American Legion Membership Rule Change Open To More Veterans

The American Legion has changed its rules to get more veterans in its ranks.

Clay County American Legion Post 18 Commander Bryan Brady said no matter the date of service or military branch, veterans with an honorable discharge are eligible. Brady said more veterans need to know about this change because its up to this generation to continue the American Legion’s legacy.

“I know there’s a lot of veterans here in Celina and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be in the American Legion,” Brady said. “Because of the programs that we have and the programs for the youth.”

Brady said he was laughed off when he tried to move a resolution forward 15 years ago on this topic, but with membership dwindling it stopped being a laughing matter. Brady said joining has become a very simple and veterans can register online at legion.org.

“It used to be you had to be within these certain dates that were combat,” Brady said. “And only certain people could join, it was this past year that the resolution was passed and now the American Legion is open for all veterans.”

Brady said that because of the American Legion’s structure, veterans should see membership as a continuation of service. He said with the old generation of post members gone, it is imperative the current generation step up to be leaders in their community.