This is an exciting year celebrating America’s 250th birthday. What a great opportunity for us to get into the classrooms and speak about our 250 years of history, 250 years of Americanism. You have a chance to offer programs to youth and the community about Americanism, pride in our flag, flag etiquette, what patriotism means to you, and many other topics. This is an opportunity to invite a veteran into the classroom with you as a guest speaker. Please share what ideas your unit is doing to promote Americanism as we celebrate this milestone birthday.

​

I’ve already met with our superintendent, principal, and guidance counselor, on all the ways the American Legion Auxiliary has taught Americanism and been involved with our local schools in a variety of ways in the past in hopes to continue the connection. A post member, our Education Program Chair, and I as my units Americanism Chair were part of this meeting to kick off the year with cooperation. I suggest you get in your local schools now too, so they know who the Americanism chair is to contact. This is when you can set up a date to teach the Pledge of Allegiance to the youth and hand out American Flags. It isn’t too early to hand out the Americanism essay contest forms because the classrooms can add them to their sub folders or plan this essay topic discussion and classroom writing assignment for a rainy day anytime between now and next March when they are due. Arrange now in the Fall with the Art Teacher plans to have the students draw flags and make cards to send to the veterans throughout the year. We offer to buy the supplies.

​

The Americanism Essay contest this year is “Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and the Veterans who Fought for Our Freedom.” The contest is for students in grades 3 -12, including students with special needs, divided into six classes. DUE DATE to Dept. is: March 26th, 2026, as that gives Dept one week to judge them and mail the winners to national on time. As you advertise this contest in local schools, please include the home school children, and private and charter schools. There will be prizes for the first 3 places in each of the 6 categories.

​

 Rules for the essay contest:

1. Typed or neatly written conforming to the word requirement for class

2. Entry must include the signed cover sheet

3. Entry due to Department Americanism Chair NO Later than March 26th, 2026.

4. Essays are disqualified if they are unsigned, do not have a cover sheet, or received after the due date.

 

Americanism is showing our love for our Country and our veterans, please share your ideas.

​

​