Purpose

The American Legion's primary mission is to help American veterans and their families, as well as American children and youth. The United States Veterans Bureau, forerunner of the Veterans Administration (subsequently the Department of Veterans Affairs), was created in 1921 as a result of efforts by the Legion. The American Legion also authored the first draft of the Serviceman's Readjustment Act, popularly known as the GI Bill of Rights, passed by the U.S. Congress in 1944. In addition, the organization continues to press for improved educational and medical benefits for new veterans, and for a complete accounting of all prisoners of war (POWs) and soldiers listed as missing in action (MIAs).