|
Enter content here
The Sons of The American Legion was created in 1932 as an organization within The American Legion The S.A.L. is made up of boys and men of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the United States military
and became eligible for membership in The American Legion. Together, members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion make up what is known as The Legion Family.  All three organizations place high importance on preserving our American traditions and values, improving the quality of life
for our nation's children, caring for veterans and their families, and perhaps most importantly, teaching the fundamentals
of good citizenship. Sons have always assisted Legionnaires with Legion Family programs. Our Family boasts a combined
total membership of nearly 4.2 million members. This year, Sons  attained an all time high national membership of over 325,000. The largest Detachment, Pennsylvania, has over 38,000 members.
Trophies and awards are given to Detachments and Squadrons for the largest membership and the largest increase in membership.
Just as each Legion post determines the extent of its service to the community, state, and nation, each S.A.L. squadron
is permitted flexibility in planning programs and activities to meet its own needs.  The S.A.L. has study programs recommended for younger members. One such program, called "The Ten Ideals," teaches the
elements of patriotism, health, knowledge, training, honor, faith, helpfulness, courtesy, reverence, and comradeship. If a
member completes the Ten Ideals program, he is eligible to continue with another program called the "Five-Point Program
of Service." This program covers patriotism, citizenship, discipline, leadership, and legionism.
Sons focus on much more than just membership. At all levels, Sons support The American Legion in promoting a wide
variety of programs. Sons assist their Posts in other activities such as Veterans programs, Veterans Administration home and
hospital volunteerism, Children Youth projects, and fund raising.  In just the past ten years, Sons have raised more than a million dollars for The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. Members have volunteered over 223,900 hours to date in 2007 in Veterans Hospitals throughout the country and raised
over $915,688 that has gone directly to VA hospitals and VA homes for a variety of items including TVs, radios, medical equipment,
and clothing for the patients.
 There are many men who are members of, both, The American Legion and the Sons of The American Legion. Often, these indivduals
started out as young members of the Sons. Then, when they were old enough to serve the military, they also became eligible
to join The Legion. Such individuals are known within our organization as dual members.
The Sons of The American Legion is one of many organizations that sponsors and supports the Citizens Flag Alliance, a coalition formed to secure flag protection legislation  through an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. S.A.L. volunteers work to establish local networks by having petitions available
and handing out informational material. They alert their communities to the importance of respect for the flag and they encourage
flag education programs in schools and other local organizations.
Thanks for stopping by today! We're confident you will enjoy becoming a
member of The American Legion Family, this nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting veterans of the armed services
of the United States of America!
Not everyone is eligible to become a member of the Sons of The American
Legion. There are specific membership requirements.
To be eligible, you must be a male descendant (includes stepsons and
adopted sons) of a member of The American Legion.
You would also be eligible to join the Sons of The American Legion
if you are the male descendant (stepsons and adopted sons included) of a veteran who died in service during World War I, World
War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, or the Persian Gulf War (see specific time periods for service during these conflicts).
You would also be eligible to join the Sons of The American Legion
if you are the male descendant (stepsons and adopted sons included) of a veteran who died subsequent to his or her honorable
discharge from service in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, or the Persian
Gulf War (the same eligibility periods apply as above).
|
