Annually, about 9,000 members of The American Legion Family attend National Convention, which includes conventions for The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion, as well as The American Legion Riders Legacy Run. The 2024 National Convention is Aug. 23-29 in New Orleans. The event will be the 103rd National Convention for the American Legion Auxiliary and 105th for The American Legion.

The purpose of our National Convention is to elect officers, receive reports, and conduct the business of the organization as required by the ALA National Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules. Part of that business is conducted by the National Executive Committee — the national board of directors of the ALA with fiduciary, policy, and strategic responsibility for the organization. The 2023-2024 NEC will meet in New Orleans on Saturday, Aug. 24, and the new 2024-2025 NEC will be convened by the newly elected national president on Thursday, Aug. 29.

A few highlights of the week will include color guard and band contests, Legion Riders Legacy Run arrival, pre-convention committee meetings, a patriotic memorial service, opening convention session, and the installation of the 2024-2025 national officers.  

Several major ALA awards are also presented at our National Convention to honor outstanding successes in service to veterans, military, and their families, both within the ALA and out in the community: 

• Salute to Servicemembers Award recognizes military members from each branch of service.

• Unit Member of the Year recognizes those serving at the unit level who exemplify the values and ideals of the Auxiliary and whose accomplishments significantly impact the program work in their units.

• Junior Members of the Year recognizes Junior members actively serving the ALA mission.

• The Public Spirit Award recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations for contributions that positively impact communities through service to our veterans, military, and their families. 

The 2024 ALA Public Spirit Award will be presented to Wreaths Across America. In August 2023, the American Legion Auxiliary national organization joined forces with Wreaths Across America to build a stronger awareness of each group’s common missions while supporting fundraising efforts nationwide. Established in 2007, Wreaths Across America has become synonymous with its annual wreath-laying ceremonies each December. However, its mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom is yearlong. 

Wreaths Across America has participating locations in more than 4,220 communities nationwide, engaging volunteers and organizations like American Legion Auxiliary units in educational initiatives, and sharing veteran stories of service and sacrifice. 

During the ALA’s National Convention week, attendees will also have an opportunity to honor a veteran or military personnel by donating to the Wall of Heroes. All funds received will benefit the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation’s Mission Endowment Fund to ensure the ALA’s mission of service endures for future generations. Those who cannot attend in person can still donate online in honor of their hero by visiting www.ALAFoundation.org.

Also held during convention week: The historical States Dinner in the famed city of New Orleans will have a Mardi Gras theme this year. Start shopping now for those ornate masks! 

At the end of the week, the national offices of president, vice president, division vice presidents, chaplain, and historian are elected by National Convention delegates on Wednesday and installed thereafter. 

Catch It Live!

Unable to attend National Convention in person? Our livestream is available for general sessions starting Monday, Aug. 26, as well as installation of national officers. Viewers of the livestream can post comments during each session, and archived video recordings from each session will be available following convention so you can watch it at your convenience. In addition, 2023-2024 National President Lisa Williamson will share stories from her travels and visits to departments in a heartfelt end-of-year report shown as a video presentation during convention. 

How to register to attend, agenda details, and more: www.ALAforVeterans.org/convention. Stay connected through social media: Follow us @ALAforVeterans and use #AuxCon24.