American Legion Day
About American Legion Day
Date When Celebrated: This special day is always observed on September 16
Today is American Legion Day. The American Legion was granted its federal charter by Congress on this day in 1919. It was established to support and assist veterans returning from World War I. Since then, it has grown and supported veterans of all wars, and veterans of peacetime as well. They provide a social community and mutual aid to all members.
There are currently over 1.6 million member veterans at more than 12,000 posts worldwide. For the past few decades, the number of members are on a serious decline. Along with fewer members, the number of American Legion Posts is also on the decline. Despite the decline, there is no reduction in the services they provide to veterans. This is largely driven by fewer Americans serving in the military. Additionally, many of today’s veterans are choosing not to join the legion.
Happy American Legion Day!
Services Provided by the American Legion
American Legion Posts offer a place for veterans to meet, relax, share stories of their time in the service, and generally socialize with each other. Additionally, they have rooms for member meeting and rent the rooms out for member parties.
But, the American Legion Post offers much more to members. Here are some of the other things they offer to veterans:
Career Support – Assists in finding new career opportunities.
Educational Assistance – Help in college selection, as well as state and federal financial support programs. Eg. The GI Bill for education.
Benefits Assistance – Helps to connect members to the financial and health benefits they are entitled to. I.e. New home loans.
Discounts to goods and services offered to them by merchants.
Today's Quote
“There was never a good war or a bad peace.” – – Benjamin Franklin
History and Origin of American Legion Day
Formed, in 1919, this special day was created 90 years later in 2009. On September 15, 2009, Congress proclaimed September 16 as American Legion Day.
This Day in History
Additionally, here are some other things that happened on September 16:
The Mayflower sets sail from Plymouth, England. It carried pilgrims headed to the New World, to escape religious persecution. (1620)
The Great Seal of the United States of America appears on an official document for the first time. (1782)
Magician David Copperfield was born on this day in 1956.
More September 16 Holidays
Besides American Legion Day, here are more September 16 holidays you can celebrate and enjoy:
Related Holidays
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More About Today
Flower of the Day: Catchfly
Recipe of the Day: Butternut Squash Au Gratin
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Did You Know? In addition to American Legion Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays on a regular basis. September holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.