The Sons of The American Legion was created in 1932 as an organization within
The
American Legion
The S.A.L. is made up of boys and men of all ages whose parents or grandparents
served in the United States military and became eligible for membership
in The American Legion. Together, members of The American Legion,
The
American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion make
up what is known as The Legion Family. 
All
three organizations place high importance on preserving our American traditions
and values, improving the quality of life for our nation's children, caring
for veterans and their families, and perhaps most importantly, teaching
the fundamentals of good citizenship. Sons have always assisted Legionnaires
with Legion Family programs. Our Family boasts a combined total membership
of nearly 4.2 million members. This year, Sons
attained
an all time high national membership of over 315,000. The largest
Detachment, Pennsylvania, has over 38,000 members. Trophies and awards
are given to Detachments
and Squadrons for the largest membership and the largest increase in
membership.
Just
as each Legion post determines the extent of its service to the community,
state, and nation, each S.A.L. squadron is permitted flexibility in planning
programs and activities to meet its own needs. 
The
S.A.L. has study programs recommended for younger members. One such program,
called "The Ten Ideals," teaches the elements of patriotism, health,
knowledge, training, honor, faith, helpfulness, courtesy, reverence, and
comradeship. If a member completes the Ten Ideals program, he is eligible
to continue with another program called the "Five-Point Program of Service."
This program covers patriotism, citizenship, discipline, leadership, and
legionism.
Sons
focus on much more than just membership. At all levels, Sons support The
American Legion in promoting a wide variety of programs. Sons assist their
Posts in other activities such as Veterans programs, Veterans Administration
home and hospital volunteerism, Children Youth projects, and fund raising.
In
just the past ten years, Sons have raised more than a million dollars for
The
American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. Members have volunteered
over 223,900 hours to date in 2007 in Veterans Hospitals throughout the
country and raised over $915,688 that has gone directly to VA hospitals
and VA homes for a variety of items including TVs, radios, medical equipment,
and clothing for the patients.
There
are many men who are members of, both, The American Legion and the Sons
of The American Legion. Often, these indivduals started out as young members
of the Sons. Then, when they were old enough to serve the military, they
also became eligible to join The Legion. Such individuals are known within
our organization as dual members.
The
Sons of The American Legion is one of many organizations that sponsors
and supports the Citizens Flag Alliance,
a coalition formed to secure flag protection legislation 
through
an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. S.A.L. volunteers work to establish
local networks by having petitions available and handing out informational
material. They alert their communities to the importance of respect for
the flag and they encourage flag education programs in schools and other
local organizations.