The American Legion, Department of Alaska

10/13/2026

The United States Navy's birthday is celebrated annually on October 13, marking the day in 1775 when the Continental Congress authorized the first naval force.

Origins and History

• First Fleet: The Continental Congress passed a resolution on October 13, 1775, to fit out a swift-sailing vessel with 10 carriage guns and 80 men for a three-month cruise.

• Official Recognition: Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, the Chief of Naval Operations, officially designated October 13 as the Navy's birthday in 1972 to boost heritage and professionalism.

• Milestone: The U.S. Navy celebrated its historic 251st year of service, following major 250th anniversary commemorations.

10/12/2026

Take a few minutes to catch up on what matters in this week's 5 Things to Know.

From developments affecting veterans and servicemembers to the latest national security news, we've rounded up five stories to help you stay informed.

Read the full roundup at https://bit.ly/4s8H4ks

10/12/2026

Atop Mount Suribachi, amidst fierce fighting in the Pacific, six United States Marines raised a flag that would become one of the most famous symbols in World War II history.

This photograph by Joe Rosenthal captures a moment that transcended the battlefield. Behind the waving flag lies the courage, sacrifice, and struggle of the soldiers facing one of the most difficult battles of the war against Japan.

The identities of the six flag raisers have now been verified through historical research. They were Michael Strank, Harlon Block, Franklin Sousley, Ira Hayes, Harold Schultz, and Harold “Pie” Keller.

Three of them, Strank, Block, and Sousley, died in battle on Iwo Jima. Their names are part of a story of sacrifice that continues to be remembered today.

A photograph freezes a moment in history, but the courage and sacrifice behind it will live on in the memories of future generations.

Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, February 23, 1945.

10/12/2026

10/09/2026

Attention Post, Units, Squadrons and Chapters Social Media admins;

American Legion Policy on the Use of Official Logos and Generative AI explained;

The responsible use of modern technology, including generative artificial intelligence (AI), for creating promotional materials, social media graphics, flyers, posters and other communications. However, the use of AI does not change the rules governing The American Legion's protected emblems, brandmarks, wordmarks and other official identifying marks.

"Per the National Judge Advocate, the updated branding guidelines prohibit the use of generative AI to create/alter ANY American Legion branding or emblems, including all entities, programs, and the ALA. " August 10th, 2026

ALL information can be found here: www.legion.org/about/media-toolkits/brand-marks-guidelines

Official American Legion Marks Must Remain Official

The American Legion emblem, brandmark, wordmarks and associated program marks are legally protected property of The American Legion. This includes marks associated with:

The American Legion
Sons of The American Legion
American Legion Auxiliary
American Legion Riders
American Legion Family
American Legion Baseball
Be the One
Boys State and Boys Nation
Girls State and Girls Nation
Junior Shooting Sports
American Legion charities, programs and approved sub-branding

Generative AI tools may NOT be used to create, recreate, redraw, upscale, alter, stylize, modify or imitate these official symbols.

This includes asking an AI program to "make an American Legion logo," "clean up the Legion emblem," "make the logo sharper," "recreate this logo," "change the colors," or otherwise generate a new version of an official Legion mark. National Headquarters specifically states that generative AI tools of any kind may not be used to create, recreate, upscale or otherwise alter, stylize or modify official Legion symbols.

AI May Be Used to Create the Artwork, Not the Logo

AI may be used as a creative tool to develop backgrounds, illustrations, scenery, patriotic imagery and other original design elements for Legion communications.

For example, AI could be used to create an image containing:

An Alaska landscape
Veterans standing together
Military aircraft or ships
Community-service imagery
Patriotic backgrounds
Holiday or event artwork

However, the AI-generated artwork should be created without asking the AI system to reproduce The American Legion emblem or brandmark.

After the artwork is completed, an authorized, official American Legion logo file should be placed into the finished design separately.

The basic rule is:

Use AI to create the artwork.
Use the official Legion file for the logo.

Do not allow AI to draw, interpret or reconstruct the logo.

If AI Accidentally Generates a Legion-Like Logo

If an AI-generated image contains what appears to be an American Legion emblem, brandmark or imitation of one, that generated mark should not be used as the official logo.

Remove the AI-generated version and replace it with the approved artwork supplied by The American Legion.

Even if the AI-generated version looks almost identical, it is still an AI recreation and may contain subtle errors in lettering, proportions, colors, stars, borders or other protected design elements.

"Close enough" is not the standard for an organizational trademark.

Do Not Use AI to Fix the Official Logo

An official logo should not be sent through an AI image generator for:

Sharpening, Upscaling, Restoring, Redrawing, Changing colors, Adding effects, Converting it into another artistic style, Making it three-dimensional
Making it metallic, distressed, painted, embroidered or cartoon-like, Changing or reconstructing lettering, Combining it into a newly generated logo

Instead, obtain a proper high-resolution official file from The American Legion's approved branding resources. The Legion makes official emblem and brandmark files available specifically for this purpose. Possession of those files, however, does not automatically authorize every possible use.

Emblem vs. Brandmark

The traditional American Legion emblem and the newer American Legion brandmark serve different purposes.

The brandmark is generally intended for marketing and public-facing communications such as social media, advertising, fundraising, recruitment materials, community activities, sponsorships and event announcements.

The traditional emblem is generally reserved for official organizational communications, including official reports, legal and financial documents, policy statements, press releases, business cards and official letterhead.

Posts and Departments should use the appropriate mark for the communication being produced.

Post and Department Identification

AI should also not be used to invent a new Legion logo by combining the national emblem or brandmark with Post, District, Department or Squadron wording in a way that conflicts with The American Legion's approved sub-branding guidelines.

The American Legion has established specific sub-branding standards to ensure that Post, District and Department identification remains consistent with the national brand. Any treatment outside or conflicting with those guidelines may be considered unauthorized.

Permission Still Matters

The American Legion's marks are federally protected. Posts and Departments have authority to use approved marks for normal, legitimate Legion business such as publications, notices, posters, stationery and similar communications.

Other uses — particularly merchandise, commercial products, third-party production or uses involving financial transactions — may require authorization through Department Headquarters and National Headquarters.

Request Information can be found here: register.legion.org/emblem/request

No Post, Department, individual officer or member has authority to independently grant another party the right to manufacture or reproduce items bearing The American Legion's protected marks.

Recommended Two-Step AI Design Process

When creating Legion promotional material with AI:

STEP 1 — CREATE THE ART

Use the AI program to generate the desired background, illustration or supporting imagery without the American Legion emblem, brandmark or other protected Legion marks included in the AI prompt or generated artwork.

STEP 2 — ADD THE OFFICIAL MARK

After the AI artwork is finished, use a graphics or layout program to place the authorized, official American Legion emblem or brandmark file onto the design.

The official mark should remain unchanged and follow National Headquarters branding requirements for proportions, spacing, colors and presentation.

Simple Rule for Legion Members

AI can help create the picture.
AI CAN NOT create the Legion logo.

If the design needs an American Legion, SAL, Auxiliary, Riders, Be the One or other protected Legion Family mark, use the official artwork supplied by the organization and add it to the design after the AI-generated portion is complete.

This protects the integrity of our trademarks, maintains a consistent professional appearance and ensures that the symbols generations of veterans and Legion Family members recognize remain accurate and respected.

When in doubt: Generate the artwork, never generate the emblem.



**Keep an eye out for the next Department of Alaska ZOOM class for Social Media

10/09/2026

As veterans, we understand the sacrifices that come with military service. We know what it means to stand watch far from home, miss holidays and milestones, and answer the call to serve wherever our nation needs us. That is why wearing RED on Fridays, "Remember Everyone Deployed", is so important.

This simple gesture is a visible sign of support for the men and women currently serving. It lets them and their families know that their sacrifices have not been forgotten. By wearing red, we honor their commitment, recognize their service, and remind our communities that freedom continues to be defended every day by those who wear our nation's uniform.

As veterans, it is our duty to stand with those still carrying the mission forward. Wear RED on Fridays and help ensure that every deployed service member knows they have the unwavering support of a grateful nation.

10/09/2026

Nothing beats mail call when there's a package from home with your name on it.

The USPS Military Care Kit helps families save on sending one.

Veterans, what's the best thing you ever got in a care package?

Read more in the comments.

10/08/2026

POST / SQUADRON LEADERSHIP: UTILIZE THE TOOLS AVAILABLE TO YOU

Running an American Legion Post and Squadron takes time, commitment, and communication, but you do not have to do everything from scratch. If you remember two Fall Conferences ago Legionnaires Mike Downs and Amanda Jones gave a class on this as well.

The American Legion’s online membership tools provide Post and Squadron leadership with resources designed to make the job a little easier. Take the time to explore them and put them to work for your Post. These tools are available to Commanders and Adjutants. The Commander may also assign someone to assist.

You can access pre-made membership renewal letters, membership reports, member information, and tools that can help you identify and reach out to veterans in your area.

One of the biggest opportunities is locating eligible members who are currently sitting in Department Post 77, the digital holding Post. These are Legionnaires who may live right in your community but have never been personally invited to become part of your local Post.

Reach out to them.

Send a letter. Make a phone call. Introduce yourself. Tell them what your Post is doing and invite them to attend a meeting, meal, event, service project, or simply stop by and meet the Legion Family.

Sometimes the difference between someone remaining a name on a membership report and becoming an active member of your Post is simply someone taking the time to ask them.

The online tools also provide reports and other resources that can assist with membership management, renewals, retention, communication, and Post administration.

These tools were created to help us succeed; utilize them.

Don't wait for potential members to find your Post. Find them, reach out, welcome them, and show them why belonging to a local American Legion Post matters.

Every contact is an opportunity to strengthen your Post, strengthen our organization, and most importantly, strengthen the connection between veterans in our communities.

Leadership begins with reaching out.