Lithograph print and stamp celebrate American Legion history
This November marks two moments in history celebrating 100 years – the end of World War I and The American Legion’s first national convention in Minneapolis where the constitution and preamble were adopted. Both occurred on Nov. 11, 1919.
As The American Legion celebrates its 100th anniversary through November 2019, centennial merchandise is available through Emblem Sales. Items include a coin, hats, apparel, cap patch, coffee mug, poster, decanter and more. Two new items have recently been added – an American Legion centennial lithograph and 50th anniversary stamp.
The American Legion centennial lithograph, titled “Legacy and Vision,” was created by Texas artist Matt Hall. The image depicts a World War I doughboy and a post-9/11 generation warrior gazing at each other, connected on a shared battlefield, under The American Legion emblem.
The original hangs in the National Executive Committee room at The American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis. Five-hundred 22-by-33-inch of the high-quality, frameable prints were signed by the artist. Those are now available for sale at American Legion Emblem Sales for $49.95 each, plus shipping. Unsigned prints are available for $29.95, plus shipping.
A limited quantity of original first-day issues of The American Legion 50th Anniversary stamp by the U.S. Postal Service is available for $2 apiece. The 6-cent stamp is postmarked from – and was first placed on sale at – Washington, D.C., on March 15, 1969, the Legion’s 50th anniversary.
According to the Postal Bulletin from Feb. 20, 1969, artist Robert Hallock of Newton, Conn., adapted a portion of the bald eagle on the Great Seal of the United States for the design. The eagle clutches an olive branch, the heraldic symbol of peace. The stamp was lithographed and engraved using a Giori press. Inside the envelope that contains the stamp is a postcard describing The American Legion in 1969.
To order the stamp or lithograph, and to see more American Legion 100th anniversary merchandise, visit https://emblem.legion.org/100-Year-Anniversary/products/1269/. Orders may also by placed by calling toll-free (888) 453-4466.
There are 13,000 American Legion posts worldwide that have a larger story to tell of The American Legion. Whether chartered in 1919 or 2010, your post has a history and legacy that has contributed to the overall identity of The American Legion. I encourage you to convey the legacy of your post by sharing photos, videos and print material on The American Legion’s Centennial Celebration web page at www.legion.org/centennial.