MN Fifth District

09/18/2026

For those who have not heard, the eligibly for the American Legion Auxiliary has now been expanded allowing more family members to join. This includes fathers, grandfathers, brothers, and children and descendants within two degrees of the veteran.

A membership application can be downloaded here (https://www.legion-aux.org/brochures/ala-membership-application) and forwarded to your local American Legion Auxiliary Unit.

At the 2026 American Legion National Convention, delegates adopted new membership eligibility language for the American Legion Auxiliary — expanding eligibility and allowing more family members to join the ALA. Check out the ALA blog to read the official language changes and what it means for Auxiliary membership recruitment:
www.ALAforVeterans.org/Blog/New-eligibility-resolution-expands-ALA-membership

09/18/2026

Membership eligibility changes.

09/18/2026

Happy birthday to the United States Air Force!

Established in 1947, through the National Security act of 1947, The U.S. Air Force became an independant military branch under the Department of the Air Force. Long before that, American military aviation started small with the Aeronautical Division of the U.S. Army Signal Corps in 1907 operating just one Wright Brothers' plane. In 1926, it evolved into the U.S. Army Air Corps, and in 1941 became the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) playing a key role in WWII air operations across Europe and the Pacific.

To all who serve and have served in the skies and on the ground as part of the U.S. Air Force, thank you for your continued service!

09/18/2026

The table is set for one. The chair is empty – they are not here. The table is round to show our everlasting concern. The cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms. The black napkin represents the sorrow for those still missing. The single red rose in a vase reminds us of the lives of these Americans and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith while seeking answers.

The yellow ribbon around the vase symbolizes our continued uncertainty, our hope for their return, and a demand for proper accounting of those who are not among us today. A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate, captured or missing in a foreign land while serving our country. Grains of salt on the plate remind us of the countless fallen tears of families who continue to long for answers.
An inverted glass symbolizes their inability to share a toast. The lighted white candle reflects hope that our missing will return some day.
The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain us and those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.

They are missing…… REMEMBER

Established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, the day is not tied to a single conflict, though it heavily emphasizes those unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, Korean War, World War II, and other military operations. The iconic black and white POW/MIA flag feature the motto "You Are Not Forgotten." Aside from the American flag, it is the only flag authorized to fly continually over the U.S. Capitol rotunda.

09/18/2026

On this and every Friday we remember those that are currently deployed. We wish for your continued safety and the hope of you returning home soon. Thank you for your continued service.

09/15/2026

The American Legion Auxiliary Membership Eligibility is changing.

In the center, you have the person under whom you will join...male or female.
If they are alive, they must be current members of the American Legion. If they're deceased you must be able to verify their service during the approved eligibility dates.

Let's call them JOHN and JANE.

If you are the grandparent, spouse, parent, sibling, child or grandchild of either JOHN or JANE, you can join the American Legion Auxiliary.

If you are an eligible female veteran or female active duty service member, like JANE is, you can join the ALA under your own service. You do not have to be a Legionnaire in order to join.

This is not true for male veterans or male active duty service members like JOHN. He CAN join the American Legion but he CAN NOT join the ALA under his own service. HOWEVER.......he can join the ALA if he is the grandfather, father, brother, son or grandson of an eligible veteran or living Legionnaire.

This also means that any man that qualifies for the SAL can join the ALA.

09/14/2026

The passing of Past District Commander Bill Bray to Post everlasting.

The passing of Past Post and District Commander William "Bill" Bray to Post everlasting.

Past Minneapolis-Richfield Post 435 Commander William "Bill" Bray passed away on September 4, 2026 at the age of 100. He served in the U.S. Navy (42-47), U.S. Army Air Force/U.S. Air Force (47-53), and U.S. Army (53-75). He retired as a Command Sergeant Major. He was Post commander in 1993 - 1994 and Fifth District Commander 1998 - 1999 and later served as Department Vice Commander.

Visitation will be on Monday, September 14 at 9 AM at Morris Nilsen Funeral Home located at 6527 Portland Ave S. Richfield, MN 55423. Procession to follow to Fort Snelling National Cemetery (10:30) for interment at 11. All members of American Legion Post 435 Family are welcome to attend and say good bye.

Read here: William L. Bray Obituary. https://wzvgwq.clicks.mlsend.com/tf/cl/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjEzOTI5NDQsXCJsXCI6MTk4MzQ0NDA1NTIyODQzNDMxLFwiclwiOjE5ODM0NDQxNjIzMjk5ODc5OH0iLCJzIjoiMTQ4YTc1ZjlhYzQ0NTRlMCJ9

09/11/2026

Today we remember the 2,977 lives lost. We honor those first responders, military, and community members that rushed in to help, and stepped forward to defend our nation that day and in the years that followed. We honor the families and communities, who carry the quiet burden of loss. We remember the home-front strength that sustained our country through it's darkest days.

On this 25th anniversary of 9/11, may we never forget. May we keep in our hearts those still grieving, and still impacted by the events of that day.

8:46 am: American Airlines Flight 11 (North Tower) 9:03 am: United Airlines Flight 175 (South Tower)
9:37 am: American Airlines Flight 77 (Pentagon) 10:03 am: United Airlines Flight 93 (Shanksville, Pennsylvania)

09/10/2026

While September 10 is World Su***de Prevention Day, The American Legion has been focused on su***de prevention for years with our Be The One program, including buddy checks monthly. What are you doing to prevent su***de?



https://www.legion.org/advocacy/be-the-one