The Legion in Washington

The First Washington, D.C. Offices

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Original offices of American Legion national headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The American Legion opened offices in Washington, D.C. in 1921, operating from rented office space until purchasing a brownstone building at 1608 K St. NW in 1934.

From these offices, staff lobbied Congress on issues related to veterans affairs and rehabilitation, employment, education, national security and a host of other issues related to the Legion's legislative goals.

Modern Washington, D.C. Offices

Upon the completion of plans for the new building in 1949, construction commenced shortly after the demolition of the brownstone building.

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President Harry S. Truman speaks at the Washington building dedication, 1951.

Dedication ceremonies for the new, modern office building took place Aug. 14, 1951. K Street was closed for the afternoon and President Harry S. Truman gave the keynote address for the celebration.

Nearly 3,000 people attended, including 22 ambassadors and four ministers from foreign countries as well as United States Supreme Court Chief Justice Fred M. Vinson, the Secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force, and other dignitaries.

Designed to be a memorial building, the white Indiana limestone facade includes a 13-foot statue modeled after World War II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Hulon B. Whittington.

The Washington, D.C. office continues to serve as a hub for staff members and Legionnaires lobbying Congress on important legislative issues.