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The Daily Insight

What type of entity is The American Legion?

Author

Emma Jordan

Published Feb 11, 2026

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States.

Are the Legion riders an MC?

True to the Legion, all riders focus on service to veterans and service members, and strive to maintain an American Legion image. The ALR is not a “motorcycle club” (MC) and all riders must avoid creating the perception of being a MC. Riders dedicate themselves to the success of the American Legion.

What is The American Legion Riders?

The American Legion Riders (ALR) are members of our American Legion Family, who are also motorcycle enthusiasts. American Legion Riders are well known for their charitable work, including the significant funds they have raised for the Legacy Scholarship Fund. …

Can I join The American Legion if my grandfather served?

members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership.

Can you bring a guest to American Legion?

a) A person who qualifies for membership for Legion, SAL or Auxiliary and resides in the local area may be signed in as a guest three times in a calendar year. b) Legion, Auxiliary and SAL members not in good standing are not considered eligible guests.

What is the difference between American Legion and VFW?

Basically, all VFW members are eligible to join the Legion, but not all Legion members can join the VFW. The American Legion is for all veterans, regardless of overseas duty or not, whether a declared war or not. In the American Legion, a veteran is a veteran, if the served with the American military.

How do you become a rider in Legion?

Eligibility requirements

  1. Members must hold membership in and be in good standing with The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion.
  2. Members must be legally registered motorcycle owners or be the legally registered owner’s spouse within the state of registration.

Are American Legion and VFW the same?

Can family members join American Legion?

Can I also belong to the Sons? Yes! Many veterans who are eligible for membership in The American Legion are also eligible to join the Sons. They are very much welcome to belong to both organizations.

Where can I find the American Legion Riders?

Find or advertise a Legion Riders event in your community. Read the latest news for The American Legion Riders. Experience the Legacy Run and other rides through our galleries. Watch Legion Riders help in their communities. For children whose parents lost their lives while serving our country. Sample forms, resolutions and message points.

Who is eligible for membership in the American Legion?

Veterans who served at least one day of active duty during wartime, or are serving now, are potentially eligible for membership in The American Legion. Members must have been honorably discharged or still serving honorably. Merchant Marines who served from December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946, are also eligible.

What kind of politics does the American Legion do?

It is active in issue-oriented U.S. politics. Its primary political activity is lobbying on behalf of interests of veterans and service members, including support for benefits such as pensions and the Veterans Health Administration.

Is the American Legion on the right side?

I’m all for the Legion being political, but on issues that help veterans, not on issues that only divide the community. If anything, the Legion should have come out on the side of freedom of speech, since that is first among the values that we all swore an oath to protect.