SAL National Commander Clancy wants squadrons to serve as beacons and have “fun with purpose.”
The 53rd annual Convention of the Sons of The American Legion in Tampa Bay, Fla., was an exciting and fun-filled weekend. The highpoint for me was the surprise that my 13-year-old son, Geir Clancy, was on stage to nominate me for the high office of National Commander of the 401,000-plus member Sons of The American Legion.
Following that nomination, and election, and being led to the stage by all of the Past National Commanders in attendance, was a humbling experience as I look up to and admire each of those men for their past and ongoing service to our organization.
I’m beyond excited to do my best over this next year to lead us to new heights and ongoing success. The theme for the year is inspired directly from our preamble. “Community, State and Nation, Live Your Obligation.”
If we consider the history of our great country, the United States of America, each generation has contributed to the success of the next, from the Founding Fathers right up to today. If we can ensure that all Americans, particularly our youngest citizens, have instilled in them the concept of an obligation of service for the greater good, then the future will remain bright for generations to come. This is our task.
The SAL is growing from an organization into something of a social movement. We have passed 400,000 members and we are approaching 6,000 Squadrons. I aim for every squadron to be a beacon within communities; a beacon of service, patriotism and “Fun With Purpose.”
So let’s get fired up! Let’s serve veterans and engage with our nation’s youth and inspire them to civic involvement!
We have the numbers, we have the energy, we have the people leading the charge!
Let’s find every veteran in every community and invite them to become Legionnaires; invite them to bring their spouses and daughters to join The American Legion Auxiliary and invite their sons and grandsons to join the SAL.
I look forward to the year ahead. I look forward to seeing so many of you in your squadrons and detachments and speaking to you regularly through the newsletter and online.
Let’s carry on for God and country, and have fun along the way!
God bless The American Legion Family, and God bless the U.S.A.
NOTE: This article first appeared in the September 2025 issue of The Millennium, a monthly PDF newsletter created by volunteer SAL members from across the nation. The Millennium is included in each month’s national SAL e-newsletter. Subscribe for free at https://www.legion.org/information-center/in-the-media/e-newsletters.
- Sons