Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies - 2024 - General handbook for American Legion officers

Sep 16, 2026

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2024 Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies provides broad, volunteer-focused guidance for planning and conducting American Legion programs. It explains the structure of communication from National Headquarters through departments, districts and local posts, and outlines post-level elected officers and standard committees. It also includes ceremony guidance, operational procedures, and references to constitutional and by-laws mandates. A liability disclaimer clarifies that the guide offers general advice rather than legal counsel and directs readers to departments or qualified attorneys for concerns.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages142

Reading Time50 min

AccessFree to download

Levels of Communication

National Headquarters to local posts relationship

Post officers and commissions/committees

2024 Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies [legion. org](legion. org) The following chart explains the relationship a local post has with other posts, the district or county, the department and National Headquarters. For the sake of brevity, post subcommittees are not included. A list of “standard” post committees and other non-traditional committees (depending on a post’s programs and activities) begins on page 18. The American Legion Levels of Communication | NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS | | | --- | --- | | | | | DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS | | | 55 departments | | | | | | DISTRICT AND/OR COUNTY | | | Approximately 800 districts | | POST COMMANDER Approximately 12,000 posts POST ADJUTANT OTHER ELECTED OFFICERS COMMISSIONS/COMMITTEES 1. Americanism 2. Children and Youth 3. Economic 4. Finance 5. House 6. Internal Affairs 7. Legislative 8. Membership & Post Activities 9. Media & Communications 10. Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation 11. National Security 12. Graves Registration 13. Sons of The American Legion 14. Legion Riders POST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE | LEGEND | | | --- | --- | | | coordination & information | | | directive | 2024 Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies Published by The American Legion National Headquarters Internal Affairs & Membership Division P.O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, IN 46206 [legion.org](legion.org) 61st Edition Revised November 2023 Disclaimer of liability The American Legion Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies (“guide”) provides the reader with very general information about planning and conducting various programs. This guide is only intended to help assist volunteers and staff. With respect to information contained in this guide, neither The American Legion nor any of its officers, directors or employees make any warranty, express or implied, nor assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process implemented at the post or department level. This guide only constitutes general advice and recommendations for operations based on best practices. Information within the guide stating “shall or must” is based on federal law or federal/IRS regulations and mandates. All other items of information in this guide are general suggestions except for the National Constitution and By-Laws. This guide does not constitute any type of legal advice. If readers have any concerns about anything in this guide, they are strongly advised to contact their respective department and an attorney licensed in their state. Please see 36 U.S.C. Section 21704: The Corporation (The American Legion) may provide guidance and leadership to organizations (departments) and local chapters (posts) ... but may not control or otherwise influence the specific activities and conduct of such organizations (departments) and local chapters (posts). FOREWORD The Officer’s Guide is the principal handbook issued by National Headquarters to help American Legion officers fulfill their roles. It combines a guide to post offices, operations and procedures; the Manual of Ceremonies, which describes ceremonies prescribed by the National Trophies, Awards and Ceremonials Subcommittee; and an appendix including eligibility requirements, parliamentary procedures, a suggested post constitution and by-laws, and more. Publications on all major American Legion programs are available from the department and National Headquarters. See the complete list at [legion.org/publications](legion.org/publications. Many can)[. Many can](legion.org/publications. Many can) be downloaded for free; others are available at [low cost at](low cost at emblem.legion.org)[ emblem.legion.org](low cost at emblem.legion.org). If questions arise on American Legion policies or procedures, contact the district officers or department headquarters. We hope this handbook will help in the post’s mission, and we en

FAQs

What purpose does the 2024 Officer’s Guide serve for American Legion officers?

It is the principal handbook from National Headquarters to help officers fulfill their roles, combining guidance on post operations with the Manual of Ceremonies and related materials.

How does the guide describe the communication structure from National Headquarters to local posts?

It outlines the relationship among National Headquarters, department headquarters, district/county structures, and approximately 12,000 posts, including roles of coordination and information versus directive functions.

What is the guide’s disclaimer regarding legal responsibility?

The guide provides general information and best-practice recommendations, does not constitute legal advice, and disclaims warranties and legal liability for accuracy, completeness, or usefulness.

Sep 16, 2026

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