Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service Act

Floor Speech

I rise today in support of S. 504, the LEGION Act, and I want to thank my colleague, the gentleman from California, for his leadership on this issue. I am proud to stand here today in support of our Nation's veterans.

One hundred years ago, Congress chartered The American Legion because it recognized, as our veterans returned home from World War I, we must provide for them. The American Legion has advocated for our veterans, servicemembers, and their communities ever since.

In the last century, The American Legion has grown to nearly 2 million members around the world. The group is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, and has 13,000 offices, including one in every State, advocating to State and Federal officials.

The American Legion now provides thousands of dollars in scholarships to help students attend college, and grants for the study, prevention, and treatment of various diseases.

They have also been at the forefront of the fight to improve mental health services for all, but particularly for our troops who struggle as they return home.

Beyond The American Legion's rich national history, it has held a special place in my home State of Virginia for many decades. The American Legion Department of Virginia was also chartered in 1919, with 91 local posts and several thousand members. In the intervening century, it has grown to 212 posts and over 33,000 Legionnaires, and it provides a variety of services to veterans and their families.

Today's legislation makes necessary amendments to The American Legion charter to include all existing members and opens it to all future members of the Armed Forces who are honorably discharged, separated, or continue to serve. It provides future flexibility to enable The American Legion to continue to provide opportunities for our servicemen and -women. It also enables The American Legion to serve the next generation.

I would like to thank Congressman Correa again for his partnership on this legislation and his support of The American Legion and our servicemen and -women.

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