The Following is a chronology of significant dates in Legion history:

1919

March 15-17
Members of the American Expeditionary Force convene in Paris for the first American Legion caucus.

May 8-10
At its stateside St. Louis Caucus, The American Legion adopts its official name, and the preamble to the organization’s constitution is drafted.

June 9
The National Executive Committee adopts The American Legion emblem.

Sept. 16
Congress charters The American Legion.

Nov. 10-12
Minneapolis is home to the first American Legion National Convention, attended by about 15,000. Membership at this point exceeds 684,000. Among the delegates are 140 women veterans of World War I, and The Constitution and Preamble are adopted. Delegates consider 350 resolutions but approve only 50, including equal treatment for women who served in the war, employment programs for veterans, fair government benefits for those who came home disabled from service, support for the Boy Scouts, mandatory patriotic exercises in schools and the establishment of an air branch of service.

Dec. 16
Relentless lobbying by The American Legion results in an increase of disability compensation for war-wounded veterans, from $30 per month to $80 per month.