Last week we learned that on September 5, 2000, the American Legion presented the first “Spirit of Service” awards to active-duty service members for their offduty 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. 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 terrorists’ attacks on our nation.
This week we find that in November 2002, the Legion launched the national “I Am Not A Number” campaign to identify and document the delays veterans face in obtaining medical care from the Veterans Administration.
In October 2003, The Legion’s efforts on Capitol Hill broke the deadlock on the Disabled Veterans Tax when Congress created a 10-year phase-in for service-connected disabled retirees to receive military retired pay and VA Disability compensation without subtraction from either. Legion efforts also resulted in passage of the Military Family Tax Relief Act. In September 2004, American Legion lobbying led to more progress in elimination of the Disabled Veterans Tax with passage of PL 108-375 that eliminated the 10-year phase-in for 100% service-connected retirees, allowing them to immediately begin receiving both the retired pay and VA disability payments.
On September 19, 2004, the Legion launched a national program, the Blue Star Salute, where American Legion posts across the country held public events to recognize troops, their families and local businesses on Armed Forces Day.
Next week we’ll talk more about the American Legion’s efforts in funding of VA Health Care and the creation of The American Legion Riders program in addition to a new Veterans Educational Assistance Act.
