The American Legion National Executive Committee
Held on Electronic Mail 2020
Resolution
Page 1 of 2
Resolution No.: 5
Title: Vision, Mission, Values and Motto of The American Legion
Origin: Finance Commission
Subcommittee on Resolutions Recommendation
Approved □
Rejected □
Referred to: □
Other Action □
WHEREAS, The American Legion was chartered by the United States of America on September 16, 1919, with the initial primary organizational purposes enumerated in 36 USC §21702; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion founders expanded these initial purposes into the American Legion’s Preamble which communicates to the organization the principles of The American Legion and the purpose of the Constitution of The American Legion; and
WHEREAS, Current modern business practices have evolved since The American Legion originated and it is leadership’s goal to stay abreast of such evolutions; and
WHEREAS, One such business practice is an organization’s use of a vision statement, a mission statement, value principles and a motto; and
WHEREAS, A vision statement is a short succinct public statement of an organization’s future and long-term directional goals; and
WHEREAS, A mission statement is a short succinct public statement of how an organization intends to fulfill its vision; and
WHEREAS, Value principles guide the organization’s business decisions and actions; and
WHEREAS, A motto is a reiterated phrase that encapsulates the vision and mission of an organization; and
WHEREAS, The vision and mission statements, along with the value principles and motto, help define the purpose of an organization, align the organization’s resources toward a successful future, provide clear and effective decision guidance; form part of a business’s strategic planning tool and publicly communicate the message; and
WHEREAS, In order that The American Legion has clear guidance to act in these turbulent times; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, By the National Executive Committee of The American Legion by electronic mail vote pursuant to Rule 12 of the Rules of the National Executive Committee, That The American Legion adopt the following vision statement:
“The American Legion strengthens America by improving the lives of our veterans, the military and their families.”; and, be it further
Signature Chairman, Subcommittee on Resolutions
Committee/Commission, Chairman Name,
GAITHER M. KEENER, JR., Chairman, Finance Commission
Resolution Page 2 of 2
No.: 5
Title: Vision, Mission, Values and Motto of The American Legion
Origin: Finance Commission
Approved □
Rejected □
Referred to: □
Other Action □
RESOLVED, That The American Legion adopt the following mission statement:
“The American Legion strengthens our communities, states and nation with programs and services for our veterans, the military and their families.”; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That The American Legion adopt the following value principles:
• A VETERAN IS A VETERAN – which means The American Legion embraces all current and former members of the military and endeavors to help them transition into their communities.
• SELFLESS SERVICE – which means The American Legion celebrates all who contribute to something larger than themselves and inspires others to serve and strengthen America.
• AMERICAN VALUES AND PATRIOTISM – which means The American Legion advocates for upholding and defending the United States Constitution, equal justice and opportunity for everyone and discrimination against no one, youth education, responsible citizenship and honoring military service by observing and participating in patriotic and memorial events.
• FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – which means The American Legion meets the unique needs of local communities.
• ADVANCING THE VISION – which means The American Legion educates, mentors and leads new generations of Americans.
• HONORING THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE US – which means The American Legion pays perpetual respect for all past military sacrifices to ensure they are never forgotten by new generations.; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, That The American Legion adopt the following motto:
“Veterans Strengthening America.”
Signature Chairman, Subcommittee on Resolutions
Committee/Commission, Chairman Name,
GAITHER M. KEENER, JR., Chairman, Finance Commission
