The American Legion Preamble to the Constitution
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY WE ASSOCIATE OURSELVES TOGETHER FOR THE
FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America;
To maintain law and order;
To foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism;
To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars;
To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation;
To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses;
To make right the master of might;
To promote peace and goodwill on earth;
To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy;
To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.
Eligibility Information
If you have served federal active duty in the United States Armed Forces during any of the war eras listed below and have been honorably discharged or are still serving — you are eligible for membership in The American Legion!
| *AUGUST 2, 1990, TO TODAY | (PERSIAN GULF/ WAR ON TERRORISM) |
| DECEMBER 20, 1989, TO JANUARY 31, 1990 | (OPERATION JUST CA– USE – PANAMA) |
| AUGUST 24, 1982, TO JULY 31, 1984 | (LEBANON/GRENADA) |
| FEBRUARY 28, 1961, TO MAY 7, 1975 | (VIETNAM) |
| JUNE 25, 1950, TO JANUARY 31, 1955 | (KOREA) |
| DECEMBER 7, 1941, TO DECEMBER 31, 1946 | (WORLD WAR II) |
| APRIL 6, 1917, TO NOVEMBER 11, 1918 | (WORLD WAR I) |
*Because eligibility dates remain open, all members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to join The American Legion at this time, until the date of the end of hostilities as determined by the government of the United States.
U.S. Merchant Marine eligible only from December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946 (WWII).