By Donna Reuss
Alexandria, VA – The American Legion is a veterans service organization, dedicated to supporting those who served in the military and their families. From its very beginning, a major focus of the Legion has been on children.
When the veterans of World War I called their first caucus in Paris in 1919, their thoughts turned to the millions of children affected by the war. Thus, one of the four pillars, on which the Legion was founded, is Children and Youth.
Through its 100-plus history, it has raised millions of dollars. Legionnaires have volunteered countless hours helping children in need, providing opportunities for their futures, and advocating and fighting against social ills on their behalf.
The Legion provides scholarships and financial assistance to high school students with exceptional academic and leadership qualities. It sponsors a variety of youth programs, most of which are open to the community.
American Legion Baseball is the first program in the world to provide a national baseball tournament for teenagers. It gives players “an opportunity to develop their skills, personal fitness, leadership qualities and to have more fun,” according to the website. Players between 13 to 19, can join regardless of income level or social standing.
Since its inception in 1925, millions of young people have participated in the program, which today registers teams in all 50 states and Canada. More than half of current players on a major league roster, almost every working MLB manager and several former commissioners have played Legion Baseball. Eighty-two have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Founded in 1935, The American Legion Boys State is a week-long educational program about government for rising high school seniors. Students learn the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of franchised citizens. They lead an effective political organization through city, county, and state-level governments in peer-elected positions.
Two delegates from each state program then attend Boys Nation in DC to operate at the federal government level. Notable Boys State graduates include former president Bill Clinton, Neil Armstrong, Michael Jordan, and Bruce Springsteen.
The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors Girls State, a separate but similar program for young women.
The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program is a marksmanship program for males and females that encompasses the basic elements of gun safety, education, enjoyment, and competition. Shooters use the .177 caliber air rifle in competitions, and the best 30 junior sharpshooters from across the country contend for the National Championship. Students 18 and under can participate; disabled youth are encouraged to join.
Since 1938, The American Legion Oratorical Contest has challenged junior high and high school students to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the US Constitution through preparation and oral presentation of a topic of their choice. This topic is based on the Constitution. They also receive an assigned topic. Prominent contestants over the years include former vice president Mike Pence, former presidential candidate Alan Keyes, and TV commentator and talk radio host Lou Dobbs.
For over 35 years, the Department of Virginia American Legion has partnered with the Virginia State Police to conduct the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program at the Virginia State Police Training Academy. This intensive five-day training for rising high school seniors consists of vigorous physical training and classroom instruction. These young men and women are exposed to almost every facet of law enforcement such as criminal, accident, and crime scene investigation. The hands- on training includes water safety and life-saving techniques; driving on the vehicle driving course; and weapons safety and marksmanship.
As an advocacy body, among its most critical issues, the American Legion opposes weakening US laws that protect children. It supports legislation against child exploitation, media violence, and for drug-trafficking prevention programs. It also promotes financial assistance to families with children suffering from catastrophic illnesses, supports research to prevent intellectual disabilities, and urges federal funding for immunization for needy children.
The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation provides grants to other nonprofit organizations for projects that contribute to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual welfare of children. The foundation has awarded over $21 million since 1954 through the generosity of Legion and community members.
Information about any of these programs can be found at www.legion.org, or Post 24 in Old Town Alexandria at valegionpost24.com, (703) 683-5564.
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If you are a veteran, veteran’s family member, or know a veteran who needs help, go to Virginia Board Veterans Services at www.dvs.virginia.gov/dvs; dss.virginia.gov/community/211.cgi; contact American Legion Post 24 Veteran Service Officer at [email protected]; or check out the Resources List on the Post 24 website: valegionpost24.com. For crisis intervention and suicide prevention services, dial 988 and Press 1, or text 838255, for the Veterans Crisis Line.
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