AMERICANISM

Hello All,

I just got this information from NW Division Americanism chair, Tammy Harris.  Attached you will find some very helpful information of some of the other activities you can do for Americanism and also the downloaded new AE Cover Sheet.  The deadline for the Americanism Essay will be MARCH 15, 2026. 

If you are not the Unit contact for Americanism, please let me know, and pass it on to the correct person.   

Let's hit over 25 Units participating for the 250th year celebration!!!!  I will have nice awards for the Units that participate this historic year! 

For God and Country,

Stacy Bear, Dept of MT Americanism Chair

sjbear@hotmail.com 

NATIONAL PROGRAM ENGAGEMENT PLAN (PEP)

AMERICANISM

Purpose: The purpose of the Americanism program is to promote patriotism and

responsible citizenship. Standing Rules #6, Core National Standing Committees

Be knowledgeable on flag history, etiquette, and proper disposal methods, and

promote the observation of patriotic holidays so your community will look to

the ALA for information. 

• Work with The American Legion to increase respect for the flag in your

community, including the proper way the American flag should be flown.

• At schools and organizations, teach proper handling, displaying, and

respect for the American flag, as well as our National Anthem, and the

Pledge of Allegiance.

• Organize a patriotic holiday event or volunteer for local patriotic events in

Auxiliary attire and network with prospective members.

• Visit The American Legion’s Flag Advocacy page at www.legion.org/flag

for resources on flag etiquette and display questions.

• Contact and ask state and federal government representatives to support

the flag amendment. To find your representatives, visit

https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials.

• Encourage members to participate in and utilize Wreaths Across America

patriotic curriculum. For more information, visit

https://learn.wreathsacrossamerica.org/teach.

• Recruit others to support the flag amendment by explaining what it is and

why it is important. Sign up for The American Legion’s legislative action

alerts at https://www.votervoice.net/AmericanLegion/home and follow

the flag issues.

• Work with schools and organizations to promote Star Spangled Kids. For

more information and resources, visit https://member.legion-

aux.org/Member/Committees/Americanism/How-to-Promote-Star-

Spangled-Kids.

Increase participation in the Americanism Essay Contest. 

The Americanism Essay Contest topic for 2025-2026: “Celebrating America's

250th Birthday and the Veterans that Fought for Our Freedom”

• Encourage Junior members and family members to participate in the

essay contest.

• Work with school administrations to identify guidance counselors, and

English and history teachers whose students would be interested in

participating.

• Contact youth organizations to identify potential youth for participation

in the contest.

• Provide all interested students with information packets explaining

contest rules, deadlines, topics, and award opportunities.

• For details on the Americanism Essay Contest, visit https://www.legion-

aux.org/americanism-essay-contest.

Participate in the promotion of The American Legion Americanism programs. 

Support American Legion Baseball:

• Support, sponsor, or donate to an American Legion Baseball team.

• Assist with the logistics of transportation, concession, and statistics for

the teams.

• Contact local sports shops and ask if they would be willing to make

donations toward a fundraiser or offer a discounted price to purchase

needed items.

• Attend events in Auxiliary attire and network with prospective Legion

Family members.

• For more information and resources, visit www.legion.org/baseball.

Support the Oratorical Contest:

• Help prepare your post home to sponsor a local or district contest.

• Volunteer to assist as a judge or timekeeper.

• Offer to help with refreshments.

• Provide transportation for candidates.

• Help recruit candidates at local schools and community organizations.

• Attend events in Auxiliary attire and network with prospective Legion

Family members.

• For more information and resources, visit www.legion.org/oratorical.

Support Junior Shooting Sports, which promotes gun safety and marksmanship

training for youth:

• Volunteer to help out with scoring, supervision, or transportation.

• Assist in fundraising for events.

• Help recruit candidates at local schools and other organizations.

o Contact JROTC.

o Contact Civil Air Patrol Cadets.

• Attend events in Auxiliary branded attire and network with prospective

Legion Family members.

• For more information and resources, visit www.legion.org/shooting.

Deadlines/Important Dates:

• Americanism Essay Contest: Winning essays are due to national division

chairman by April 15.

• Unit Award: Most Outstanding Unit Americanism Program (per division)

submitted by 5 p.m. ET on June 1.

• Department Award: Best Department Americanism Program (per division)

submitted by 5 p.m. ET on June 1.

• Department Chairman Report due to National Committee: May 15.