, and youth programs such as Boys… Read more
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To make right the master of might.
Our organization’s commitment is to make sure that might does not overpower right. We seek to maintain a balance where justice, freedom, and democracy prevail. Read more
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To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses.
America is a diverse nation, composed of people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and economic strata. In this democratic framework, both the privileged classes (those with economic or social advantages) and the masses (the general population) have a role to play. As Legion family members we stand as guardians of democracy. By opposing autocracy, we stand… Read more
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To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the Community, State and Nation.
Inculcate is not a common usage word. It means to instill an attitude, idea, or habit by persistent instruction. It is our responsibility through repetition, but especially through example, to teach the virtues of good citizenship. As citizens of our community, it is our duty and obligation to be neighborly, helpful, and watchful, and to… Read more
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To preserve the memories of our former members and the association of our members and our forefathers in all wars.
The preservation of memories is the preservation of history. We erect statues, build museums, and consecrate the gardens of stone where our veterans lie in eternal rest. We learn from the successes and failures of our predecessors. We honor the hard work and sacrifices of our ancestors by carrying on their legacy and improving on… Read more
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To foster and perpetuate a true spirit of Americanism.
Americanism is one of the four pillars of The American Legion. The other three are Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, and Children & Youth. Americanism is the love of America. Patriotism! It is loyalty to America’s institutions as the best yet devised by man to secure life, liberty, individual dignity, and happiness. It is… Read more
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To maintain law and order.
As citizens we do our part by being aware of and respecting the laws of our city, state, nation, and any foreign country we visit. We teach our children respect for the Law, and we do our part to support the men and women tasked with enforcing the laws of our land. We support our… Read more