Membership in the SAL is open to all male
descendants, adopted sons and stepsons of members of The
American Legion. Also accepted are any such descendants of
veterans who died in service during the eligibility periods.
If you would like to find out more about how to join...
The Americanism Commission
is concerned with the promotion of the "true spirit of Americanism"
among the communities of our Nation and this is a major component and
project for the Detachment of Kansas and all Sons of The American Legion
Squadrons. There are many ways in which Squadrons can promote
Americanism. The needs of the community and ability of the local
Squadron often determine the extent of the projects. The
Americanism Commission continues to offer a variety of programs and
activities to give recognition to the ideal of human values, and the
dignity and worth of the individual, recognizing all of the inalienable
rights of man and woman, and the human qualities of mind and heart.
What is Americanism? Americanism is an unfailing love of Country, loyalty to its institutions and ideals, eagerness to defend it against all enemies, individual allegiance to the Flag; and a desire to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and posterity.
The many activities of the National Americanism Commission are designed to acknowledge and preserve that heritage, recognizing all of the unalienable rights of man and the human qualities of mind and heart.
Some of the programs of Americanism are the Oratorical Contest which instills a greater understanding and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States among high school students.
American Legion Boys and Girls State is where high school juniors learn the wheels of policies as they operate their own government, acquiring the knowledge and practical experience that is vital to the development of responsible citizenship.
The Five Star program of service are (Patriotism, Citizenship, Discipline, Leadership, and Legionism) and the Ten Ideals Program (Patriotism, Health, Knowledge, Training, Honor, Faith, Helpfulness, Courtesy, Reverence, and Comradeship), are the areas in which you must have some knowledge in. The 5 Star /10 Ideals program is on the Son’s National web site and the squadron handbook have the requirements and the questions and answers to accomplish this program.
Jr. Shooting Sports, Boy Scouting, American Legion Baseball, Color Guards, Community Service, Flag Education and Blood Drives are the other Americanism programs you can be working.
Last but not least report what you are doing. I know you are thinking you talk about this all of the time, and you are correct I do. As we always state filling this report out is very important to the Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion. When we report what the Sons of the American Legion has done for Americanism the American Legion can use these numbers in their reporting when they go in front of Congress to fight for the veterans of our country. So report what you are doing for the veterans of our country. What can be reported on the Americanism report can be found on the National web page at www.sal.legion.org/.
Thanks for all that you do for Americanism.
Gerald Hammerschmidt
Americanism Chairman
Cadet
Law-Salina-KHP Training
Center-June, 2011
Youth Activities
Programs for our nation's
youth continue to help thousands reach their potential by building
physical, mental and moral alertness while cultivating strong character
and fostering civic responsibility. Activities and events are
varied and include full support of our youth through The American
Legion's Oratorical Program, Eagle Scout Recognition Awards and Shooting
Sports among others. In past years, the National Americanism
Commission has promoted projects such as placing of American Flags in
local schools, the Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program, Assistance and
Scholarship programs and other worthwhile projects deemed in "Service to
God and Country". The Sons of the American Legion at the National
level provides three scholastic awards annually, one for the Boys Nation
Senate Secretary ($750.00) and two for the Junior Shooting Sports
Champions ($1,000.00 each). These are the only scholastic awards
available at the National level on behalf of the Sons of The American
Legion.
Squadrons, Districts and
Detachments are urged to report their activities on behalf of
Americanism on the Consolidated Squadron Report form which is forwarded
in January of each year. The Atwood-Beyea-York Memorial
Awards are given at the National Convention for the best Detachment,
District and Squadron in the nation.
American Legion Baseball
Since 1925, The American
Legion has sponsored a nationwide youth baseball program and as a
supporting partner of the Legion Family, The Sons of the American Legion
actively encourage participation in this core program. During
these past eight decades, millions of young players have enjoyed playing
baseball. The American Legion and the Sons of The American Legion
have raised millions of dollars each year for players to learn the
importance of teamwork, discipline, leadership and good sportsmanship.
Through team sports, players are given an opportunity to develop their
skills, personal fitness, leadership qualities and to have fun.
Get Out The Vote
The Sons of The American
Legion supports and endorses an active "Get Out the Vote" campaign and
encourages the active participation of all members, individually and
collectively, within their respective communities. As citizens of
this great nation, it is our duty and responsibility to exercise this
right of franchise by casting our ballots on Election Day, and to
encourage others to do so as well.
The Detachment of Kansas is involved in many programs
serving our communities, youth and Veterans.
Child Welfare Fund
A primary contributor to The American Legion's Child Welfare Fund, the
Detachment of Kansas sponsors many activities to provide financial
donations. Learn more>
Community Service
The Kansas Detachment of Sons of the American Legion are active in a
variety of projects throughout our communities.
Americanism
All members of the Sons of The American Legion are committed to the
promotion of the "true spirit of Americanism" among the communities of
our Nation.
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
The Detachment of Kansas Sons of the American Legion remain steadfast in
their support of veterans and their families.