The American Legion Post in Somers, which recently re-activated after being an inactive post for close to 40 years, continues to grow and has more than quadrupled in size since January, 2013. At the recent Connecticut Legionnaires' Convention, in July, in Rocky Hill, Post 101 received multiple awards for increased membership, including being recognized as achieving the highest new membership percentage statewide.
Along with increased membership, the post has been receiving numerous inquiries about starting a Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squadron in Somers.
The Sons of The American Legion was created in 1932 as an organization within The American Legion. Sons of The American Legion members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership. SAL is a program of The American Legion. Many Legionnaires hold dual membership in SAL.
Just as each Legion post determines the extent of its service to the community, state and nation, each S.A.L. squadron is permitted flexibility in planning programs and activities to meet its own needs. In addition, the Sons' mission is to strengthen the four pillars of The American Legion. Therefore, squadrons’ campaigns place an emphasis on preserving American traditions and values, improving the quality of life for our nation’s children, caring for veterans and their families, and teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship.
The S.A.L. has study programs recommended for younger members. One such program, called "The Ten Ideals," teaches the elements of patriotism, health, knowledge, training, honor, faith, helpfulness, courtesy, reverence and comradeship. If a member completes the Ten Ideals program, he is eligible to continue with another program called the "Five-Point Program of Service." This program covers patriotism, citizenship, discipline, leadership and legionism.
Sons focus on much more than just membership. At all levels, Sons support The American Legion in promoting a wide variety of programs.
SAL Eligibility Requirements
Not everyone is eligible to become a Member of the Sons of The
American Legion (SAL). There are specific Membership requirements.
(1) To be eligible, you must be a male descendant, stepson, or
adopted son of a Member of The American Legion. There is no residency requirement. Members can be connected to our squadron and live just about anywhere.
(2) You are also eligible to join the Sons of The American Legion if you are the male descendant, stepson, or adopted son of a Veteran who died in Service during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan Wars.
See below for specific time periods of service during these conflicts.
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(3) You are also eligible to join the Sons of The American Legion if you are the male descendant, stepson, or adopted son of a Veteran who died after his or her Honorable Discharge from Service in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, or the Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan Wars.
See below for specific time periods of service during these conflicts.
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World War I 06 Apr 1917 11 Nov 1918
World War II 07 Dec 1941 31 Dec 1946
Korean War 25 Jun 1950 31 Jan 1955
Vietnam Era 28 Feb 1961 07 May 1975
Lebanon 24 Aug 1982 31 July 1984
Grenada 24 Aug 1982 31 July 1984
Panama 20 Dec 1989 31 Jan 1990
Persian Gulf 02 Aug 1990 Open *
*=Cessation of hostilities has not yet been established.The American Legion Family best serves the community by having an active Post and Auxiliary working with community programs, especially children and youth programs, and providing assistance to all veterans and their families.
The post's recent membership surges resulted in the return of the Somers American Legion Auxiliary, which was re-chartered this month and has already more than doubled in size!
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Sons of the American Legion, in Somers, or a Legionnaire or Auxiliary member, please contact us via email at: info@SomersPost101.org. You can also check out Post 101's web site at: www.SomersPost101.org. We are also on facebook at: www.facebook.com/SomersPost101.
The American Legion's success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives.
We hope to hear from you!
