The American Legion in the 1940s and 1950s: The G.I. Bill and Human Causes

Stepping Back Through Legion History.

1940s

SEPTEMBER 19-22, 1942:  The Preamble of the Constitution of the American Legion is changed for the first and only time since it was written in 1919.  The word "War" was changed to "Wars."

DECEMBER 15, 1943:  Past National Commander  Harry W. Colmery starts to write in longhand the first draft of what will later become the G.I. Bill of Rights, considered to be the Legion's greatest legislative accomplishment.

JUNE 22, 1943:  President Franklin D, Roosevelt signs into law the original G.I. Bill, or Servicemen's Readjustment Act, helping former military to college education, better jobs in civilian life and ability to buy houses.

JULY 9, 1946:  The Legion and Auxiliary present a $50,000 grant to the struggling American Heart Association.

1950s

MAY 4, 1950:  The Legion contributes funds and plays a key role in the establishment of The National Association for Mental Health.

JULY 9, 1954:  The American Child Welfare  Foundation is formed.    So far more than $11 million has been given to it.  The piggy banks you see around the bar are for this cause.  Pop some change in them the next time you're at the Post.

The American Legion, A Power for the Good.