American Legion to honor the ‘greatest generation’

World War II ended 75 years ago. More than 16 million Americans served in the Allied military effort to end Axis tyranny and pave a path to a future of freedom, strength and prosperity for the United States. The American Legion’s role during the fighting – from local war bond campaigns to the GI Bill – was essential on the home front. Veterans of World War II then came home to strengthen their communities through American Legion service and membership. Future generations would be inspired for decades to come, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice continue to be honored today.

The American Legion National Executive Committee passed Resolution 6 in October 2019 calling on the organization’s departments and posts to coordinate with state and local government officials, as well as military elements, to help commemorate the 75th anniversary of the war’s end. Events and ceremonies are planned through Dec. 31, 2021, according to the resolution, to educate “the American public on the war and the participation of the military, the engagement of the home front and significant contributions to the country generated from the World War II period.”

The American Legion's national Marketing and Media & Communications commissions were given key assignments in the resolution, which originated with the national Internal Affairs Commission:

- Media & Communications is directed to develop World War II remembrance articles for nationwide distribution and devote a significant portion of the September 2020 American Legion Magazine to those who fought to victory 75 years ago.

- Marketing was tasked with developing a plan to educate the American public on the significant contributions of the World War II generation and The American Legion during that time and beyond.

“Our WWII Story” is a media kit to provide ideas for local posts to collect, curate and share their stories from that historic period. Tips for capturing the firsthand remembrances of Legionnaires who were in the war are included among ideas to curate such World War II-related history as post namesakes, area memorials and homefront activities. Click here to download the media kit.

Participating Legion posts are welcome to submit their stories in the “My WWII Story” section of legion.org/legiontown. They are also encouraged to add to their post histories on the national Legacy & Vision website at legion.org/centennial. Both platforms offer easy sharing for social media. Selected submissions will be edited for publication in the September 2020 American Legion Magazine.

In addition to the tips, the kit includes sample news releases and a chronology of key American Legion moments related to World War II.

The American Legion Media & Communications Division also plans to post regular World War II-American Legion historical items on legion.org and national social media platforms.

“It is a time to thank the World War II veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices on behalf of the United States,” Resolution 6 states.