Chaplain's Corner

Like our nation’s founding fathers, the veterans who founded The American Legion acknowledged God as the source of all our rights and freedoms.

Apart from God, our history as a people has no meaning. In this faith our institutions were created, our laws enacted, and our liberties secured. To safeguard our sovereignty and our prosperity, that same belief must direct our political, social and economic paths today.

Conceding the erosion of moral and spiritual values in recent years, and recognizing our dependence upon God, The American Legion reaffirms its commitment to bring all Americans closer to their Creator and remind them of His proper place at the center of the nation’s life. “Service to God and Country” – it’s an American Legion program, yes, but the saying describes just as well our members’ attitude and way of life.

Nondenominational and nonsectarian, the Legion’s support for religion in the public square is basic Americanism. Rather than acting independently of religious groups, the Legion desires to cooperate with and join them in reminding the American people with one voice that God is the author and architect of our beloved “land of the free.” Without God, there is no Americanism.

The brochure “What To Do Before A Veteran Dies” is a good resource that Post Chaplains and other leaders can use to help during a difficult time for veterans and their families. It explains the importance of advance planning including the gathering of records and covers the many of the resources and benefits available to veterans.