| The American Legion is an organization of veterans of the United States armed forces who served in wartime. In
addition to organizing commemorative events and volunteer activities, the American Legion is active in US politics. Its primary political activity is lobbying for the interests of
veterans, including support for veteran's benefits such as pensions and the VA hospital system;
in addition, it promotes other patriotic causes such as respect for the
American flag, including support for a Flag Burning Amendment or any other flag desecration. The
organization has also recently supported the Boy Scouts of
America in their efforts to refuse membership to gays. In addition, the American Legion is a firm supporter of religion and
anti-atheism.
The first national convention of the American Legion was held from November
10-12, 1919 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the 1930s several of its leaders allegedly plotted a fascist-type coup against the federal government.
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