The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest veterans service organization, committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.

The American Legion's national headquarters is in Indianapolis, Indiana, with additional offices in Washington, DC. In addition to thousands of volunteers serving in leadership and program implementation capacities in local communities to the Legion's standing national commissions and committees, the national organization has a regular full-time staff of over 300 employees.

If you are currently on active duty, serving the United States honorably, anywhere in the world, or have served honorably during any of the following eligible war eras, we invite you to become a member of The American Legion.

• April 6, 1917 to Nov. 11, 1918 (World War I)
• Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946 (World War II)
• June 25, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955 (Korean War)
• Feb. 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War)
• Aug. 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984 (Lebanon / Grenada)
• Dec. 20, 1989 to Jan. 31, 1990 (Panama)
• *Aug. 2, 1990 to today (Gulf War / War On Terrorism)

*Because eligibility dates remain open, all members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to join The American Legion at this time, until the date of the end of hostilities as determined by the government of the United States.