Aug. 22, 1941: The U.S. Navy commissions the USS American Legion, and her World War II career begins, including landing some of the first troops at Guadalcanal, supplying a hospital, conducting rescue missions and training exercises. American Legion receives two battle stars during World War II before she is decommissioned in 1946 and sold for scrap two years later.
Aug. 22, 2006: The first American Legion Legacy Run completes its inaugural ride to raise funds for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, to provide college money for the children of U.S. military personnel who lost their lives on active duty on or after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The 1,900-mile journey, beginning in Indianapolis Aug. 18, finishes with 62 bikes and nearly 100 participants. The ride raises $179,000 for the scholarship fund. Legion Riders from across the United States participate.
Aug. 22, 2009: Harrisburg Post 472 in Houston, Texas, begins a six-year winning streak at The American Legion Nation Convention Color Guard Contest. The six-year run ties Speedway Post 500 in Indiana for most continuous national titles in the contest, which claimed it from 1993 to 1998.
