2020s
March 16, 2020
American Legion National Headquarters staff begin a period of social distancing and work-from-home procedures amid the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. American Legion posts, departments and facilities worldwide are forced to temporarily close their doors to members and the public. The organization responds with hundreds of Buddy Check activities to assist older veterans; dozens of blood drives as need increases; food-delivery services; supplies for parents suddenly forced to home-school their children; protective mask making and distribution; and hundreds of other acts of community support. The pandemic leads to cancellation or postponement of national meetings, including the 101st National Convention, American Legion Baseball World Series and American Legion Boys Nation.
Aug. 4, 2020
American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford launches the 100 Miles of Hope challenge that asks registrants to walk, run, bicycle, ride, paddle, swim or transport themselves however they like 100 miles by Veterans Day 2020, 100 days away.
Dec. 1, 2020
The American Legion and Chip Ganassi Racing announce plans for a multi-year sponsorship relationship in support of the Legion’s Veterans & Children Foundation; the relationship soon shifts gears to promote veteran suicide prevention through the Be the One mission.
June 16, 2021
The American Legion conducts a press conference on the steps of the U.S. Capitol calling for the urgent evacuation of some 18,000 Afghan translators and others who assisted coalition forces during the war.
Aug. 10, 2022
President Joe Biden signs into law the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act, a historic move strongly supported and promoted by The American Legion, to provide health-care service and disability compensation to some 4 million additional veterans, mostly post-9/11, who were exposed to toxic contamination in the military.
Oct. 1, 2023
American Legion accredited service officers secure what is believed to be an all-time one-year high in VA benefits for disabled veterans, with $18.8 billion. Claims related to the PACT Act account for a $4 billion increase in benefits between 2020 and 2023.