Veterans Strengthening America

I hope you have noticed on the cover of Dispatch and outgoing correspondence from The American Legion National Headquarters our organization’s new motto: Veterans Strengthening America.

Late this past summer the National Executive Committee of The American Legion approved by an electronic mail vote, pursuant to Rule 12 of the Rules of the National Executive Committee, to adopt a vision, mission, values and motto of The American Legion.

As stated in Resolution No. 5, current modern business practices have evolved since The American Legion was founded in 1919, and as leaders of this great organization it is our goal to stay abreast of such evolutions. One such business practice of an organization like The American Legion is the use of a vision and mission statement, value principles, and a motto.
The American Legion’s vision statement declares our future and long-term directional goals: “The American Legion strengthens America by improving the lives of our veterans, the military and their families.”

The American Legion’s mission statement declares how we intend to fulfill our vision: “The American Legion strengthens our communities, states and nation with programs and services for our veterans, the military and their families.”

The American Legion’s value principles guide our business decisions and actions:

A VETERAN IS A VETERAN – “The American Legion embraces all current and former members of the military and endeavors to help them transition into their communities.”

SELFLESS SERVICE – “The American Legion celebrates all who contribute to something larger than themselves and inspires others to serve and strengthen America.”

AMERICAN VALUES AND PATRIOTISM – “The American Legion advocates for upholding and defending the U.S. Constitution, equal justice and opportunity for everyone and discrimination against no one, youth education, responsible citizenship and honoring military service by observing and participating in patriotic and memorial events.”

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – “The American Legion meets the unique needs of local communities.”

ADVANCING THE VISION – “The American Legion educates, mentors and leads new generations of Americans.”

HONORING THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE US – “The American Legion pays perpetual respect for all past military sacrifices to ensure they are never forgotten by new generations.”

The American Legion’s motto encapsulates the vision and mission of our organization: “Veterans Strengthening America.”
The vision and mission statements, along with the value principles and motto, help define the purpose of The American Legion, align the organization’s resources toward a successful future, provide clear and effective decision guidance; form part of a business’s strategic planning tool and publicly communicate the message. The American Legion has clear guidance to act in these turbulent times.

With this information at hand, please use The American Legion’s new motto in all internal and external correspondence with members and your community. And uphold the organization’s vision and mission statement, value principles and motto.
Thank you for your service in helping The American Legion to be the largest veterans service organization where Veterans Strengthen America.