In Episode 6 of “To Strengthen a Nation,” a video series on the history of The American Legion, hosts Lorna Duyn and Jeric Wilhelmsen explore the original reasons the organization made “Americanism” a pillar value. Responsible U.S. citizenship, respect for the flag, constitutional understanding, voter participation, support for law and order and a number of youth programs arose from a founding interest to ensure that Americans not only had the resources and training to defend the country, but also understood the reasons why.
ACTION PROGRAMS OF AMERICANISM
Americanism is an unfailing love of country, loyalty to its institutions and ideals, eagerness to defend it against all enemies, individual allegiance to the U.S. flag and a desire to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. Our forefathers laid the foundation for a civilization that is the envy of the world. It has brought us greater spiritual and material wealth than any people has ever known.
This is our heritage.
The activities of The American Legion’s Americanism Commission acknowledge and preserve that heritage, recognizing the inalienable rights of all.
The brochure Action Programs of The American Legion briefly describes The American Legion’s Americanism programs.
- Operation Comfort Warrior
- American Legion Baseball
- American Legion Scouting
- Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program
- American Legion Junior Shooting Sports program
- American Legion Boys State & Boys Nation
- American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Program
- American Legion’s Flag Education Program
- American Legion Legacy Scholarship
- Samsung American Legion Scholarship
- American Legion School Medal Program
- American Education Week
- Veterans In The Classroom
- Get Out the Vote
- Americanism Publications
- Committee on Children & Youth
Department Bylaws
AMERICANISM: To develop and maintain a spirit of 100% Americanism among legionnaires and residents of the State of California. To put into effect the Americanism programs of The American Legion; to coordinate any overlapping of plans dealing with Americanism; and to develop an overall policy of Americanism. To act as liaison between all youth and adult organizations and to assist in sponsoring activities of Americanism throughout the State of California; and to coordinate the programs of the posts and districts of The Department of California with all public, private and parochial schools and any other organization pursuing the ideals of Americanism.
