CONVENTION COMMISSION

Michael E. Walton, Illinois, Chairman Bridget A. Robinson, CMP, CMM, Georgia, Director

The 101st National Convention of The American Legion convened in Indianapolis Aug. 23-29, 2019. National Commander Brett P. Reistad of Virginia called the National Convention to order at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27, welcoming Legionnaires to Indianapolis and thanking them for their continuing service to our country and to our veterans. The convention began with the opening ceremony, which included Adm. Charlie Ray, vice commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, who addressed nearly 6,000 American Legion Family members on Tuesday morning. A special guest to the Convention was the Hon. Michael R. Pence, vice president of the United States. Other guest speakers addressing the 101st National Convention of The American Legion were the Hon. Donald M. Benton, director, U.S. Selective Service System; the Hon. Michael R. Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State; the Hon. Todd Young, U.S. Senate; the Hon. , U.S. Senate; the Hon. , governor of the State of ; the Hon. Joseph Hogsett, mayor of the City of Indianapolis; 2018-2019 department commander of Indiana Rodney E. Strong; and James E. Koutz, president of the 2019 National Convention Corporation.

There were many highlights during the 2019 national convention, but four events deserve special mention. On Friday, Aug. 23, the Color Guard Contests took place, well attended by contestants and observers. Eleven color guards competed in four categories with Harrisburg Post 472 from Houston being crowned again as national champions. Additionally, five bands participated in the Competitive Concert Band Contest on Saturday, Aug. 24, with the Band of the Tonawandas being crowned national champions. The Patriotic Memorial Service, featuring the Indianapolis Women’s Chorus and the Meek Sisters, and the parade, both held on Sunday, Aug. 25, were attended by nearly 2,000 American Legion Family members. On Tuesday, Aug. 27, the National Commander’s Banquet for Distinguished Guests was held at the Indiana Convention Center. The banquet featured the Fab Four as the entertainment and was attended by over 2,300 Legionnaires and guests.

CONVENTION COMMISSION ACTIVITIES

The Convention Commission conducted three regular meetings during the year. Revisions of our request for proposal (RFP) continued in 2019. This process is extremely important as it provides an equal opportunity for all cities to be evaluated the same way during the site visit process. It is the commission’s desire to continue to attract new cities that desire to host an American Legion national convention, providing “blue cap” Legionnaires and their families with varied and enjoyable conventions on an annual basis.

Future conventions and dates:

Louisville, Kentucky Aug. 28 – Sept. 3, 2020 (canceled due to pandemic) Phoenix, Arizona Aug. 27 – Sept. 2, 2021 Milwaukee, Wisconsin Aug. 26 – Sept. 1, 2022 Charlotte, North Carolina Aug. 25 – 31, 2023 New Orleans, Louisiana Aug. 23 – 29, 2024