The Detachment of New Jersey

Our Preamble:

"Proud possessor of a priceless heritage, we male descendants of veterans of the Great Wars, associate ourselves together as "Sons of the American Legion" for the following purposes:

To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a true spirit of Americanism; to preserve the memories of our former members and the association of our members and our forefathers in the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the Community, State and Nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity, the principles of Justice, Freedom and Democracy, to consecrate and sanctify our friendship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness; to adopt in letter and spirit, all of the great principles for which the American Legion stands; and to assist in carrying on for God and Country."

What is The Sons of the American Legion?

The Sons of the American Legion is a program of the American Legion that was established in 1932.  Members of the S.A.L. work to the achieve the same goals as the American Legion- service to their Community, State and Nation, and service to veterans of the U.S.

What do they do?

Activities in which The Sons of the American Legion are involved include donations to charities or non-profit organizations; scholarships; volunteering for community service; providing care for, and aid to, disabled or hospitalized veterans; education of U.S. citizens about the government and veterans issues.

How can I join?

From the National SAL Website:
"To be eligible, you must be a male descendant (includes stepsons and adopted sons) of a member of The American Legion.

You would also be eligible to join the Sons of The American Legion if you are the male descendant (stepsons and adopted sons included) of a veteran who died in service during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, or the Persian Gulf War (see specific time periods for service during these conflicts).

You would also be eligible to join the Sons of The American Legion if you are the male descendant (stepsons and adopted sons included) of a veteran who died subsequent to his or her honorable discharge from service in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, or the Persian Gulf War (the same eligibility periods apply as above)."

You can contact a squadron in your area for a membership application.  You will need to provide to them proof of eligibility in the form of Legion records or proof of honorable discharge for the veteran through whom you are establishing eligibility.

How do I find a squadron in my area?

There are approximately 150 squadrons in New Jersey.  You can find squadrons listed by county with contact information in the N.J. Squadrons section  of this website.  If you're from, or moving to, another state, you should contact that state's Detachment to find out the necessary information.

What benefits do I get as a member of the S.A.L.?

Aside from the benefits of participating in the largest veterans organization in the U.S., members of the Sons of the American Legion are eligible for many of the same programs and discounts as American Legion members.  A comprehensive list of them can be found at the National American Legion site here.

What are the dues for the Sons of the American Legion?

Each squadron is responsible for its own dues structure.  Some charge a flat rate for all members, while some may charge differently for different ages.  You should contact a local squadron in your area to determine their dues structure.  Part of your dues goes to your Detachment and the National Organization to help pay for the programs of the Sons of the American Legion that are offered by the State and National Organization.

If you have other questions, feel free to contact the Officers of the Detachment or the Webmasters.

The SALute
The Newsletter of the Detachment of New Jersey