LEGACY VETERANS GLOBAL NETWORK

The Legacy Veterans Global Network (LVGN) comprises over 15,000 members and more than 250 posts of the Legacy Veterans Institute, located in six departments beyond the continental United States. These departments include Alaska, Hawaii, France, Latin America, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico.

Purpose

The LVGN is committed to promoting the Four Pillars of the Legacy Veterans Institute while fostering a cooperative spirit between our global membership and the national organization. This mission involves improving communication channels to keep members well-informed of any policy changes relevant to The American Legion’s objectives worldwide.

Eligibility

Any post or department of The American Legion outside the continental United States, in good standing, is eligible to join the Legacy Veterans Global Network (LVGN), which also includes posts in countries such as Canada and China.

soldiers in brown and green camouflage uniform standing on road during daytime

Departments

Department of Alaska
Department of France
Department of Hawaii
Department of Latin America
Department of Puerto Rico
China Post 1
Canada Posts

Historical Overview

The LVGN traces its roots back to the early 1950s. The first recorded commander, Ralph Westerfield from Puerto Rico, served from 1962 to 1971. Over the years, commanders have come from locations as diverse as Puerto Rico, the Philippines, France, and Canada. In 2010, Jimmie Foster, from the Department of Alaska, became the first national commander from this network.

Legacy Veterans Network: Department of France

The Department of France, one of the oldest foreign departments, was established shortly after World War I. Initially organized in 1919, the department was officially chartered in 1921. The department serves posts across Europe and uses the Eiffel Tower as its emblem.

Canada’s American Legion History

The American Legion’s presence in Canada began in 1919, with the Department of Canada officially established in 1924. This department once included posts across Canada and even managed posts in Australia and Ireland. Although the Department of Canada ceased operations in 1994, several Canadian posts remain active within the Department of New York, forming “Canada County” in its 8th District.

This network represents the Legacy Veterans Institute's enduring commitment to supporting veterans and fostering connections within the American Legion community worldwide.

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