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American Legion has new criteria

ESCANABA — New criteria has recently been passed for American Legion membership.

The American Legion was established on March 15, 1919. Congress chartered the American Legion on Sept. 16, 1919. Membership then was World War I war veterans only. Then from World War II, veterans serving during a specific war/conflict date were eligible. This left approximately six million veterans who served in the Cold War following Korea and Vietnam out of any recognition.

On July 30, 2019, Congress and the President signed a bipartisan Bill S. 504 changing eligibility for the American Legion. The bill states that any veteran with an honorable discharge since Dec. 7, 1941, is now eligible to be a member of the American Legion.

This change is to include The Sons of the American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary.

The American Legion provides community services to all veterans. This includes VA services through a veteran service officer and funeral honors, as well as raising money for the U.P. Honor Flight. The American Legion also participates and supports the local communities.

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