American Legion Auxiliary

VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION: VA&R means the complete restoration of the veteran and his family to normal function and adjustment, physically, mentally, socially, and vocationally for the fullest possible life, compatible with his abilities and disabilities. The VA&R work of the American Legion Auxiliary includes bringing physical comfort and mental cheer to veterans in hospitals, aiding the disabled to earn money for the support of themselves and their families, and helping them to reestablish themselves in life. The American Legion Auxiliary cooperates with The American Legion in ALL its endeavors on behalf of veterans.To carry out the VA&R work effectively, a complete organization extending from the Unit to the National organization is necessary. Years of experience in rehabilitation have brought about systematizing of the activities which has proven to be the most efficient way to aid the different classes of disabled veterans. Unit VA&R workers should become familiar with the Department and National VA&R organizations and be able to use the services of these groups when necessary. Units should work closely with the VA&R Committees of their American Legion Posts and with other agencies in the community from which aid for the disabled is available.

EDUCATION PROGRAM: The education of all of America's children is essential for the future of our nation. The American Legion Auxiliary joins with The American Legion to aid and support the basic rights of all children to receive an appropriate education. That education should prepare them for a fulfilling life. The pattern followed in the development of the program corresponds with the following objectives and policies adopted by The American Legion. 1. To help make it possible for a student, who has the ability or the desire, to receive an education beyond high school. 2. To encourage the members of The American Legion and its affiliated organizations to take an active part in the development and maintenance of a school system that will serve the needs of all children at every level of education. 3. To encourage students to select careers where personnel shortages exist.

CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMS: The purpose and principles of the American Legion Auxiliary's Children and Youth Program are in general the same as those of The American Legion. Although the program is derived from mandates of The American Legion, the Auxiliary augments and adds to it through its continuing support of the overall program as well as through the sponsorship of special assignments and activities. 1. To assure care and protection for children of veterans eligible for membership in The American Legion. 2. Education of the membership and the general public on the needs of the Military child and to recommend ways of meeting those needs.

POPPY: More than 3,500,000 poppies made by disabled veterans are distributed on the streets under the supervision of the American Legion Auxiliary by approximately 125,000 volunteers. The memorial poppies are made of red crepe paper, by hand, by disabled veterans in hospitals and poppy workrooms in forty states, and the workers receive pay for each poppy made, the material being furnished free by the Department in the state in which the hospital is located. The total proceeds of over $2,100,000 are spent on programs devoted to Veterans Affairs and rehabilitation work by both The American Legion and Auxiliary, which includes aid to needy veterans and their families including more than $300,000 which is paid annually to needy and disabled service men and service women who make the poppies. The method of distribution varies in each Department, depending upon the nature of the demands for help. Each of our 10,500 Units in communities scattered all over the United States and its territorial possessions, and in foreign countries where veterans reside, maintains a Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Committee working under a chairman, and a Children and Youth Committee with its chairman.