American Legion

The American Legion (English American Legion ) is a veterans organization of the U.S. Army, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. As a founding father of the American Legion Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr., the eldest son of the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt is called.

Foundation

The first national meeting of the American Legion was held from November 10 to 12, 1919 in Minneapolis (Minnesota) instead. The current number of members is given as 2.4 million. The Legion has been actively involved in the data collection J. Edgar Hoover, which resulted in the Palmer Raids.

In the 1930s, some of its leading members are supposed to have a fascist coup against the U.S. government in secret. However, this was vehemently denied.

At a meeting of the American Legion in 1976 in Philadelphia diseased 221 of 4500 Participate in a previously unknown infection of the respiratory tract. 34 " Legion " died. Without the pathogen to know one called the disease " Legionnaires ' Disease " ( Legionnaires' disease ). 1977 succeeded McDade to identify gram-negative bacilli as the causative agent. They had colonized the hot water system of a hotel. They are called today with a scientific name of Legionella spp.

Objectives

In addition to commemorative events and social events, the American Legion operated in the U.S. policy. Emphasis is on the lobbying for the interests of veterans, especially social security, such as pensions and the hospital system of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. It also supports other patriotic concerns, such as the respect for the American flag. Thus, the organization supported a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution, according to which the burning or desecration of the American flag should be banned. The organization supported the Scout Association Boy Scouts of America in their quest to prevent the membership of homosexuals. The Legion operates a sports program for amateurs, for example, American Legion baseball and taking care of their program "Heroes to Hometowns " by wounded soldiers and their families.

Membership

To be a member of the American Legion can, the applicant must at a certain time (Table ) are used in a region of the United States Armed Forces or have served. An exception is made for the veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine who, precisely served until December 31, 1946 by December 7, 1941 during the 2nd World War. These non- military group also has the right to membership.