History of the American Legion Auxiliary
After World War I was won, men and women of the Armed Forces banded together to continue service work during peacetime. The women in their families wanted to serve with them, and the American Legion Auxiliary was born. This is one of the largest and most influential women’s organizations of its kind in the world today.
The establishment of the Auxiliary to the American Legion was provided for by the first National Convention of the American Legion in 1919. By the time of the 1920 National Convention, 1,342 local Units of this Auxiliary had been formed. The first National Convention of the Auxiliary was held in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1921.
The American Legion Auxiliary was founded on the following purposes:
1. Rehabilitation of Veterans
2. Children and Youth activities in order to maintain the integrity of the American family
3. Serving the local community via safety campaigns, beautifying parks and public buildings, sponsoring Girl Scout troops, aiding Boy Scout troops, sponsoring the establishment of libraries and night schools, conducting health clinics, aiding hospitals in securing equipment, cooperating with safety councils, curbing juvenile delinquency and aiding the homeless.
4. Disaster Relief
5. Peace and Security
The American Legion Auxiliary has the following ideals and principles:
1. Patriotism
2. Education for every child
3. Safeguarding democratic principles upon which America was founded
4. Americanism
5. Service
Vision Statement:
“The American Legion Auxiliary enriches the quality of life of those we serve and our members.”
Our organizational values include:
1. Commitment to the four founding principles of our organization: Justice, Freedom, Democracy, and Loyalty
2. Service to God, our Country, its Veterans and their families
3. Tradition of patriotism and citizenship
4. Personal integrity and family values
5. Respect for the uniqueness of our individual members
6. Truthful and open communication in dealing with the public and our members
7. Adherence to the adopted policies and rules.