Be the One on Aug. 1
Tuesday, Aug. 1, is the next American Legion Be the One Days.
On the first day of every month, Legion Family members are encouraged to wear a Be the One item to show their commitment to reducing the stigma around mental health issues among veterans and servicemembers. And to start a conversation about what Be the One is and how to save the life of a veteran. Legion posts should also promote Be the One on the first day of every month.
For the past seven months, Legion Family members of American Legion Post 70 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., have been walking one mile from the post home every Wednesday at 1 p.m.
“It was really just to get a fellowship of people out and talking,” said Keith Koster, Post 70 adjutant and past post commander. “It is a great time to catch up and get out, plus talk health and wellness while we walk. Winters in New York can be long; getting out and together instead of staying inside by yourself can really help one's personal wellness.”
Resolution No. 13: Be the One Days, was passed by the National Executive Committee during the 2023 May American Legion Spring Meetings. It calls on Legion Family members to gear up and bring awareness to the Legion’s Be the One veteran suicide prevention initiative on the first day of every month.
Koster said the weekly walks are a way Post 70 is supporting Be the One.
“We’re keeping track of how everybody is doing and where they're at. We're checking in; it’s kind of a buddy check,” he said. “It’s promoting health and fitness which leads to mental health and wellness.”
Need Be the One gear? You can purchase a Be the One shirt or tack through American Legion Emblem Sales.
For American Legion posts, there are many resources available to promote Be the One at this web page. These resources include Be the One posters, customizable brochures, a banner, wallet cards and more. To help in your promotional efforts, this video is a great tutorial of how a Legionnaire in Arizona used Be the One promotional materials at his post’s successful event.
Show us your support for Be the One Days! You can share at legiontown.org under the Be the One category.