Americanism

Key Program Statements

• Be knowledgeable on flag history, etiquette, and proper disposal methods, and promote the observation of patriotic holidays so your community will look to the ALA for information.
• Increase participation in the Americanism Essay Contest.
• Participate in the promotion of The American Legion Americanism programs.

Get Involved

Purpose: The purpose of the Americanism program is to promote patriotism and responsible citizenship. Standing Rules #6, Core National Standing Committees

Be knowledgeable on flag history, etiquette, and proper disposal methods, and promote the observation of patriotic holidays so your community will look to the ALA for information. 

• Work with The American Legion to increase respect for the flag in your community, including the proper way the American flag should be flown.
• At schools and organizations, teach proper handling, displaying, and respect for the American flag, as well as our National Anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Organize a patriotic holiday event or volunteer for local patriotic events in Auxiliary attire and network with prospective members.
• Sign up at https://www.legion.org/flag/246720/sign-american-legion-flag-alerts to receive notifications on when to display the flag at half staff.
• Contact and ask state and federal government representatives to support the flag amendment. To find your representatives, visit https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials.
• Encourage members to participate in and utilize Wreaths Across America patriotic curriculum. For more information, visit https://learn.wreathsacrossamerica.org/teach.
• Recruit others to support the flag amendment by explaining what it is and why it is important. Sign up for The American Legion’s legislative action alerts and follow the flag issues.
• Work with schools and organizations to promote Star Spangled Kids. For more information and resources, visit https://member.legion-aux.org/Member/Committees/Americanism/How-to-Promote-Star-Spangled-Kids.

Increase participation in the Americanism Essay Contest. 

The Americanism Essay Contest topic for 2023-2024: “What Does Freedom Mean to Me?”

• Encourage Junior members and family members to participate in the essay contest.
• Work with school administrations to identify guidance counselors, and English and history teachers whose students would be interested in participating.
• Contact youth organizations to identify potential youth for participation in the contest.
• Provide all interested students with information packets explaining contest rules, deadlines, topics, and award opportunities.
• For details on the Americanism Essay Contest, visit https://www.legion-aux.org/americanism-essay-contest.

Participate in the promotion of The American Legion Americanism programs. 

Support American Legion Baseball:

• Support, sponsor, or donate to an American Legion Baseball team.
• Assist with the logistics of transportation, concession, and statistics for the teams.
• Contact local sports shops and ask if they would be willing to make donations toward a fundraiser or offer a discounted price to purchase needed items.
• Attend events in Auxiliary attire and network with prospective Legion Family members.
• For more information and resources, visit www.legion.org/baseball.

Support the Oratorical Contest:

• Help prepare your post home to sponsor a local or district contest.
• Volunteer to assist as a judge or timekeeper.
• Offer to help with refreshments.
• Provide transportation for candidates.
• Help recruit candidates at local schools and community organizations.
• Attend events in Auxiliary attire and network with prospective Legion Family members.
• For more information and resources, visit www.legion.org/oratorical.

Support Junior Shooting Sports, which promotes gun safety and marksmanship training for youth:

• Volunteer to help out with scoring, supervision, or transportation.
• Assist in fundraising for events.
• Help recruit candidates at local schools and other organizations.
  • Contact JROTC.
  • Contact Civil Air Patrol Cadets.
• Attend events in Auxiliary attire and network with prospective Legion Family members.
• For more information and resources, visit www.legion.org/shooting.

Deadlines/Important Dates

• Americanism Essay Contest: Winning essays are due to national division chairman by April 15.
• Unit Award: Most Outstanding Unit Americanism Program (per division) — submitted by 5 p.m. ET on June 1.
• Department Award: Best Department Americanism Program (per division) — submitted by 5 p.m. ET on June 1.
• Department Chairman Report due to National Committee: May 15.

Contact

Contact the Alaska Department of the American Legion Auxiliary or American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters to learn more.