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 Kansas American Legion Auxiliary,

Hi. A couple districts are moving around in the membership ratings, keep it up! 

We are inching our way closer to the June 12th, 95% membership goal. Continue all that hard work every one is doing to get us there!  I know so many of us are working so hard at keeping our units going, but it is important that we try to engage others to assist with recruitment and retention efforts. Getting others involved in the unit's activities and working our mission is what will keep your unit moving forward! 

Keep on comparing those unit rosters with what the department office and don't forget to turn in any deceased members into the office to process. 

There has been about 489 new members in Kansas this year signed up so far. Excellent work!  With that being said, it is possible that someone recruited more than one of these new members. Be proud of your recruitment efforts and if you qualify fill out the Membership Award Form that applies to you. Those forms need to get turned in by May 30 so we have time to verify and get them turned into National. Forms below if you know someone who qualifies. Or if someone is close to qualifying, you still got 2 weeks to get on out there and recruit a new member! 

If your unit has any unit assessments (per capita) that is due and hasn't sent that payment to office, please do so as soon as you can. Emails and hard copies have been sent out to the units to the officers that are listed in ALAMIS. If you have questions about it, please email or call the department office. 

Tomorrow May 16 is Armed Forces Day, here is some knowledge for you about this important day. 

Armed Forces Day honors current active-duty servicemembers on the third Saturday of May.

As Memorial Day especially honors deceased military veterans and those who died in action, and Veterans Day living veterans, Armed Forces Day especially honors current active-duty servicemembers on the third Saturday of May. Here are some other facts about the holiday, which takes place this year on May 16.

1. President Harry Truman first instituted Armed Forces Day in 1950. When the separate departments for each military service branch were placed under the new Department of Defense in the late 1940s, it was decided that there should be one all-inclusive service day to recognize the uniformed branches and those who serve in them.

2. During the first Armed Forces Day, highlights included B-36 bombers flying over the capitals of every state; 10,000 troops and veterans marching in Washington, D.C.; and more than 36,000 participating in a parade in New York City. (CNN)

3. President John F. Kennedy officially made it a national holiday in 1961. (CNN)

4. Many countries observe some form of the holiday to honor their own armed forces. (Wikipedia)

5. Armed Forces Day is part of Armed Forces Week leading up to it, as well as of Military Appreciation Month. 

6. The American Legion rekindled the World War I-era Blue Star Banner program after 9/11 for the families of those serving on active duty; Armed Forces Day is the perfect time to hold a Blue Star Salute for servicemembers and their families.

Be inspired by our youth and check out the National Oratorical Finals coming up. 

You can watch from the comfort of your home, starting May 17th.

Here is the link from the National American Legion Page. Watch the National Oratorical Contest Finals

For God and Country Warmly, 

Anndi Bownes

Proud Member of the Dept of Kansas  

Auxiliary Dept President 2025-2026

call/text 620-228-4884

American Legion Auxiliary Department of Kansas

1314 - B SW Topeka BLVD Topeka, KS 66612

Email: ksaladeptoffice@gmail.com. Phone: 785-232-1396