Welcome to The Detachment of New York Sons of the American Legion
Serving veterans, active duty troops, families, and communities across New York State since 1932.
About The Sons of The American Legion
The Sons of The American Legion was created in 1932 as an organization within The American Legion. The SAL 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.
Preamble
Proud possessors of a priceless heritage, we male descendants of veterans of all Wars, associate ourselves together as "Sons of The American Legion" for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a true spirit of Americanism; to preserve the memories of our former members and the association of our members and our forefathers in all wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the Community, State and Nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy, to consecrate and sanctify our friendship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness; to adopt in letter and spirit all of the great principles for which The American Legion stands; and to assist in carrying on for God and Country.
Eligibility Requirements
All male descendants, adopted sons, and stepsons of members of The American Legion, and such male descendants of veterans who died in service during the period of April 6, 1917, through November 11, 1918, or any time from December 7, 1941, to date, who served honorably, as set forth in Article IV of the National Constitution of The American Legion, or who died subsequent to their honorable discharge from such service, shall be eligible for membership in the Sons of The American Legion. There shall be no form or class of membership except an active membership. No person may be a member at any one time of more than one squadron.
Programs We Support
The Sons of The American Legion fully supports all programs of The American Legion, including Be The One, Temporary Financial Assistance, the National Emergency Fund, Legacy Scholarship and more. Additionally, the Sons are the single largest donor to The American Legion Child Well-Being Foundation, with SAL donations totaling over $10 million dollars to date.
The Ten Ideals Program
Teaches the elements of patriotism, health, knowledge, training, honor, faith, helpfulness, courtesy, reverence and comradeship.
Five - Point Program of Service
Covers patriotism, citizenship, discipline, leadership and legionism for members who complete The Ten Ideals.
Supporting New York Veterans
In New York, the Sons conduct a state-wide Walk a Thon in support of the 13 VA Medical Centers and 5 NYS Veterans Nursing Homes, as well as Fisher Houses in Albany, Bronx, and Montrose. Since 1988, SAL has raised more than $10 million for The American Legion Child Well-Being Foundation, and raised over $1,000,000 for VA hospitals and VA homes. The SAL also supports the Citizens Flag Alliance, a coalition dedicated to protecting the U.S. flag from desecration through a constitutional amendment.
