Washington Conference to take place virtually

Due to safety precautions amidst the coronavirus pandemic, American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford has determined the 2021 Washington Conference, annually conducted in the nation’s capital, will be conducted virtually.

Oxford will still deliver testimony to a joint session of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs, but a date has not been confirmed yet. The testimony either will take place virtually or on Capitol Hill – the latter being a closed event with no audience. The testimony will be livestreamed, and each American Legion department will receive notification of how to access that when it is finalized.

In the first week of March, a virtual “Know Before You Go” session will be conducted, as will a virtual “Storm the Hill” effort via email, phone and any other appropriate communication.

Commission meetings will continue as usual; the National Finance, Legislative, National Security, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, and Veterans Employment & Education Commissions will meet via Zoom on either Feb. 28, March 1 or March 2.

More specifics will be provided as they become available.