Purpose: The purpose of the Americanism program is to promote patriotism and responsible citizenship.
Standing Rules #6 of the Core National Standing Committees.

As American Citizens, it is our duty to prove our self-worth of the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. For every one of our privileges, we have a corresponding duty. We have the right to free speech, right to vote, right to worship, right to petition our government for redress of wrongs, right to own property, right to a trial by jury, right to bear arms, and the right to pursue life, liberty and happiness. But each of those rights has a duty back to our Country.

As American Legion Auxiliary members it is our duty to live thus, but to also teach and share our love of our country. We can do this through flag history, etiquette and proper disposal methods, and promote the observation of patriotic holidays so our communities will look to us for that information. We can do this through our Americanism Essay Contest and participation in our Star-Spangled Kids Program. We should support and promote the American Legion’s programs also such as the Oratorical Contest, American Legion Baseball and the American Legions Girls Softball teams, and their Junior Shooting Sports program.

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Share your Knowledge

• Work with The American Legion to increase respect for the flag in your community, including the proper way the American Flag should be flown.

• At schools and organizations, teach proper handling, displaying, and respect for the American Flag, as well as our National Anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Organize a patriotic holiday event or volunteer for local patriotic events in Auxiliary attire and network with prospective members.

• Visit The American Legion’s Flag advocacy page at www.legion.org/flag for resources on flag etiquette and display questions.

• Contact and ask state and federal government representatives to support the flag amendment. To find your representatives, visit https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials .

• Encourage members to participate in and utilize Wreaths Across America’s patriotic curriculum. For more information, visit https://learn.wreathsacrossamerica.org/teach .

• Work with schools and organizations to promote Star Spangled Kids. For more information and resources, visit this link.

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Increase participation in the Americanism Essay Contest

• The Americanism Essay Contest topic for 2026-2027: “How Can You Be A Beacon of Light for Our

• Veterans?”

• Encourage Junior members and family members to participate in the essay contest.

• Work with school administrations to identify guidance counselors, English and History teachers whose

• students would be interested in participating.

• Contact Youth organizations to identify potential youth for participation in the contest.

• Provide all interested students with information packets explaining contest rules, deadlines, topics, and award opportunities.

• For details on the Americanism Essay Contest, visit this link.

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Promote The American Legion’s Americanism Programs

American Legion Baseball

• Support, sponsor, or donate to an American Legion Baseball and Girls Softball teams.

• Assist with the logistics of transportation, concession, and statistics for the teams.

• Contact local sports shops and ask if they would be willing to make donations toward a fundraiser or offer a discounted price to purchase items needed.

• Attend events in Auxiliary attire and network with prospective Legion Family members.

• For more information and resources, visit www.legion.org/baseball

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Oratorical Contest

• Help prepare your post home to sponsor a local or district contest.

• Volunteer to assist as a judge or timekeeper.

• Offer to help with refreshments.

• Provide transportation for candidates.

• Help recruit candidates at local schools and community organizations.

• Attend events in Auxiliary attire and network with prospective Legion Family members.

• For more Information and resources, visit www.legion.org/oratorical

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Support Junior Shooting Sports

- Volunteer to help with scoring, supervision, or transportation.
- Assist in fundraising for events.
- Help recruit candidates at local schools and other organizations.
- Attend events in Auxiliary branded attire and network with prospective Legion Family members.
- For more information and resources, visit www.legion.org/shooting .

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Emblem Sales has kits available for the Star Spangled Kids program if you choose to use their kits. Their kits contain a Pledge of Allegiance Comic Book, an Our Country’s Flag Comic Book, Let’s Be Right on Flag Etiquette brochure, a booklet with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, a flag, a flag pin and flag stickers and decals. Or make your own kits.

And National has a download for the America the Beautiful Coloring Book here.

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Special Event

I challenge each Unit this year to host a special event for an important date in our American History to bring alive to our citizens our patriotism. Whether that event be hosting a remembrance evening for 9-11, or a costume party to come as your favorite historical person, let your imaginations soar. (Can you imagine a bunch or George and Martha Washington’s dancing at a Sweetheart dance? Or a “Guess Who I Am” President cocktail party on President’s Day?)

Please send me a short description of your events and lots of pictures!

Deadlines/Important Dates

- Americanism Essay Contest: Winning Essays are due to me by March 25th, 2027.
- Unit Reports are due to your District Chairman by April 15th, 2027
- District Reports are due to me by May 1st, 2027.