Sons of The American Legion

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, Oregon. Since then, the Sons of The American Legion has assisted The American Legion with its programs and activities. In 2017, Sons of The American Legion attained an all-time high membership of 369,861 members nationally. The largest detachment (state level) has more than 62,000 members. There are trophies and awards given to detachments and squadrons for the largest membership, and the largest increase in membership.

SAL is more than just membership. SAL members have worked together with The American Legion to promote children and youth programs, including the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation (CWF). In 2017, SAL raised over $594,000 for CWF. Since 1988, the Sons of The American Legion has raised over $7 million for the CWF.

SAL members have donated over 455,000 volunteer hours in veterans hospitals throughout the country and raised over $1.6 million that has gone directly to the VA hospitals and VA homes for a variety of items including TVs, radios, medical equipment and clothes for the patients.

Sons of The American Legion continues to provide services to those in need in the local communities, through programs that include fundraising events.

The American Legion, Sons of The American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary form the Legion Family.

Sons of The American Legion is assisting The American Legion and the Citizens Flag Alliance in their efforts to secure a constitutional amendment to protect the flag of the United States from desecration.

Authority for organization of the Sons of The American Legion (SAL) was granted by action of the 1930 National Convention of The American Legion in Boston, Massachusetts, which created a committee to study this subject. The 1931 National Convention held in Detroit, Michigan decreed that the study be continued and a definite report made to the 1932 National Convention to be held in Portland, Oregon.

On 21 December 1932 the State Committee, appointed by Department Commander Caesar L. Aiello, met to formulate plans for starting the Sons of the American Legion in Maryland. The committee consisted of eight legionnaires to include Past Post 11 Commander Charles S. Houck, Jr. The first Maryland Squadron of the Sons of the American Legion was organized by German H.H. Emory Post 8 under the administration of Department Commander Aiello, who appointed Benjamin Wolfson as the first Detachment Commander. (He was reappointed in 1935.)

Francis Scott Key Squadron 11 was chartered from the Dept. of MD on 20 January 1936.

Squadron 11 was primarily run by the Post SAL Committee. The Squadron took control of their affairs in the 1980s with the assistance of the Post Committee. The current officer structure began in the 1970s, and in 1981 Squadron assumed their own administration. They remain very active supporting Post 11, American Legion Programs and other various veterans/charitable organizations through their fund raising activities. Additionally, there are many social events. Some of their activities include:

• Special Olympics

• Toys for Tots

• 26 Club

• Steak Night

• Chili Cook Off

• Scholarship Program

Requirements for Membership

All male descendants, adopted sons and stepsons of members of The American Legion, and such male descendants of veterans who died in service during World War I or since December 7, 1941, during the delimiting periods set forth in Article IV, Section 1, of the National Constitution of The American Legion or who died subsequent to their honorable discharge from such service, shall be eligible for membership in the Sons of The American Legion.

There shall be no form or class of membership except an active membership.

SAL Application (view / download)