April 26 is designated as the day for posts to share with their communities the Legion Family’s accomplishments, programs and services; those participating encouraged to share efforts on Legiontown.
In October 2022, The American Legion National Executive Committee passed Resolution No. 7, American Legion Family Day. The resolution established an American Legion Family Day to be observed annually on the last Saturday of April — this year falling on April 26.
For American Legion Family Day, posts are encouraged to open their doors to members of their community for the day to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Legionnaires, Sons of The American Legion members, Legion Riders and American Legion Auxiliary. The day is also an opportunity to bring awareness to the organization’s Be the One mission to reduce the rate of veteran suicide and destigmatize the need to ask for help.
Multiple American Legion posts have Legion Family Day events planned. American Legion posts are encouraged to share stories and photos from their American Legion Family Day events at legiontown.org.
The following are just a few examples of what is planned for American Legion Family Day.
California
In Camarillo, American Legion Post 741 will open its door to the community to celebrate its Legion Family accomplishments and provide information on youth programs such as the Sons of The American Legion, American Legion Junior Auxiliary, Boys and Girls State and scholarships.
Florida
· In Tallahassee, Sauls-Bridges Post 13’s community event will include activities for all ages, a community cookout, and opportunities to learn about the Legion’s veteran support programs, including Be the One.
· In Fernandina Beach, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 54’s day will feature live music, food, a bounce house, crafts, a K9 demonstration and yard games for both children and adults.
Georgia
· In Lake Seminole, Wingate Landing Post 340 is including a youth fishing derby as a part of its American Legion Family Day. Participants will be able to fish for bass, catfish and shellcrackers. There also will be a barbecue, a bounce house, games, crafts and frozen treats.
· In Fairmount, American Legion Post 305’s event will include a children’s drawing contest, a bounce house, water balloons, cornhole, food and a family photo booth.
· In Powder Springs, American Legion Post 294 is staging an open house that will include both a car and bike show, children’s activities, food, appearances by Golden Elite Wrestling wrestlers, and an opportunity to learn about American Legion programs and services.
Iowa
In Ely, American Legion Post 555’s American Legion Family Day will feature food, games and activities.
Kansas
In Great Bend, American Legion Family Day at Argonne Post 180 will include free sloppy joes, face painting, balloon animals, cornhole and treats for kids. The Great Bend Police Department also will provide parents with Ident-A-Kid packets for parents. The kits allow parents to collect information about their children, including fingerprints, which they take home for safekeeping. In the event a child is lost or abducted, the information would be used to assist in the investigation. Post 180 also will provide information on scholarships, the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program, Girls State and Boys State, flag etiquette and membership in the American Legion Family.
Nevada
In Henderson, BMI Post 40 will host a barbecue provided by its American Legion Riders chapter. There also will be music, games, raffles and a photo booth and more.
New York
· In Williamstown, Sons of The American Legion Squadron 1128 is hosting an open house. The squadron is serving free hot dogs and will provide information on both the Legion Family and the post’s facility.
· In Oriskany, American Legion Post 1448 Legion Family Day will feature a fire truck and fire department demonstrations, children’s games, a Shirley Temple and root beer stand, food, a raffle and an information table for all four branches of the Legion Family.
North Carolina
In Fayetteville, American Legion Post 202’s Legion Family Day will include hot dogs and hamburgers, games and other activities.
Ohio
· In Continental, American Legion Post 541’s event will include information about Be the One, an interactive map for veterans to place a flag where they were stationed during their service, a hog roast, children’s activity and live music.
· In Newark, Hanover Post 764’s American Legion Family Day will feature a bounce house, cornhole, e-bingo, a 50/50 raffle and free burgers, hotdogs, chips and soda.
· In Tipp City, American Legion Post 586 is taking a unique approach to American Legion Family Day by providing free STEM-related activities for children and adults.
Pennsylvania
In Hummelstown, American Legion Post 265 will provide inflatable games such as axe throwing, a basketball toss and dart throwing, a petting area featuring dwarf rabbits, an ice cream truck, raffle baskets, music and more.
Tennessee
American Legion Post 52 in Morristown is hosting an American Legion Family Day picnic free to veterans and their families. The day will include hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, drinks, desserts, games, kites, face painting and balloons.
Virginia
· In Newport News, Denbigh American Legion Post 368 is serving as the host for Virginia’s 3rd District American Legion Family Day. The public has been invited to celebrate the accomplishments of the Legion Family.
· In Spotsylvania, Post 320’s Legion Family is inviting the public to learn about the Legion Family and its community partners, scholarships, American Legion Baseball, the post’s Scouting program, veterans assistance and more. The event also will include food and games.
· In Colonial Heights, American Legion Post 284 is inviting the public to come to their event for free food, games, demonstrations, music and the opportunity to learn about The American Legion and how it serves the Colonial Heights community.
- Community