Meet the Member - American Legion Auxiliary
All of its activities are designed to promote the work of The American Legion and to help The American Legion teach its objectives. Although often working independently on projects of its own, the Auxiliary has no purposes which are apart from the aims of The American Legion.
It is in every sense an "Auxiliary" to the American Legion, and its members serve side by side with the members of The American Legion in a spirit of unselfish devotion to the well -being of the American Republic.
REHABILITATION OF DISABLED VETERANS - One of the major activities of the American Legion Auxiliary is caring for disabled veterans of all wars and conflicts and assisting thousands of other veterans to regain a place in civilian life. Women who themselves have experienced the sufferings of war, can offer that warmth and understanding which no agency can.
Over four million dollars are expended each year by the Auxiliary for the benefit of veterans. An inestimable amount of personal attention is also given. Our personal contact programs seeks to bring happiness and contentment to the veteran and the veteran's family, especially during his or her period of hospitalization. The Auxiliary assists the families of hospitalized veterans or those who are unable to work. It aids disabled veterans in finding employment and helps to market articles made by them in the hospital workshops. Our special Gift Shop Program in many hospitals during the Christmas season is a source of cheer and happiness for veterans and their families.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES - Our Children and Youth Program is built upon the pledge to maintain the integrity of the American family. Not a child living - and certainly no veteran's child - should be without the necessities of life required to make a good citizen. Assistance is given to veterans and their spouses to keep their families together. Nurseries for children of the disabled are sponsored at government hospitals; material relief is provided for needy children; educational assistance and spiritual guidance are offered in an effort to curb delinquency, in addition to adequate housing and cooperation with local child welfare agencies and organizations.
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY - Units of the Auxiliary throughout the country are working with their Posts for the betterment of their communities. They are conducting safety campaigns; providing playgrounds; beautifying parks and public buildings, sponsoring the establishment of libraries and night schools; conducting health clinics and aiding hospitals in securing equipment; cooperating with safety councils; curbing juvenile delinquency and aiding the homeless.
This work is on such an extensive scale that it has assumed national importance. Through the development of their communities, Auxiliary Units and their Posts are making America a better place in which to live.
DISASTER RELIEF ACTIVITIES - Service in time of disaster has always been a tradition of the American Legion Auxiliary. Through natural disasters, the Auxiliary has worked side-by-side with The American Legion to feed, shelter and clothe victims and to help them restore their homes. Wherever disaster strikes, there are the American Legion Auxiliary Units and American Legion Posts organized and ready to go into immediate action to hold the line against chaos and suffering until other relief can be mobilized and sent into the area.
FOR PEACE AND SECURITY - From the very beginning, the American Legion Auxiliary saw clearly that the security of America depended upon the nation's ability to defend itself against attack. Support of the American Legion's recommendations for adequate defense preparation has always been a major activity of the Auxiliary. Continuous and effective educational work has been done among the women of America to win their understanding and support for essential defensive measures. One of the Auxiliary's most important services to the nation has been achieved in its efforts for national security.
No organization of women in America is more desirous of peace than the American Legion Auxiliary. The women of the Auxiliary well know what war means - members of their families have been in war-time service; they themselves have served; and they have witnessed the effects of war through working in rehabilitation and child welfare. This knowledge has given them a resolute determination that America shall be protected from war by adequate defensive forces backed by a strong reserve.
AUXILIARY IDEALS AND PRINCIPLES - The Auxiliary believes that the principles and ideals upon which the American Republic was founded, and for which American blood has been shed, are still the cornerstones of our democracy and, as such, should be safeguarded for the welfare of future generations.
The Auxiliary is working to keep patriotism a part of the education of every child, a patriotism which teaches love of America through a knowledge of the people who made it great, and an understanding of the principles which have guided its course. The organization endeavors to bring to Americans a fuller realization of their responsibilities as citizens. This will ensure the American ideal of democratic government will not fail. A multiplicity of problems confront our government, such as the rapid expansion of our population and the world situation in which America must be the guiding force.
The American Legion Auxiliary's program is one of Americanism. What constitutes this program of Americanism? The concern for veterans of all wars and conflicts; the education and welfare of the children of veterans who have given of their lives for our country, the securement of adequate national security against all possible enemies; the betterment and beautification of the communities in which we live; and service through a true spirit of fellowship and cooperation with all people for world development.
