The American Legion Post 39 Manitou Springs

About The Sons of The American Legion

The Sons of The American Legion was created in 1932 as an organization within The American Legion The S.A.L. is made up of boys and men of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the United States military and became eligible for membership in The American Legion.

Just as each Legion post determines the extent of its service to the community, state, and nation, each S.A.L. squadron is permitted flexibility in planning programs and activities to meet its own needs. Sons focus on much more than just membership. At all levels, Sons support The American Legion in promoting a wide variety of programs. Sons assist their Posts in other activities such as Veterans programs, Veterans Administration home and hospital volunteerism, Children Youth projects, and fund raising.

In 2010, The Sons attained an all time high national membership of 339,092 members in 5,803 Squadrons in 52 Detachments. The largest Detachment, Pennsylvania, has over 38,000 members. In 2010 the S.A.L donated $1,606,500 and 123,504 Service Hours to Child and Youth Programs and $2,175,118 and 558,806 Service Hours in support of Americanism Projects.

There are many men who are members of, both, The American Legion and the Sons of The American Legion. Such individuals are known within our organization as dual members.

Perhaps the biggest benefit one receives as a member of the Sons is the satisfaction of knowing you are helping others in your community and elsewhere. However, there are also some tangible benefits available through commercial vendors. Sons are eligible for almost all of the same discounts that are available to members of The American Legion.

Eligibility Requirements for Sons of The American Legion Membership

To be eligible, you must be a male descendant (includes stepsons and adopted sons) of a member of The American Legion. You would also be eligible to join the Sons of The American Legion if you are the male descendant (stepsons and adopted sons included) of a veteran who died in service during the following war eras. You would also be eligible to join the Sons of The American Legion if you are the male descendant (stepsons and adopted sons included) of a veteran who died subsequent to his or her honorable discharge from service in the United States Armed Forces during the following war eras.

April 6, 1917 - Nov. 11, 1918 (World War I)
Dec. 7, 1941 - Aug. 15, 1945 Merchant Marines (only eligibility)
Dec. 7, 1941 - Dec. 31, 1946 (World War II)
June 25, 1950 - Jan. 31, 1955 (Korean War)
Feb. 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War)
Aug. 24, 1982 - July 31, 1984 (Lebanon/Grenada)
Dec. 20, 1989 - Jan. 31, 1990 (Panama)
Aug. 2, 1990 to today (Gulf War/War on Terrorism)