First Decades (1919-1938)

Early American Legion National Convention badges resembled the badges of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), one of the nation’s largest and most influential veteran’s organizations before World War I. Organized by Union Army veterans of the American Civil War, the Grand Army of the Republic valued fraternity, charity, and loyalty, as seen through the symbols on their badges. The similarities between the GAR’s Annual Encampment badges and early American Legion National Convention badges are striking.

1913 Grand Army of the Republic Annual State Encampment Badge. The soldiers shaking hands reflects the Grand Army of the Republic’s emphasis on fraternity and community amongst other soldiers.

1914 Grand Army of the Republic Annual State Encampment Badge. The five-pointed star on the badge represents unity amongst the five branches of the military: Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Revenue Cutter Service (now known as the Coast Guard).

1949 Grand Army of the Republic Annual State Encampment Badge. The bald eagle at the top of the badge promotes the second objective of the organization, loyalty to the nation.