Because
The American Legion must always speak with the strong voice of
patriotism, of knowledge, and of creative thinking, it needs and wants
the membership of all war veterans who believe in individual freedom in
these days of change and challenge. If you have an honorable discharge
or separation showing a period of active military service during any
one of the following periods, you are eligible to belong: April 6, 1917
to November 11, 1918; December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946; June 25,
1950 to January 31, 1955; February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975; August 24,
1982 to July 31, 1984; December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990; plus
Desert Storm dates August 2, 1990 to cessation of hostilities.
Every Post is the judge of its own membership.