National Commander LaCoursiere praises the Legion Family during his address to the national convention.
In his report to the 2025 American Legion National Convention on Aug. 26 in Tampa, Fla., National Commander James LaCoursiere Jr. started on script with his remarks. But halfway through, he took a turn.
Pushing his written remarks aside, the Connecticut Legionnaire looked out at the delegates and began to, in his words, speak from the heart.
“I am so damn proud … of each and every one of you members of the American Legion Family,” he said. “You heard and saw snippets of our year of traveling. What we saw was the Legion Family in action. The Legion Family was in action not because of obligation. Not because of a desire. It was because of compassion and heart. They were here for their brothers and sisters. They were there for their neighbors. And I’m talking in times of disasters and times of non-disasters.
“The American Legion Family we got to see in action throughout the great United States of America was engaged and following our Preamble: serving community, state and nation.”
LaCoursiere said the Legion Family members he had the opportunity to both witness and talk with exhibited strength and commitment no matter the situation or location.
“Over the past year, I have traveled across our nation, meeting Legionnaires in large cities and small towns, at posts buzzing with activity and others rebuilding after adversity,” he said. “What I’ve witnessed time and again is the unwavering devotion to service: service to our veterans, to our communities, and to the ideals that define the United States of America.
“You are the heart of this great organization. You are the ones that keep the promise we made — to leave no veteran behind, to advocate tirelessly, and to stand as a powerful, united voice for those who served.”
The organization has a proud history and has led from the front through it, LaCoursiere said, but just as important is what The American Legion continues to do.
“We face some monumental challenges today: preventing suicide through our Be the One mission, the widening occurrence of veteran homelessness, transition support for post-9/11 veterans and ensuring accountability at the VA,” he said. “Complacency is not an option. Failure is not an option. There is simply too much at stake.”
Stressing Be the One, LaCoursiere shared some figures regarding veteran suicide. “According to a VA report, veterans ages 18-34 have a suicide rate three times higher than those who have not served in the military. We must and we will break this trend,” he said. “Suicide prevention is a not a simple process with a simple outcome. If it were, we would have solved this years ago. The factors that lead to these tragedies are many. Homelessness, substance abuse, PTSD, joblessness, isolation. This is why we should all embrace our Be the One mission. We all have different backgrounds, circumstances and experiences. We can all solve this together – as long as we are one, with a common purpose, a common goal and a common mission.”
The national commander also urged Legion Family members to take part in the organization’s USA 250 Challenge, an opportunity to participate in a celebration of the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial.
“We don’t have to just passively watch others celebrate America’s 250th. We can be a part of it,” LaCoursiere said. “If you haven’t signed up for our USA 250 Challenge, you can do that right here today. This year-long initiative offers three categories — fitness, mental wellness and community service — in an effort … to engage with your fellow American Legion Family members and friends.
“Proceeds raised through the USA 250 Challenge will go to the Veterans & Children Foundation, a great cause with a great purpose.”
LaCoursiere closed by again showing his appreciation for those he spent the past year representing, telling delegates, “I just want to say thank you … for allowing me to be your face and voice for a year as we, together, are the voice for all of our veterans and their families throughout the great United States of America. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
- Convention