Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion has evolved from a group of war-weary World War I veterans into one of the most influential nonprofits in the United States, growing from over 1 million members to more than 1.6 million across 12,000+ posts organized into 55 departments worldwide. Over the course of more than a century, the Legion has shaped American life by securing hundreds of benefits and services for veterans and service members — most notably helping draft the landmark GI Bill — while also supporting the Armed Forces, aiding veterans affected by toxic exposure, and instilling values of responsible citizenship in younger generations.