One of our newest members of Building A Better Boyertown is American Legion Auxiliary Boyertown Post 471. The American Legion Auxiliary — originally called the Women’s Auxiliary to the American Legion — was founded shortly after the American Legion in 1919, according to the organization’s website. In 1921, members voted to drop the word “women’s” from the name, although it remained a women’s organization. Eligibility was originally open to grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses and female descendants of members of the American Legion. Recently the inclusion of male spouses is now allowed in the auxiliary.
You can find auxiliaries in more than 8,000 local communities in the USA and in foreign countries. Founded in 1919 during the first National Convention of The American Legion, the ALA has grown to be one of the largest veterans support organizations.
In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, they advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security. Making communities better places in which to live is another core value put into action by American Legion Auxiliary members every day across the country, including in Boyertown.
One of the more well known traditions/fundraisers that the auxiliary holds is their poppy donation campaign. On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.
Led by the American Legion Auxiliary, each year members of The American Legion Family distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower make a donation to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs. On the Friday before Memorial Day, wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation's uniform.
To learn more about our local American Legion Auxiliary, check out their Page. https://www.facebook.com/BoyertownAmericanLegionAuxiliary