Why June 14 is special
The date of June 14 has a significant place in the hearts of American Legion Auxiliary members. Here’s why:
Flag Day is a national observance in the United States that commemorates the adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. It is a day to honor and show respect for the U.S. flag and what it represents. To ALA members, every day is Flag Day, as you’ll often see Old Glory waving on our porches, perched on desks, and proudly pinned on lapels. Feeling red, white, and blue? Visit American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales to add some patriotic flavor to your love for the U.S.A.!
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Happy 250th birthday, U.S. Army! Hooah! The Army’s milestone birthday celebration will honor the sacrifices, achievements, and true spirit of American warriors. A good chunk of ALA members’ eligibility is through a soldier.
See a note from American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere Jr. here about honoring the Army.
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Get recognized: Apply for the Department Merit Medallion Award
The American Legion Auxiliary has seen in recent years that small-town rural environments are struggling, leadership capacity is dwindling, membership is aging and churning, and infrastructure is weakening. Since September, 2024-2025 National President Trish Ward has visited ALA departments (states) during her term to empower departments to build organizational excellence. To help motivate and guide departments, Ward established the Department Merit Medallion Award. There are five areas of focus. Download the award checklist here, and click here to complete the award application. Submission deadline is July 15. Award winners will receive a commemorative medal (see photo) and on-stage recognition at the ALA’s National Convention in Tampa, Fla., in August.
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Are you ready for this huge ALA event?
Summer is here and it’s time to start talking about ALA National Convention! National Headquarters and volunteer leadership are getting everything prepped and primed for our 104th National Convention Aug. 22-28 in Tampa, Fla.! What can you do as a warmup for our largest national event? Give us a follow and bookmark @ALAforVeterans on social media and www.ALAforVeterans.org for the event livestream. If you’ll be in Tampa for convention, take pictures and post on social! Tag National Headquarters and use the hashtags #AmericanLegionAuxiliary, #ALAforVeterans, and #AuxCon25. Keep an eye on our socials for more information in the coming weeks, including how to register for the event.
| | Mark those calendars: 2025-2026 ALA Mission Training dates | | |
Learn more about serving the American Legion Auxiliary’s mission, and network with your fellow members at our Mission Training events! 2025-2026 ALA Mission Training & national Junior meeting dates and locations:
Nov. 15: Albany, N.Y.
Nov. 15: Minneapolis, Minn.
Jan. 31: Las Vegas, Nev.
Jan. 31: Indianapolis, Ind.*
Feb. 7: Atlanta, Ga.*
*These events will be held with The American Legion National Information Conference and the Sons of The American Legion Regional Meeting. Registration will open for all events on Aug. 27.
| | Vote for your favorite ALA Junior T-shirt design that a few of our fabulous Junior members created! Go here to choose the design you like best! These shirts will be given to Juniors who attend the national Junior meetings which run in conjunction with ALA Mission Training events. HURRY — voting closes at 11:59 p.m. ET June 16. | |
See the world with ALA member benefits!
Turn your travel dreams into a reality with exclusive discounts just for American Legion Auxiliary members. With BenefitHub, unlock savings on everything from Walt Disney World to Sam’s Club, Skechers, and more. Sign up using referral code HZE7XG. And when it’s time to hit the road, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has you covered. Book your stay at over 9,000 participating hotels worldwide, including La Quinta, Days Inn, and Ramada, and save up to 20%. Learn more here and start planning your next adventure!
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New member benefit email
We’re excited to introduce our new email address just for ALA member benefits questions: MemberBenefits@ALAforVeterans.org. Have questions or need help? Reach out and we’ll make sure you’re getting the most out of your membership.
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More virtual meeting backgrounds
We’ve updated our selection of virtual backgrounds! Log in to the MyAuxiliary member portal and try them out at your next ALA meeting. Download here.
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Get this ALA Girls State patch for Juniors.
ALA Girls State directors/chairs will be able to order a patch for any ALA Junior in good standing who attends their ALA Girls State program. The patch is in recognition of their accomplishments at ALAGS as a Junior member. Contact JuniorActivities@ALAforVeterans.org for more information.
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ALA program and committee groups on Facebook
Discover what your fellow ALA members are saying in the committee Facebook groups! These easy-to-access forums provide an arena for organic discussion about your local programs or services and present the opportunity to cultivate brand awareness.
Find the list of groups here.
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Turn up the heat on giving with these easy summer fundraisers
Summer is the perfect time to kick off fundraising efforts, not just because of the sunshine and school breaks, but because people naturally feel more upbeat, social, and generous this time of year.
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Here’s how to engage your local community through hosting events
American Legion Auxiliary Minnesota Unit 51 — along with the Legion and Sons of The American Legion — have been actively working to increase their visibility in the community and make the post home a local destination point.
Read More
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June – PTSD Awareness Month
June 12 – Women Veterans Recognition Day
June 14 – Flag Day
June 14 – U.S. Army birthday
June 15 – Father’s Day
June 19 – Juneteenth (ALANHQ offices closed)
July 4 – Independence Day (ALANHQ offices closed)
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“You are never too old to volunteer, especially when it comes to doing it for the veterans. I’m 93 years old, and I volunteer at the VA Clinic in Monterey, Calif., three days a week, about five to seven hours a day.”
— Elisabeth Billingsley, California
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Legion advocates in support of service dogs for veterans
American Legion Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Director Cole Lyle testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health June 12 on pending legislation that addresses veteran mental health, suicide prevention, caregiver support and more. Learn more.
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Legacy Run registration ongoing through Aug. 1
More than 230 participants already have registered for the 2025 American Legion Legacy Run, the primary fundraiser for The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation. The 2025 Legacy Run will depart American Legion Post 8 in South Boston, Va., on Aug. 17 and arrive on Aug. 21 just outside of Tampa, Fla. — site of the 2025 American Legion National Convention. Over the course of approximately 1,100 miles, the ride will also travel through North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Registration will close on Aug. 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Learn more.
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