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The Pledge of Allegiance
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Mission Statement
The Mission of the American Ladies Auxiliary is to serve veterans, their families and their communities.
Explanation of the Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion Auxiliary:
Preamble
For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes:
To uphold and defend the constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations during the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and goodwill on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy; to participate in and contribute to the accomplishment of the aims and purposes of The American Legion; to consecrate and sanctify our association by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.
"For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America…"
The first of the 10 principles of The American Legion and Auxiliary is a sacred pledge of allegiance to the Constitution of the United States. It is most appropriate that the first ideas presented in the Preamble be dedicated to the continued defense of our nation by those very persons who have either served in wartime or had a close relative who served. The pledge to uphold and defend America is the first obligation of every Legionnaire and Auxiliary member.
"To maintain law and order…"
Law and order must be maintained if freedom is to be maintained. Liberty is not license. Good government means that all citizens are secure in their lives and property. To this, the Legion and Auxiliary are pledged by the second principle stated in the Preamble.
"To foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism…"
The term "Americanism" covers all of the things that have made the American nation great and the American people free. It implies qualities of character as well as principles of government. Under this Constitution’s principles, the Legion and Auxiliary have worked, and are continuing to work, to defeat the attempts of subversive organizations to undermine our system. We attempt to build loyalty to and confidence in American ideals, and to develop an American citizenship capable of making America’s free form of government a constantly greater success.
"To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations during the Great Wars…"
Every member of the Auxiliary has close personal associations with the sacrifice of war, be it World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada/Lebanon, Panama and Persian Gulf War. The associations and incidents of these struggles are to be remembered not only for their heroes, their victories for freedom, but also to remind us of the awful implications and inevitable tragedies accompanying war.
"To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation…"
The individual is the basis of the American nation. Unlike other ideas of government, the American ideal places the individual first. The nation belongs to the individual, not the individual to the nation. The government exists for the purpose of serving the individual, not the individual for the purpose of serving the nation. If this ideal is to survive, there must be a voluntary sense of obligation of the individual to the nation and its component parts, the community and state. The American citizen serves his community, state and nation, not as a driven slave, but as a free man guided by his own sense of duty. To inculcate this feeling among all Americans is one of the great purposes of the Legion and Auxiliary.
"To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses…"
If America is to remain "the land of the free," the government must always be a government of all the people and for all the people. No classes are recognized in America. No masses of downtrodden people exist. Neither must be permitted to develop, but America must be kept the country of opportunity for all, where every citizen’s first allegiance is to the nation, not to some social or economic class or mass. Dominance must not be gained by any such grouping of Americans. This is another basic pledge of the Legion and Auxiliary.
"To make right the master of might…"
The American form of government guarantees equal rights to all citizens. The American Legion Auxiliary, born from a struggle against ruthless might, pledges their strength to a continued struggle to prevent invasion of the rights of any citizen by any force, no matter of what character.
"To promote peace and goodwill on earth…"
The men and women of the Legion and the women of the Auxiliary know well the ghastly futility of war. We know that war brings only misery to any nation, which engages in it, to the victor as well as the vanquished. With the lessons of war constantly in mind, we pledge ourselves to promote peace and goodwill among nations. We have worked steadily in the cause in the face of forces, which have sought to sow enmity and war throughout the world.
"To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy…"
These were the principles that inspired America’s great war efforts over the decades, and the Legion and Auxiliary stand determined that these principles should not be lost to America in time of peace. Following this pledge, the Legion and Auxiliary work to safeguard justice, freedom and democracy against the dangers of indifferent citizenship and undermining by their enemies. It strives to give understanding of and devotion to these principles to the younger generations of Americans so that they will endure for the future of the country.
"To participate in and contribute to the accomplishment of the aims and purposes of The American Legion…"
Thus, the Auxiliary pledges its full strength to the support of The American Legion, and affirm its character as an auxiliary to the Legion. It has always been faithful to this pledge, never developing programs or policies of its own, but directing all of its activities towards the "accomplishment of the aims and purposes of The American Legion."
"To consecrate and sanctify our association by devotion to mutual helpfulness."
In this final phrase of the Preamble is set forth the purpose which has guided the Legion and Auxiliary in all of their vast rehabilitation and youth work; in everything they have done to lighten the burden for those suffering from the results of wars; and to bring full justice to those paying the human price for America’s victory. In this work of mercy and relief, the Auxiliary has made great contributions toward the achievement of the Legion’s purpose.
History
1919 The American Legion Auxiliary is first established to support The American Legion.
1921 The first National Convention convenes in Kansas City, MO. The Poppy of Flanders Field becomes the memorial flower of the Auxiliary.
1925 The Auxiliary moves its National Headquarters to the War Memorial Plaza in Indianapolis, IN.
1927 It is decided that only veteran-made poppies will be distributed by the Auxiliary.
1934 The Auxiliary establishes Junior membership.
1936 The American Legion Auxiliary's Bulletin becomes the National News.
1937 The Girls State program is created.
1944 The Auxiliary's program for the rehabilitation of disabled veterans is created.
1947 The first Girls Nation is held in Washington, DC.
1950 The first Golden Press/Golden Mike media awards are presented.
1953 The first Women's Fourum on National Security convenes in Washington.
1970 The Auxiliary Emergency Fund is established.
1972 Cavalcade of Memories is established at National Headquarters.
1979 President Carter signs a bill extending Legion eligibility to Vietnam-era veterans.
1980 The first Awareness Assembly is held in Washington, DC, replacing The Women's Forum.
1988 Heart of America Awards are initiated, replacing the Golden Press/Golden Mike Awards.
1990 Eligibility is extended to veterans of Grenada, Lebanon, and Panama.
1992 Eligibility is extended to veterans of the Persian Gulf hostilities.
1995 The 50th session of Girls Nation is celebrated.
2000 The American Legion Auxiliary celebrates it 80th year.
2001 The American Legion Auxiliary becomes a host sponsor of the Department of National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.
2002 In response to the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, Auxiliary members donated nearly $100,000 to various relief efforts.
2003 American Legion Auxiliary members respond to the wartime deployment of U.S. Troops overseas in "Operation Iraqi Freedom
2006 American Legion Auxiliary National President JoAnn Cronin raises over $100,000 for the Auxiliary's co-hosted event: the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.
2007 American Legion Auxiliary National President Jan Pulvermacher-Ryan begins an endowment fund for the National President's Scholarship entitled "Educating Children of Warriors." The goal is $1.2 million.
2008 The Auxiliary moves its National Headquarters to 8945 N. Meridian Street in Indianapolis.
2009 November 10, 2009 the American Legion Auxiliary celebrates its 90th anniversary of Service Not Self for Veterans, God and Country.
The Cavalcade of Memories
The Cavalcade of Memories is the American Legion Auxiliary's institutional memory, housing historical memorabilia, donated by members past and present. The National Cavalcade is housed at 777 N. Meridian St., on the third floor of the Auxiliary National Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The Cavalcade chronicles the American Legion Auxiliary's eight-decades of service to America. Items include Past National President's clothing, antique furniture, back issues of the National News magazine, and even items from the great pilgrimage to France in 1927 to commemorate America's anniversary of entering World War I. Types of Artifacts Housed in the Cavalcade of Memories:
Badges & Pins - Past National Presidents’ pins and badges, convention badges,
Books - History, bound National issues, biographies
Cups And Plates - Naval plate collection, convention plates, special National President project plates, cup & saucer collections form Past National Presidents
Flags - From first National President, Mrs. Hobart
Furniture - Cabinets, book shelves, desk, tables, mirrors, old radio, chairs
Memorabilia - Past National President membership theme items, crocheted emblem, special projects items of Past National Presidents
Paintings
Photographs - Past National Presidents, Honorary National Junior Presidents, events, programs
Plaques & Awards - Honoring American Legion Auxiliary as an organization and to individuals from various organization (CMN, Kidney Foundation, MDA, Educational Communications, CARE, Freedoms Foundation, Golden Mike awards)
Poppy Materials - Old silk and paper poppies, Moina Michael memorabilia, poppy stamps, poppy music, poppy scarf
Scrapbooks & Photo Albums - From Past National Presidents, WWI diary of drill team member, Christmas cards from Past National Presidents, programs (States Dinners), Christmas cards form National Headquarters,
Silver Pieces - coffee service, trays, bowls and trophies
Videos, old Records and Audio Tapes
Membership
Discounts/Benefits
Junior and Senior members of the American Legion Auxiliary whose dues are current are eligible for all the benefits listed. Benefits are subject to be changed and/or discontinued at any time. Please note that certain benefits may not be available in all areas and at all times.
Note: Once a Junior member turns 18 (becomes a Senior member), she will receive the American Legion Auxiliary magazine and marketing mailings from National Headquarters.
CAREington Dental Bank of American Financial Services Car Tental EyeMed Vision Care C.A. Affinity Long Distance Beltone Hearing Aides North American Van Lines and SIRVA - Auxiliary Home Benefits Tribute Direct ALA Wireless Solutions Center: AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile and more ALA Travels ScriptSave Prescrition Discount Plan Insurance Dish Network Dell Computers Jenny Craig
Check with your local Ladies Auxiliary Unit for more information and brochures.
Eligibility
A woman who is eligible for membership in The American Legion is also eligible to join the American Legion Auxiliary.
The mother, wife, daughter, sister, grand-daughter, great-grand-daughter, or grandmother of members of The American Legion, and deceased veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces during the listed war eras.
To find the nearest American Legion Auxiliary Unit in your area, contact Department State Headquarters or your local Ladies Auxiliary member for assistance.
Give a Gift Membership
You may give a gift membership at any time. Please contact your local Ladies Auxiliary.
Junior Membership
Junior membership is offered to anyone under the age of 18 years and younger who is an immediate family member of an American Legion member or a deceased veteran.
As the world's largest women's patriotic organization, the American Legion Auxiliary recognizes that female Junior members will be the leaders of tomorrow. Through your volunteerism in the various programs and services involving veterans and their communities, you can learn leadership skills, earn credit for your volunteerism and meet other girls who can become your lifelong friends.
Auxiliary Junior members not only helped our veterans, but they have participated in the following National programs: Girls State, Girls Nation, Service to Veterans, Spirit of Youth Program, and the Junior Patch Program.
The Auxiliary-sponsored Freedoms Foundation, which is an Americanism Conference, is held at Valley Forge where history is brought to life for high school students across the nation.
If you love your country and have a patriotic heart and want to learn more about the youth programs as well as other worthwhile charities, please click on the application below.
Senior membership is offered to anyone over the age of 18 who is an immediate family member of an American Legion member or a deceased veteran.
As the world's largest women's patriotic organization, the American Legion Auxiliary sponsors volunteer programs on the national and local levels, focusing on three major areas: veterans, young people and the community.
Through your volunteerism in various programs and services involving veterans and communities, you can become a strong leader in your community, have the chance to educate children and advance the programs of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Volunteering along side women of all ages and different life experiences, by giving of your time and heart to the Auxiliary programs, you will have memories and develop life-long friendships. Your knowledge will give you the ability to mentor younger members as they learn life experiences and also as an adult member. The services provided by the American Legion Auxiliary directly and indirectly touch the lives of all Americans.
If you love your country and have a patriotic heart and want to learn more about the Auxiliary programs as well as other worthwhile charities, please click on the application link below.
All applications should be taken to your local Unit for processing, or you may click on the link on the bottom of the application for the Auxiliary Department Headquarters within your state for assistance.
