We are The Sons of The American Legion
Detachment of Massachusetts
We consist of male descendents of Veterans of the United States of America. We are also the link between all Massachusetts Sons of The American Legion Squadrons and the National Organization. Our Officers and Committeemen are here ready to assist any squadron with membership and the programs of The Sons of The American Legion. We hope you enjoy your visit to this web site and find it informative. If you have any questions about the SAL please feel free to contact us.
Our mission is to implement the goals, aspirations, dreams, peace and blessings for our country, friends and families embodied in our preamble below.
About The SAL
The Sons of The American Legion (SAL) is a program of The American Legion established in 1932 in Portland, Oregon. Since then, the SAL have assisted The American Legion with their programs and activities. In 2018 nationwide we had 371,020 members in 55 detachments. Massachusetts 2019 Membership is 5459.
The largest Detachment (State level) has over 62,017 members. Trophies and awards are given to Detachments and Squadrons for the largest membership and the largest increase in membership. The American Legion, the Sons of The American Legion, and the American Legion Auxiliary form the "Legion Family." Our family boasts a combined total membership of nearly 4.2 million members.
Membership in the SAL is open to all male descendants, adopted sons and stepsons of members of The American Legion. Also accepted are any such descendants of veterans who died in service during the eligibility periods set forth in Article IV, Section 1, of the National Constitution of The American Legion or who died subsequent to their honorable discharge from such service. Since the eligibility age begins from date of birth, activities and programs of squadrons are determined by age groups within squadrons and the needs of the community. Just as each Legion post determines the extent of its service to the community, state, and nation, so each squadron is permitted flexibility in planning programs and activities to meet its own needs. The average age of an SAL member is estimated at 33 years of age.
The Sons of the American Legion have programs recommended for younger members, however, this is not limited to just them. The program is called The Ten Ideals, patriotism, health, knowledge, training, honor, faith, helpfulness, courtesy, reverence, and comradeship. Once completed, members may continue with another program called the Five-Point Program of Service. This program covers patriotism, citizenship, discipline, leadership, and legionism.
The Sons of The American Legion is more than just membership. On all levels, they have worked together with The American Legion to promote a wide variety of programs, including assissting the local posts in their activities, Veterans programs (VAVS), VA home and hospital volunteering, Children & Youth activities, and fund raising.
Since 1988, nationally the Sons of The American Legion has raised over 8 million dollars for The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, The SAL is the single largest contributor to the CWF and has raised over $ 9 million.in 2019, with $427,000 in donations and 178,487 hours of service. The Detachment of Mass in 2018 donated $8,194.00 and 150 hours of service. In 2018-19 Massachusetts Sons have 1,302 total volunteer hours recorded with 98 visits in Veterans Hospitals. We have donated over $7,000 directly to the VA hospitals and VA homes for a variety of items including TVs, radios, wheel chairs, medical equipment, and clothes for the patients.
At the 2019 National Convention in Indianapolis IN, Massachusetts was honorecd to receive the Commanders Legacy Scholarship Awards with the largest donaton.
The Sons of The American Legion is one of the organizations that make up the Citizens Flag Alliance, www.citizensflagalliance.org/ a coalition formed to secure Flag protection legislation through an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. SAL volunteers work to establish local networks by having petitions available and handing out informational material. They alert the community of the importance of Flag display and respect, while encouraging Flag education programs in schools and other local organizations
The Detachment of Massachusetts SAL will answer any questions about our programs by e-mail:
Additional information can be obtained by visiting the
National Sons of The American Legion web site at www.legion.org/sal