The Sons of The American Legion (SAL) is a program of The American Legion established at the national convention in 1932 in Portland, Ore. Since then, the Sons of The American Legion has assisted The American Legion with its programs and activities. In 2019, Sons of The American Legion attained an all-time high membership of 375,540 members nationally. The largest detachment (state level) has more than 62,650 members. There are trophies and awards given to detachments and squadrons for the largest membership, and the largest increase in membership.
PREAMBLE to the NATIONAL CONSTITUTION Revised November 19, 2019
Although Sons has its own membership, the organization is not a separate entity. Rather, SAL is a program of The American Legion. Many Legionnaires hold dual membership in SAL. The Sons organization is divided into detachments at the state level and squadrons at the local level. A squadron pairs with a local American Legion post; a squadron’s charter is contingent upon its parent post’s charter. However, squadrons can determine the extent of their services to the community, state and nation. They are permitted flexibility in planning programs and activities to meet their needs but must remember SAL’s mission: to strengthen the four pillars of The American Legion.
ELIGIBILITY for MEMBERSHIP in the SONS of THE AMERICAN LEGION