As of July 30, 2019 the eligibility rules for membership in the American Legion have changed. The bill declared that the United States has been at war since December 1941.

This means that veterans who were honorably discharged, but whose service did not fall under the previously defined war eras may now join the American Legion.

The act is officially called The Legion Act formally titled, “Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service.” It recognizes all veterans since World War II as “wartime veterans” and consequently extends American Legion membership to all who served during previously undeclared periods of war.

The American Legion was established over 100 years ago in Paris, France March 15, 1919, by officers and men of the American Expeditionary Forces who fought in World War I.

It was instrumental in drafting the Serviceman’s Readjustment Act (commonly known as the G.I. Bill) which was passed by Congress in 1944.

The American Legion also has auxiliary membership available to eligible members of the Legionnaire’s family according to information provided by the local chapter.

Post #191 has awarded scholarships to Emmaus High School. Last year senior Daniel Hollenbaugh received the scholarship award.

To be considered for the Charles H. Schaeffer American Legion Post 191 Award, the student must be pursuing a post-secondary path at a military academy, a college ROTC program or be a direct enlistee into one of the military branches; have a strong GPA, participate in extracurricular activities and write a 500-word essay on “Why I want to join the military.”

The Charles Henry Schaeffer American Legion Post 191 in Emmaus, PA meets 7 p.m. at the Citizens Fire Co. #2, 1017 Pennsylvania Ave., Emmaus. The meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month except July and August when no meetings are slated.

For more information, call Jeff Gerhart, post commander, at 610-216-4700; if no answer, leave a message.