History
The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. Membership swiftly grew to over 1 million, and local posts sprang up across the country. Today, membership stands at nearly 2 million in more than 13,000 posts worldwide. The posts are organized into 55 departments: one each for the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines.
The National League of POW/MIA Families, incorporated on May 28, 1970, was formed to obtain the release of all prisoners, the fullest possible accounting for the missing and repatriation of all recoverable remains of those who died serving our nation during the Vietnam War. Without the League, America’s POW/MIAs would long ago have been forgotten. The League is proud that our efforts led to today’s worldwide mission. We are also proud that our flag is universally and legally recognized as the symbol of America’s commitment to account for our POW/MIAs.
