Sons of the American Legion

Sons of The American Legion (SAL) is a program of The American Legion established at the national convention in 1932 in Portland, Ore. Since then, the Sons of The American Legion has assisted The American Legion with its programs and activities. In 2016, Sons of The American Legion attained an all-time high membership of 367,948 members nationally. The largest detachment (state level) has more than 61,000 members. There are trophies and awards given to detachments and squadrons for the largest membership, and the largest increase in membership.

S.A.L. members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership. Members of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion comprise the Legion Family, which has a combined membership of nearly 4.2 million.

Brief History

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.

Sons have always assisted Legionnaires with Legion Family programs. Our Family boasts a combined total membership of nearly 4.2 million members. This year, Sons attained an all time high national membership of over 356,000. The largest Detachment, Pennsylvania, has over 59,000 members. Trophies and awards are given to Detachments and Squadrons for the largest membership and the largest increase in membership. Just as each Legion post determines the extent of its service to the community, state and nation, each S.A.L. squadron is permitted flexibility in planning programs and activities to meet its own needs.The 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.