American Legion Post 1977
Part of the World's Largest Veterans' Organization
American Legion Post 1977
Part of the World's Largest Veterans' Organization
Since its chartering by Congress in 1919, The American Legion has been based on four founding principles:
If you are currently on active duty today, or if you have served at least one day of active duty during any eligible periods below, and were honorably discharged, you are eligible to become a Legionnaire! Place of service is not material but the dates and character of service are.
You've probably heard of The American Legion. We're veterans just like you, nearly three million strong, who care about America, veterans and their families and our nation's youth. The Legion is a powerful voice in Washington, D.C. dedicated to preserving the rights we've all earned - and were promised - by service to our nation in uniform.
The American Legion is America's largest veterans organization. We're fighting for higher active duty pay, future retired cost of living allowances (COLAs), better housing for the military, assistance for veterans in finding jobs, and a superior health care system proposed by the Legion called the GI Bill of Health which you - and your family - can continue to use after separation or retirement.
We invite you to join us now. Membership brings an impressive array of benefits. The American Legion is always there for you and your family - in Washington and nearly 15,000 local posts throughout America and abroad. Just like you, we're "Still Serving America!"
Eligibility Information
We invite you to join our Post now. Membership in The American Legion is open to all U.S. veterans who served at least one day of active military duty during the dates marked below. If you have served federal active duty in the armed forces during any of the war eras listed below, and have been honorably discharged or are still serving - you are eligible for membership in The American Legion!
* August 2, 1990 to today (Operation Desert Shield/Storm)
Dec. 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990 (Operation Just Cause - Panama)
August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984 (Lebanon/Grenada)
February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War)
June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955 (Korean War)
Dec.7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946 (World War II)
April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918 (World War I)
* Because eligibility dates remain open, all members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to join The American Legion at this time, until the date of the end of hostilities as determined by the Government of the United States.U.S. Merchant Marine eligible only from Dec. 7, 1941 to Aug. 16, 1945
If you live in the New Lenox area and would like to join our American Legion Post, please click the membership button below, and print the membership application. Our Post dues are a modest $20.00 per year and include a subscription to the American Legion monthly magazine. Mail your dues and completed application to the Post [14414 W. Ford Dr., New Lenox, IL 60451] or drop it off at the Post, along with your proof of eligibility. Proof of eligibility is a copy of your DD-214 (prior to Vietnam, other forms were used such as DD-256, DD-257, and DD-217). Whichever form is submitted, it must show dates of active duty. Note that the Discharge Certificate may not be sufficient since in many cases it does not show actual dates of active duty. For World War II Merchant Marine, you must have a copy of your DD-214 from the Army, Navy or Coast Guard granting you veterans' status.
The Legion is about much more than Poppy Day (as important that is) and veterans marching in parades wearing military style caps with lots of pins. The Legion is about veterans who continue to serve their country by seeking to serve to fellow veterans, and by seeking to foster and perpetuate the ideals which made this country great. The purpose and ideals of the American Legion can be summed up in the Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion, which we recite at every meeting. Membership in the American Legion includes many benefits.