The National Executive Committee of The American Legion Passed Resolution No. 7 in October 2022, establishing American Legion Family Day to be observed annually on the last Saturday of April.
Posts are encouraged to open their doors to members of their community for the day to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Legionnaires, Sons of The American Legion members, Legion Riders, and the American Legion Auxiliary. An all-day event takes a great deal of advanced planning and commitment from many members to ensure its success.
Suggested steps for planning your event
- Leaders of the Legion, Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion, and Riders meet and vote to host an American Legion Family Day the last Saturday of April.
- Reserve the post’s facilities as soon as possible for the entire day, and day prior to facilitate setup.
- Check with local officials if special permits are needed for the event.
- Establish a committee of equal numbers of members of each organization.
- Be sure to keep good records for future events.
- Determine what subcommittees will be needed.
- Program
- What time will it start?
- How long will it be?
- Who will speak?
- Legion Family - Be the One message
- Mayor
- City officials
- Military
- Local law enforcement
- Food and beverages
- Menu:
- Type of food and beverages to be offered
- Quantity needed
- Pricing or offered at no charge? (If food is offered at no cost, how will it be funded?)
- Number of members or volunteers needed for…
- Preparation
- Cooking
- Serving
- Keeping food service and dining areas clean
- Entertainment
- Provide something for all age groups.
- Games
- What type?
- What kind of prizes?
- How many?
- How will the cost of prizes be funded?
- Number of members or volunteers needed to run the games.
- Music:
- Fundraising
- Plan fundraisers in advance of the event to help cover costs.
- Event sponsors:
- Solicit local businesses to help cover costs.
- Raffles on the day of the event:
- What type?
- Be aware of local raffle license laws.
- Distinguished guests
- Who will greet each speaker or guest?
- Publicity
- Contact the mayor’s office to issue a proclamation.
- Invite local media to cover the event.
- Place articles in local papers.
- Use social media.
- Website
- Banners outside post
- Décor
- Who will decorate?
- Who will be responsible for “sprucing up” the post’s property, inside and outside?
- Be sure American flags and Legion Family banners are clean and pressed. See American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales for products.
- Information booths
- History of post:
- Veteran(s) post home was named after.
- Veterans willing to share their stories.
- Accomplishments of:
- American Legion
- American Legion Auxiliary
- Sons of The American Legion
- American Legion Riders
- Be the One:
- Provide links to BetheOne.org.
- Legion Family brochures and membership information
- Veterans’ benefits:
- Setup
- Kitchen and serving area.
- Stage or area for program
- Game area
- Dining area
- Extra seating
- Raffle tables
- Information booths
- Cleanup
- During event
- After event concludes
- Followup: Evaluate the event’s success
- Did your event accomplish the objective of showcasing the good things The American Legion Family does?
- Did anyone in attendance express interest in getting more information about or joining the Legion Family?
- After the event:
- Send any sponsors or donors a personal note saying why their donation mattered.
- Send thank-you notes to speakers and invited guests.
- Post pictures and stories on your social media pages.
- Host a thank-you night to acknowledge all of your members and volunteers.
- Begin planning next year’s event.
