Arkansas recognized as first state to join American Legion; Posts receive flag flown over U.S. Capitol

This year marks the 100^th Anniversary of the founding of the American Legion. Ironically, the American Legion was established in Paris, France shortly after World War I.

According to a statement read into the Congressional Record by Arkansas United States Senator John Boozman on March 11, 2019, “[T]he American Legion was officially chartered by Congress on September 16, 1919.”

Later it states, “The Arkansas Department of the American Legion was incorporated on May 12, 1919. National Headquarters records show it was the first incorporation of the organization in the United States.”

In recognition of the 100^th Anniversary Senator Boozman has presented each American Legion Post in Arkansas with a United States Flag that flew over the Capitol in Washington, D.C.. Included with the flag is a copy of the statement read into the Congressional Record entitled “Celebrating the American Legion’s 100 Years of Service” and a certificate authenticating the flag did fly over the Capitol at the request of Senator Boozman.

Commander of the American Legion Post in Alexander, Harold Timmerman, brought the flag and documents to the Alexander monthly council meeting held July 15. Timmerman is also a member of the council.

He explained the significance of the flag and said he wanted to fly it on the city hall flag pole that night, but since it was raining he decided not to.” Timmerman hopes the weather will allow the flag to be flown during the August 19 meeting.

Timmerman also said he would be taking the flag to other municipalities in the area so they too can temporarily have a United States Flag that has flown over the D.C. Capitol fly from their flag pole. Municipalities mentioned included Bryant, Shannon Hills and Otter Creek. He said he will also try to get permission to fly it over the veterans memorial in front of the Saline County Courthouse.

According to the statement read by Senator Boozman the American Legion has been instrumental in promoting many legislative actions. “The list of achievements that the Legion has helped fight for is long and includes the creation of the U.S. Veterans Bureau in 1924, forerunner of the Veterans Administration,” it states. Also included in the Legion’s list of accomplishments are convincing Congress to adopt, “[A] flag code to formally lay out the protocol for caring for and displaying our nation’s banner;” … “The Legion continues to support a constitutional amendment to protect the American flag from desecration;” ... “[D]rafted legislation that would become the G.I. Bill;” … and, “Its efforts were vital in the passage of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.”