Japan's surrender, which marked the end of World War II, technically came on Aug. 15, 1945. But due to the time difference, which spans the international date line, word came to the United States on Aug. 14. Thus, that day (today) is celebrated as V-J Day.
The 2026 American Legion Legacy Run will be held Aug. 23-27. During this event, more than 300 American Legion Riders and others ride over 1,000 miles to raise money for the American Legion Veterans and Children Foundation.
The 107th National Convention is in Louisville, Ky. National convention attendees participate in commission meetings, workshops and training sessions, as well as hear from distinguished guests, see award presentations and elect a new national commander.
The American Legion's Junior 3-Postion Air Rifle Tournament provides American Legion-affiliated youth competitors an opportunity to test their marksmanship skills in competition with other junior competitors throughout the nation. The individual tournament has two phases of competition – first round is state championships, and second round is qualification for national championships.
Patriot Day is a day of remembrance to those who died during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City, at the Pentagon and on United Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. American Legion Family members lead efforts in their communities to honor and remember the victims and to never forget.
In recognition of The American Legion's 90th birthday, the Senate and House of Representatives passed a resolution designating Sept. 16 as “American Legion Day."
Constitution Week, Sept. 17-23 observes the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. The American Legion supports this through its Oratorical Contest, a Constitutional speech contest for high school youth.
Sept. 18 is the birthday of the Air Force. Now the second-youngest of the service branches, the Air Force was officially founded as an independent service in 1947, although the U.S. military deployed aerial components even back in World War I.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day is held each year on the third Friday of September to honor the commitment and sacrifices made by this nation's prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action, as well as their families. Americans are asked to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by the military men and women who are imprisoned or unaccounted for as a result of their military service.
This day recognizes and honors mothers whose son or daughter paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. military.
Members of The American Legion's National Executive Committee (NEC), along with American Legion commission and committee members, will convene in Indianapolis for the organization's annual Fall Meetings.