What do the elements of The American Legion Emblem represent?
Overview: Every part of The American Legion emblem has a meaning, a rich symbolism that a glance does not reveal.  The emblem is laid upon the rays of the sun, giver of life, warmth and courage; foe of the cold, of the darkness, of fear, of apprehension. In turn, each of the emblem's parts signifies a meaning, which no American Legionnaire who wears the emblem should take lightly, and which he/she should know from the first moment it is put on. Why does the star signify constancy of purpose?  Because the stars are fixed in the heavens. As the stars do not wander, so should The American Legion not wander from its fixed purposes.Further, the words "The American Legion" demand "that the wearer shall ever guard the sanctity of home and country and free institutions..." There shines the emblem of  The American Legion. It is your badge of pride and distinction, honor and service.
- The Rays of the Sun:  The rays of the sun form the background of the emblem and suggest the Legion's principles will dispel the darkness of violence and evil.
- The Words: The words "American Legion" tie the ring together for truth, remembrance, constancy, honor, service, veterans affairs and rehabilitation, children and youth, loyalty, national security and Americanism. 
- Outer Rings: The larger of two outer rings stands for the rehabilitation of our sick and disabled comrades.The smaller inside ring denotes the welfare of America's children.
- The Wreath: The wreath forms the center, in loving memory of those brave comrades who gave their lives in the service of the United States that liberty might endure.
- The Star: The star, victory symbol of World War I, also symbolizes honor, glory and constancy. The letters "U.S." leave no doubt as to the brightest star in the Legion's emblem.

- Inner Rings: The smaller of two inner rings set upon the star represents service to our communities, states and the nation. The larger outer ring pledges loyalty to Americanism.                          top

 

What is the Protocol for Wearing the American Legion Cap, Uniform and Regalia?
1.  The Legion cap, uniform or regalia should be worn by its members only when in attendance at official Legion meetings or ceremonies or as official guests at patriotic or other civil functions or by individuals when officially representing The American Legion on public occasions. However, an official American Legion cap, 'dark blue or black' civilian coat, white or dark trousers, white shirt, black four-in-hand-tie, black shoes and socks, make a very attractive uniform. A Legionnaire is considered to be in uniform if wearing an official American Legion cap. Therfore, it is not proper to wear an American Legion cap while eating a meal at an official Legion or civic luncheon or dinner.
2. The cap should be worn in a place of worship only by the Guard of Honor, Color Guard and Commander of same while in marching order or standing guard. When returned to and seated in pews, the cap should be removed.
3. Legion posts marching in formation into a place of worship should uncover, at the door, hold the cap with the right hand over the heart until the arrival in the pews  and commanded to take seats, remaining uncovered during the entire service. At the close of the service, upon command, the post shall arise, the members holding the cap with the right hand over the heart will march out of the place of worship and recover after marching through the door. Note: The hat should be held over the heart as one approaches the casket, and is not at any time worn in a place of worship except by the Guard of Honor, Color Guard or Commander of same while in marching order or standing guard.
4. Legionnaires not in formation will uncover upon entering the place of worship and remain uncovered during the entire service and will recover after leaving the place of worship.
5. At the graveside the cap should be held in the right hand over the heart during the entire service. In cold and inclement weather, the cap should not be doffed.
6. In Legion meetings the cap should be worn except during moments of the "Pledge of Allegiance," prayer and when standing in silent reverence in memory of departed comrades, when the cap should be held with right hand over the heart.
7. A Legionnaire wearing the cap should behave in proper accordance as to salutes, etc., the same as if the member was wearing the military uniform. If not wearing the Legion cap, the ordinary rules of etiquette for civilian dress should be observed.
8. Female members of The American Legion should wear their caps in the manner prescribed for female personnel of the armed services.
9. Legionnaires wishing to attach decorations and/or other official insignia to their caps are advised of the following excerpts of a National Executive Committee Resolution on this subject:

The following regulations have been promulgated by National Emblem Sales to standardize the use of lettering, insignia, etc., on the official American Legion cap, as based on Resolution No. 58, adopted by the National Executive Committee, April 30 - May 1, 1964.

POST CAPS (members and officers) - All blue, piped in gold and lettered in gold with optional basic lettering  (Style 1 or Style 2), additional lettering and restrictions as indicated below:

  • Style 1- Post numerals at right front between piping and front crease. Department name in full on left side beneath emblem. Lettering on emblem side to be a straight line. Example "20" (at right front)-"Illinois" (on left side beneath emblem).
  • Style 2- Post numerals at right front between piping and front crease. Town name in full and Department abbreviated on left side beneath emblem. Lettering on emblem side to be straight line. Example: "20" (at right front) - "Minneapolis, Minn." (on left side beneath emblem)                                                             

(a) Style 2 - Shall not be used when the Post town is not physically located within recognized geographic and/or postal boundaries of the Department of which the Post member. Example: Stuttgart, Germany, a part of the Department of France. Such a member may place its location and country on the right side of the cap, if desired. Example: (at right front)- "France" (on left side beneath emblem)-if desired, "Munich, Germany" (on right side)

 (b) Where any additional letteing is desired, this must be on the right side of cap. This lettering is restricted  to name of Post, such as "J.S.Jones," or officer title, such as "Commander" or "Past Adjutant." Where present or past officer cap insignia or badges are used in place of embroidered titles, these must be on the right side of the cap.

(c) Consecutive membership insignia, membership stars and/or decorations (authorized American Legion or military services) must be attached to the right side of cap. Fraternal or civil organization insignia cannot be used on American Legion caps.

(d) Names or nicknames of individual members cannot be used on caps.

(e) An individual member placing an order direct with National Emblem Sales must provide the member I.D. number.

(f) The left side (emblem side) of any American Legion cap cannot contain other than the official American Legion Emblem and lettering as set forth previously in this resolution for Post, County, District, Department of National Caps.

(g) No member of any organization, such as drum and bugle corps, bands, and so forth, sponsored by any Post or intermediate organizations between the Department and Post levels, or by any Department, shall wear the overseas caps having the color, or combination of colors, authorized for sale/use of County, District, Department or National officers, when the members of uniformed groups are not appearing in the full uniform of their group. Each member of each individual Post should be encouraged to possess the Official American Legion Overseas Cap with The American Legion Emblem, the Department and the number of the Post on same.    top

 

When do I salute?
The official Legion cap is the only uniform of the American Legion. If you are wearing the official Cap of the American Legion, you salute in  proper accordance, like you were in full uniform. If you have a Legion baseball cap, any other cap or no cap, you put your right hand over your heart as is proper for civilian dress.
I have a Post, District and Department Cap, which do I wear and when?
It is standard practice to wear the cap for which ever office you are representing. At local Post meetings you would wear your Post cap, unless asked to represent the District or Department, for a special occasion or meeting. At District, you would wear your District cap, unless asked to represent the Department. If you are at a District meeting and you are not a District Officer, but you are a Department Officer, you would wear your Post cap, unless asked to represent the Department for a particular reason.
My cap is full of pins and patches, which can I wear on the Emblem side?
No pins or patches can be worn on the Emblem side. Only the emblem and City or Department can be on the Emblem side.
I was Sergeant in the service can I wear chevrons on my cap?
There is no rank in The American Legion and it is not proper to wear any insignia that denotes rank.

 

Why should You join The American Legion?
Patriotism. Service. Fraternity. It's a powerful package! It's a program of involvement in the many facets of your life, which can have a positive impact on the lives of you and your family. It's a program of promise!
What  programs does The American Legion promote and support?
**Americanism** Through the following community and youth-oriented programs The American Legion strives to further a strong sense of patriotism and loyalty
  • American Legion Baseball. Legion ball has been the training ground for many of our major league stars. Each yearabout 90,000 boys experience the benefits of good sportsmanship and team play.
  • Boys State/Boys Nation. American Legion Posts select outstanding high school students to attend this program every year. During the week-long program, participants receive instruction on citizenship and experience how their state and federal governments conduct business.
  • High School Oratorical Competitions.High school students compete for college scholarships awarded by The American Legion by demonstrating their knowledge of the United States Constitution in public speaking contests on local, regional and national levels.
  • Scouting Sponsorship. Legion Posts sponsor approximately 2,500 Cub Scout, Boy Scout and venturing crews each year to foster wholesome development of America's youth. The American Legion awards the Eagle Scout of the Year with a college scholarship.
  • Flag Education. This program educates our youth on flag etiquette and proper display of the United States Flag.
  • Scholarship Information. "Need a Lift?" is the Legion's annual publication providing information for high school students on the "hows and wheres" of obtaining college financial aid. The Samsung American Legion Scholarship Program is available for those students who are direct descendants of U.S. wartime veterans.
  • School Awards. Posts award local elementary through high school students with special recognition for outstanding leadership, academic excellence and other character-building qualities.
  • Junior Shooting Sports. Local Legion Posts offer youth air rifle competition and basic gun safety instruction.
  • Patriotic Holiday Observances. Since 1919, The American Legion has been our country's leader in the observance of patriotic holidays, sponsoring marching bands, color guards and drill teams.
**Children and Youth** This program has three main objectives: (1) to strengthen the family unit; (2) to maintain well-rounded youth programs; (3) to support other organizations which serve children and youth.
  • McGruff Safe Kids Program.  Nationwide child safety program which features distribution of a child I.D. booklet, personal safety promotion and direct community involvement.
  • Child Health.Our alliance with the Children's Miracle Network (CMN) underscores The American Legion's mission and reputation as a caretaker of America's future - its children. CMN affiliated hospitals provide quality health care to all children, regardless of condition or ability to pay.
  • Teenage Suicide Prevention. The American Legion actively supports programs teenage suicide prevention and awareness programs and has published the brochure "Warning Signs: Suicide Prevention."
  • Temporary Financial Assistance. Provides cash assistance for needy children of eligible veterans.
  • American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. All contributions to this Foundation are awarded in grants to non-profit organizations for projects designed to assist children.

 
**National Emergency Fund** The American Legion is actively involved in meeting the needs of both the community and individual Legion family members in the wake of a natural disaster. Any current year paid member of The American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion is eligible to apply for temporary financial relief for losses sustained in a declared natural disaster.
**Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation** The Legion is an organization of veterans serving other veterans, their widows and widowrs and their orphans. The Legion was instrumental in the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs and is universally recognized as the originator of the G.I. Bill of Rights and is constantly working to protect and preserve the rights and benefits to veterans through service to their country.
  • Board of Veterans Appeals. Operates an Appeals Unit at the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, DC to represent veterans and claimants seeking satisfactory resolution of benefit claim determinations made by local VA regional offices or VA medical centers.
  • National Field Services. Conducts on-site field visits to individual VA medical centers and to network offices to insur veterans receive the quality of medical care they deserve and expect.
  • Military/Naval Discharge Review and Correction Boards. Provide assistance to former service members who seek upgrade of their less than honorable discharge or dismissals from the Armed Services. Also assists veterans in obtaining decorations and medals through the various Armed Forces.
  • Persian Gulf Task Force. Undertaken rigorous clinical studies, Feedom of Information Act Requests, site visits to VA and DOD Medical Centers and VA Regional Offices, and created an Internet site for Gulf War veterans in neeed of assistance. These efforts are targeted to help Gulf War veterans, including those who suffer from Gulf War illnesses.
**Legislative** Through strong grassroots lobbying, the American Legion's "official voice" in the Halls of Congress continues to advance the legislative mandates for veterans and their families.
**National Security** 
  • Junior Law Cadet Program. Many Legion Posts, working in conjunction with law enforcement agencies, have established programs to introduce high school students to law enforcement and to establish cadet camps.
  • ROTC Recognition Programs. Posts award American Legion ROTC Military Excellence and Scholastic Excellence Medals to outstanding high school and college ROTC students.
  • Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award Program. Presented annually at American Legion Post, State, Regional and National levels to recognize law enforcement officers for extraordinary performance and superior community service.
  • Blood Donor Awards. As the nation's largest blood donor organization, recognizes States for their individual and collective efforts in donating this "gift of life."
**Employment and Economics** Always been involved in issues -- employment, job training, veterans preference, housing, small business and vocational rehabilitation -- that affect veterans economically. The National Economic Commission, which is responsible for ensuring that America's veterans have an opportunity to provide the economic necessities of life for themselves and their families, lobbies Congress and works closely with many federal agencies as well as with private sector organizations: National Organization on Disability, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and the Veterans Organizations Homeless Council and the Senior Corps of Retired Executives.
**The American Legion Magazine** As a Legion member you receive a yearly subscription to The American Legion Magazine at no additional cost. Each monthly issue is filled with general-interest features and updates on veterans' benefits to keep you informed of changes that afffect you as a veteran.
**Special Member Benefits** These special benefits not only provide protection for your family and substantial money-saving discounts but also offer you 25 Good reasons to join and stay with The American Legion. 

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