Our organization has a great love of this country and our veterans."Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary is the world’s largest patriotic women’s service organization. With a membership at nearly 850,000, local American Legion Auxiliary units have a strong presence in more than 9,500 communities nationwide. The American Legion Auxiliary’s mission to serve veterans, their families and their communities is carried out through its hundreds of outreach programs delivered by its members, volunteers and National Headquarters.
We know that freedom isn’t free. For some of us, the sacrifices still have a sting. It is from this place of appreciation that we work to protect our country’s founding values and to honor those who put their lives on the line for us. We do that by telling others about the significance of respecting our flag as a symbol of our great nation. We do that by providing care and comfort to our veterans. And we do that by encouraging all Americans to live out their patriotism with a sense of pride for this land we call home."
ALA website Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion Auxiliary
"For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes:
To uphold and defend the constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations during the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and goodwill on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy; to participate in and contribute to the accomplishment of the aims and purposes of The American Legion; to consecrate and sanctify our association by our devotion to mutual helpfulness." ALA website
Why we host Girls State"More than seeing and hearing we learn and remember by doing. That’s one reason ALA Girls State has such an impact. For a whole week the young women are actively engaged in 'doing' government. The two-party political system is brought to life through setting up and administering city, county and state governments. From campaigning, party rallies, and debating to mock legislative sessions and parliamentary procedures the girls are immersed in experiential learning. The result? Many participants choose a career path involving politics or community service. And all leave with knowledge about their responsibilities as U.S. citizens and memories that will last a lifetime." ALA website
For these reasons we choose to be members of the American Legion Auxiliary and volunteer with the Girls State program. We love the Girls State program and have seen it change our lives as well as those young women that have attended. We hope you will realize the privilege it is to be chosen as a delegate and embrace the experience.
Girls State was a great opportunity for me to gain confidence in myself as well as learn how to better make friends. I was put in social situations, like running for offices that forced me to grow and expand my comfort zone. I practiced talking in front of a lot of people as well as getting to know the girls on a more personal level. When I first walked into my dorm I thought I would never really get to know the girls, but by the end I felt like I had known them for much longer than a week.
The thing I loved most about Girls State, was the opportunity I had to learn more about this country and those who defend it. With each day my appreciation grew for the freedoms we enjoy, as well as for all the people who have sacrificed so much for it. I learned flag etiquette, the meaning of poppies, how to write, and pass bills and so much more!
Girls State was such a great chance for me and I would like to say thank you to June and Melinda, as well as, all the Auxiliary members who made it possible for me to go to Girls State. You guys are awesome, thank you!"
