Figure 1.--Jay Ward was chosen to be the mascot of the American Legionaires. He accomanied the the Legionaires on a visit to France and Vritain aout 1930. Jay was selected from 1.000 boy candidates. |
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The American Legion is a veteran's organization formed by members of the American Expoditionary Force (AEF) at the end of World War I in Paris (1919). The purpose originally invisioned was to "preserve the memories and incidents of our association in the great war". The Legion became active in civic and patriotic events and lobbied for the returning veterans. The Legion focudsed on issues like pensions and veterans hospitals. It was largely reponsible for the creation of the Veteran's Bureau, now a cabinent department. The Legion also became active in programs to promote patriotism and civic responsibilities among young people. One of the best known efforts is the Boys' State and Nation program. The American Legion Auxiliary founded the Girls State and Nation program. The Legion also set up a youth baseball program. The Legion's initiated a High School Oratorical Contest (1938). The Legion set up its Child Welfare Foundation (1954).
At the time ordinary Americans did not commonly aboroad. The returning veterans were thus some of the few Americans with overseas experiencs. The Legion began taking right-wing stances under National Commander Alvin Owsley who campared the Legion to Italy's Fascist Party (1923). Some Legion leaders disturbed by President Roosevelt's New Deal were acused of planning a Fascist coup in the 1930s--the Business Plot. The Legion worked to assist World war II veterans during the 1940s. They supported President Roosevelt's the G.I. Bill of Rights (1944). The Legion pushed for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. After the War the Legion demanded a congressional investigation into the Americam Civil Liberties UNion (ACLU). They were disturbed by ACLU efforts to end loyalty-oath laws for public workers during the Red Scare of the 1950s.
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