by Ed Wallace, Publisher at UtahStandardNews.com / 9/14/2017

The American Legion was granted their federal charter by Congress on September 16, 1919 and 90 years later, they have kept their commitment to serve not only as a resource and a voice on behalf of veterans across America, but also as an organization dedicated to the betterment of America through community service. Since their founding charter, The American Legion has not waved from the guiding principles and vision that can be found in their Four Pillars of Service. They continue to aid wounded warriors and military families and have a legacy of community volunteerism.

Among its greatest legislative achievements was the enactment of the GI Bill of Rights. The initial draft of the GI Bill was written by Legionnaires at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. Many consider the GI Bill as one of the greatest pieces of legislation ever enacted. The American Legion remains today an active and vigorous advocate for service members, veterans and their families here in Washington County and throughout the country.

The Four Pillars of Service of The American Legion

Still Serving: It’s Who We Are

In 1919, The American Legion was founded on four pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. Each of these pillars encompasses a variety of programs that benefit our nation’s veterans, its service members, their families, the youth of America and ordinary citizens. These programs make a difference in hundreds of thousands of lives each year.

Our organization’s positions and programs are guided by resolutions passed by American Legion National Convention delegates, and committee and commission members who represent 2.6 million wartime veterans and their families. These programs, and the men and women who take the time to perform them, are what allow The American Legion to make a difference locally, and on the state and national levels.

It’s who we are and what we do.

1. Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
   • Access to VA Care
   • Better Funding Formula
   • Support for Veterans with
   • Special Needs
   • Career Opportunities
   • A GI Bill for a New Century
   • Employment and Business
   • Heroes to Hometowns
   • Volunteering
   • Final Respects

    

2. National Security
   • Strong National Defense
   • Military Quality of Life
   • Homeland Security
   • Foreign Relations
   • Full Accounting of POW/MIAs
   • Operation Comfort Warriors

    

3. Americanism
   • Flag Protection
   • Illegal Immigration
   • Voter Registration and Participation
   • Boy Scouts
   • The Pledge of Allegiance
   • Establishment-Clause Lawsuits

    

4. Children & Youth
   • Catastrophic Illness
   • Intellectual Disabilities
   • Immunization
   • Family Integrity
   • Media Violence
   • Drug Abuse
   • Child Sexual Exploitation

Click here to download the  booklet:  The Four Pillars of the American Legion