American Legion

American Legion

Emblem
American Legion National Headquarters Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Established	March 15, 1919 (105 years ago) (1919-03-15)
Founded at	Paris, France
Type	501(c)(19), war veterans' organization
Tax ID no.	35-0144250
Headquarters	700 North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, Indiana
Coordinates	39°46′37″N 86°09′22″W / 39.7770°N 86.1562°W / 39.7770; -86.1562
Area served	Worldwide
Membership (2018)	~1,800,000
National Commander	Rev. Daniel Seehafer (WI) Since August 2023
National Adjutant	Daniel Wheeler (VA) Since October 2008
National Executive Committee	61 voting members 6 national officers 55 committeemen
Key people	National Headquarters Executive Director James Baca Washington Office Executive Director Chanin Nuntavong
Publication	The American Legion
Subsidiaries	Sons of The American Legion
Secessions	Forty and Eight
Affiliations	American Legion Auxiliary American Legion Riders
Website	legion.org

The American Legion, commonly known as the Legion, is a patriotic organization of U.S. war veterans headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. It comprises state, U.S. territory, and overseas departments, in turn, made up of local posts. It was established in March 1919 at Paris, France, by officers and men of the American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F.).^[1] In September 1919, it was chartered by the U.S. Congress.^[2]

The Legion played the leading role in drafting and passing the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the "G.I. Bill". In addition to organizing commemorative events, members assist at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and clinics. It is active in issue-oriented U.S. politics. Its primary political activity is lobbying on behalf of interests of veterans and service members, including support for benefits such as pensions and the Veterans Health Administration.^[3] It has also historically promoted Americanism, individual obligation to the community, state, and nation; peace and goodwill.^[4]