The Sons of the American Legion*
The Sons of The American Legion was created in 1932 as an organization within The American Legion. The S.A.L. is made up of boys and men of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the United States military and became eligible for membership in The American Legion. Together, members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion make up what is known as The Legion Family. All three organizations place high importance on preserving our American traditions and values, improving the quality of life for our nation’s children, caring for veterans and their families, and perhaps most importantly, teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship.
The China Post 1 Sons1 have always assisted the Legionnaires with Legion Family programs. Just as each Legion post determines the extent of its service to the community, state and nation, our CP-1 S.A.L. squadron is permitted flexibility in planning programs and activities to meet its own needs. The National S.A.L. has study programs recommended for younger members. One such program, called “The Ten Ideals,” teaches the elements of patriotism, health, knowledge, training, honor, faith, helpfulness, courtesy, reverence and comradeship. If a member completes the Ten Ideals program, he is eligible to continue with another program called the “Five-Point Program of Service.” This program covers patriotism, citizenship, discipline, leadership and legionism.
The National Sons focus on much more than just membership. At all levels, Sons support The American Legion in promoting a wide variety of agendas. Sons assist their posts in other activities such as Veterans programs, Veterans Administration home and hospital volunteerism, Children Youth projects and fundraising. Since 1988, The Sons have raised more than $6.9 million for The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. Members have volunteered over 1.3 million hours to date in Veterans Hospitals throughout the country and raised over $2,500,000 that has gone directly to VA hospitals and VA homes for a variety of items including TVs, radios, medical equipment and clothing for the patients. Our CP-1 squadron makes a yearly donation to the CWF mentioned above.
There are many men who are members of both The American Legion and the Sons of The American Legion. Often, these individuals started out as young members of the Sons. Then, when they were old enough to serve the military, they also became eligible to join The Legion. Such individuals are known within our organization as dual members and there are several of them within the rolls of China Post 1.
If you have an interest about The Sons of the American Legion squadron within China Post 1, please contact the Commander at: salcmdr@chinapost1.org He will be happy to reach out to you via several communication links that are available. There is strength in numbers and the China Post 1 SAL Squadron is always on the lookout for new members within our post’s Legion ranks and/or descendants of military personnel that have made significant contributions to their professions or society.
China Post 1 Dragon Shirts are available sizes small through 3xl for $25.00 ea. To order a shirt, click S.A.L. Commander.