American Legion

American  

noun

1. a society, organized in 1919, composed of veterans of the armed forces of the U.S.

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American Legion Cultural  

1. The largest organization of American veterans, open to those who participated in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and subsequent conflicts, such as America's war on terrorism. The American Legion has established an influential political position, gaining support in Congress and the federal executive branch for veterans' interests; its efforts contributed to the creation of the Veterans Administration, now the Department of Veterans Affairs, which provides medical services and other benefits to veterans and their families. Traditionally conservative, the American Legion promotes patriotism and a strong military defense. (See also Veterans of Foreign Wars.)

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Example Sentences

My American Legion Medal has served my dinner table well.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

The family was poor; Pratt told the American Legion magazine, “Our grandfather gave us clay so we could make our own toys.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

Several elected officials attended the American Legion ceremony — including state Sen. Ben Allen and county Supervisor Lindsey Horvath — but only one attended the rally too: City Councilmember Traci Park.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2026

At the American Legion veterans post in the Palisades, hundreds gathered at a military-style white-glove ceremony to pay respects to the 12 families who lost loved ones in the Palisades fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2026

It took three big members of the American Legion and Barnie Buchanan to get Grandma into the front cockpit of the plane.

From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck