Legion's actions with COVID-19

The American Legion is keeping Legionnaires, Legion Family members and communities that it serves apprised of how the Legion is being of assistance to communities nationwide. These actions can be found on the Legion’s web page, www.legion.org/coronavirus.

The page provides daily messages from National Commander Bill Oxford, news stories of how posts are supporting their fellow veterans and community, VA updates, a guide to conducting Buddy Checks, COVID-19 resources, donation opportunities and how to share your story of assistance.

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, Oxford is rallying members to provide help in several key areas. The commander recorded a series of public service announcements that are available at www.youtube.com/americanlegionhq.

These PSAs include:
- “Month of Hope” campaign geared toward helping those affected by COVID-19.
- The importance of Buddy Checks during the pandemic.
- Encouraging American Legion members to consider donating blood during this urgent time of need. Oxford has donated eight gallons during his lifetime.  

The temporary shutdown of restaurants and businesses has affected the operations of American Legion posts. The pandemic has also caused American Legion National Headquarters to cancel upcoming events and meetings, such as the National Oratorical Contest in late April and Springs Meetings in early May.

The way in which the coronavirus may spread, and its duration, cannot be accurately predicted. Because of these uncertainties, the 75th session of American Legion Boys Nation (scheduled for July 17-25 in Washington, D.C.) and the American Legion Junior Shooting 3-Position Air Rifle National Championship (scheduled for July 21-26 in Colorado Springs, Colo.) also have been canceled.

Assessment is underway regarding the awarding of 2020 Samsung American Legion Scholarships to Boys State and Girls State participants.

The National American Legion Baseball Committee is strongly encouraging and recommending that American Legion departments put on hold all baseball activities (team meetings, tryouts, practices, etc.) until all restrictions have been lifted.

A memo was sent out last month from Americanism Chairman Richard Anderson that stated “Currently the National American Legion Baseball schedule remains in place per dates approved by the National Executive Committee; however, the schedule is subject to the respective state restrictions where the Regional and World Series tournaments are scheduled. It remains the goal of the Americanism Commission to hold our Regional and World Series tournaments this summer if possible.”

The National American Legion Baseball Committee is continuing to monitor COVID-19 developments through Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The committee will communicate with American Legion department leadership on a consistent basis to provide additional information as it becomes available. Anderson requested that all American Legion departments “review the guidelines, restrictions and regulations established by local, state and federal governments to ensure doing whatever is required for the safety and well-being of everyone involved.”

Oxford expressed that, “Times right now are tough, but we will get through them together. Thank you for your patience, resilience and continued service to our great organization and country.”