The American Legion will observe its 100th Birthday this year, and Legionnaires in the U.S. Virgin Islands will celebrate the organization’s centennial as a significant milestone from March 15-17, Commander Charles David of American Legion District 10, Department of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, announced Tuesday.
The American Legion was founded March 15- 17, 1919 in Paris, France.
Local activities have been planned by District No. 10, including an open house at the American Legion Myron G. Danielson Post Headquarters at #2 Old Hospital Grounds in Christiansted, St. Croix on Saturday, starting at 6:00 p.m. In addition, a ceremony will be held on St. Thomas on Sunday, at the Patrick U. George American Legion Post #90. It will be hosted by Post Commander Hillis Benjamin. All veterans are invited to these gatherings of military comrades.
History
At the close of World War I, representatives of the various units of the American Expeditionary Force of World War I were present for the first meeting in 1919. The American Legion consists of 55 “departments” in each of the 50 states as well as the District of Columbia, France, Mexico, the Philippines and Puerto Rico. There are approximately 13,000 local posts worldwide. Today, the American Legion includes veterans of World War II; the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Grenada, Panama, Bosnia as well as those involved in Iraq and Afghanistan.
At the close of World War I, representatives of the various units of the American Expeditionary Force of World War I were present for the first meeting in 1919. The American Legion consists of 55 “departments” in each of the 50 states as well as the District of Columbia, France, Mexico, the Philippines and Puerto Rico. There are approximately 13,000 local posts worldwide. Today, the American Legion includes veterans of World War II; the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Grenada, Panama, Bosnia as well as those involved in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The work of the American Legion to support the nation’s youth continues to grow, as more young people become involved in Legion-sponsored programs. The Boys Scouts, American Legion Baseball and the National High School Oratorical Contest are just a few examples of how The American Legion continues to strive to provide a solid foundation on which the youth of America may grow.
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