Eighteen million dollars. . .Ten million hours of service. . .that is what American Legion Auxiliary volunteers contribute in just ONE year! Since our organization was founded more than seven decades ago, the Auxiliary has certainly earned its place in the community. And, as the largest patriotic women's service organization in the world, the Auxiliary has proven its worth in hundreds of ways.

Our volunteers have earned a reputation for selfless service in thousands of communities across the country. Our nearly one million members carry out programs to benefit veterans, young people and the community at large.

In our Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation program, more than 100,000 hospital, field and home service volunteers give millions of hours to assist veterans. In addition, they provide funds to purchase essential equipment and supplies in 171 VA medical centers and other veterans' facilities. Our members actively support legislation to improve veterans' benefits.

Auxiliary volunteers make and provide holiday gifts and plan parties throughout the year to cheer hospitalized veterans. They furnish transportation, food, clothing, and most important of all, loving care for home-bound veterans.

When America's troops were called to the Middle East, Auxiliary members worked to ease the strain on service families at home and fill the gap left by absent parents and spouses by collecting and shipping toiletries and snacks, writing letters and sending postage stamps. We thought of those brave young people as family. And when they returned safely, Auxiliary members shared the nation's joy.

The Auxiliary's Poppy program for veterans is the oldest, and probably the most well known, of our many programs. Auxiliary volunteers distribute millions of poppies every year in return for donations, large and small. The contributions are used exclusively to assist veterans and their families. The crepe paper poppies are made by hospitalized veterans, thereby providing a small income, therapy and help to build the veteran's self-esteem. In the community, the little red flowers remind the world that we have not forgotten the sacrifice of our veterans. We proudly wear this beautiful symbol in memory of those who died to preserve the freedom we enjoy.

The Auxiliary is deeply concerned with America's children and young people. They represent our future. Our programs address child safety, juvenile justice, the problems of missing children, drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy and teen suicide.

Each year, the Auxiliary contributes millions of dollars and volunteer hours to individual projects for children, in addition to the thousands of dollars which are donated to The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation to provide grants for various children's programs.

Quality education for all people is very important to our members. The Auxiliary gives approximately $1 million each year for scholarships which enable young people to continue their education.

To eliminate the growing problem of adult illiteracy, Auxiliary members volunteer as tutors to help adults improve their reading skills, find better jobs and become productive members of their community.

We also recognize the importance of an informed, involved citizenry and annually spotlight outstanding local and national educators and media professionals for their significant and important role in our communities.

The Auxiliary works to improve the quality of life for all citizens in our communities. Auxiliary members plant trees and flowers, conduct recycling programs, clean up roadways, provide support for women in shelters and provide food, clothing and shelter to those who are less fortunate. Libraries, youth groups and schools also benefit from our members' efforts.

Since the Girls State and Girls Nation programs were established, more than 1 million young women have been given the opportunity to experience the workings of state and federal government. At these sessions, high school juniors learn leadership, patriotism, self-worth and confidence which helps prepare them to take their places as productive and successful members of our society.

Another Auxiliary youth program, the Junior program, prepares the Auxiliary's young members to carry on with the work of the organization. The Junior program assures the organization's growth and continuity and teaches the fundamentals of leadership and service to our future members at the Unit, District, Department and National levels.

A new program which the Auxiliary has taken part in is the Citizens Flag Alliance. The Alliance is an apolitical, non-partisan confederation of organizations and individuals who wish to protect the United States flag from public physical desecration. Stressing education along with rallying public support, the Citizens Flag Alliance's goal is to pass an amendment to the U.S. Constitution making it illegal to publicly desecrate the flag. The Auxiliary is taking part in this effort because they believe the flag is unique among our traditional national emblems and deserves respect, care and protection.

These are just some of the things that the American Legion Auxiliary does for veterans, communities and young people. We welcome every eligible woman to join us. It is your opportunity to share the joy, and the rewards, of doing something good for yourself and your community.