Last week we finished out the 1990’s events for the American Legion. In October 1995, the Legion formed the Persian Gulf Task Force to enhance service for the newest generation of wartime veterans, thousands of whom suffer from injuries and illnesses linked to their service in the Middle East.
On September 16, 1996, the Legion awarded a $20,000 college scholarship to each of the 10 inaugural Samsung American Legion high school scholars. In June 1997, the American Legion National Emergency Fund surpassed the $1 million mark in cash grants given to flood victims who belong to the Legion family. Most grant recipients reside in the flood plains of Ohio, Kentucky Indiana, Minnesota, and North Dakota.
On September 3, 1997, the Legion presented its first National Law Enforcement Officer of the year award at the 79th American Legion National Convention in Orlando, Florida.
Today we move into the 2000s beginning with action on September 5, 2000, when the Legion presented the first “Spirit of Service” awards to active-duty service members for their off-duty volunteer efforts.
In September 2001, the Legion passed a resolution to rekindle the “Blue Star” Service Banner program following the September 11 terrorist attacks by providing banners to military families across the nation. The blue star represents one family member who is currently serving in the military and each banner can have up to five stars. Additionally on September 12, 2001, the Legion reactivated the Family Support Network in New York City and Washington DC following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
In October 2001, the Legion created the American Legacy Scholarship Fund for children of military members on active duty on or after September 11, 2001.
On September 11, 2002, the American Legion took the lead in conducting “A Day to Remember” events to mark the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our nation.
Next week we continue remembering the history of the actions taken by the American Legion as they continue to be involved with our active-duty military, veterans and their families in addition to being continuously being involved in the children of this nation by providing programs and scholarships for their education and well-being.
