Internal Affairs Policy on Legion Riders

 

Since the National Executive Committee in their October 2002 meeting rejected Resolution 145, Subject: Establish American Legion Riders Motorcycle Association, from Texas which recommended the Legion Riders be established as an Americanism program, the Internal Affairs Commission receives an increasing number of requests for basic guidance on establishing a Legion Rider activity.  Since motorcycle riding is becoming a popular free time and social activity, Posts and Departments can use Legion Riders as a way to connect and communicate across the Nation.  The following principles may be used as guidelines to start Legion Riders activities:

 

1.)   A post activity for Legionnaires who enjoy motorcycle riding and an ideal activity to assist in supporting The American Legion Programs and in parades and other ceremonies to further the aims and purposes of The American Legion.  Also an excellent opportunity to use as a tool to teach motorcycle safety in the community and schools.

 

2.)   Family oriented activity for Legion, Auxiliary and SAL members only.

 

3.)   Maintain the image of The American Legion at all times.

 

4.)   Appropriate wearing of The American Legion Emblem. -----The emblem of our "Thje American Legion" demands "that the wearer shall ever guard the sanctity of home and country and free institutions."  This rationale is, and always will be the significance of how our name and the emblem of our organization, is represented.  Since 1919, our purposes have come to signify the important principles of our American way of life and our Constitutional form of government.  Every use of the name and the emblem symbolizes the integrity and principles of the organization, which they represent, and those that we are obligated to serve.  This includes any pins, patches and slogans that are dispatched along with The American Legion emblem.  The goodwill represented by our name and emblem is spread through the communities of America. (extract from The American Legion Emblem Style Manual)

 

5.)   Avoid any perception of being a "motorcycle" or "biker" club--- basic purpose is the enjoyment of riding bikes and furthering Legion programs in the community.

 

6.)   Follow the rules and procedures in obtaining, wearing and displaying Legion Riders name with TAL emblem.  Where it is Post activity, the patch would have Post # (Department initials), eg., Post 1899 (IN). In the case where the Department DEC has approved as Department activity, the patch would read, eg., "Legion Riders of Indiana".  It has been suggested to eliminate "Chapter" or Association of (Department Name) " from the patch to avoid a "biker" club perception.  If Department desires Chapter or Association on the Legion Riders patch, Department DEC approval is required in accordance with Article VIII, National Constitution of The American Legion.  For Department level activity, Emblem Sales must have on record authorization from the Department Adjutant that the Department name may be used on the patch otherwise Emblem Sales will sale the patch with Post # (Department Initials).

 

7.)   Comply with the motor vehicle safety and insurance laws/regulations of the State in which operating.