American Legion Celebrates America’s Independence With Junior Members

The American Legion Family (Legion, Auxiliary, Sons and Riders) of American Legion Post 31 in Shinnston celebrated the Fourth of July on Friday, July 4, from 2-4 p.m. with a dinner for members, family and guests. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 31 prepared a picnic style meal of hot dogs with all the fixings, baked beans, a variety of salads and desserts. The event was considered a success with approximately 60 people in attendance.

This year’s festivities marked the one-year anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 31 and the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 31 Juniors. The Junior Auxiliary and Sons members baked cupcakes and a cake for dessert for the buffet. The chocolate/strawberry cupcakes were iced and topped with a strawberry slice and blueberries. The cake was iced with a replica of the American Flag. Both were delicious. The ALA and American Legion Sons Junior Activities programs inspire active participation in American Legion and Auxiliary and present opportunities to teach Junior members aged 17 and under so they will become engaging, productive members who will want to continue their memberships into adulthood. Enrollment in the Auxiliary and Sons of many daughters and sons of American Legion members prompted the formation of Junior groups within many units.

Junior members do not form a separate organization but are members of the American Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of the American Legion, grouped separately so they may be given a program within the scope of their years and understanding. Junior membership is the training ground for active Auxiliary and Sons membership. Junior activities instill the ideals of the American Legion, and the founding principles of justice, freedom, loyalty, and democracy.

Junior groups function under the guidance of an advisor and committee from the Senior members. Organized as a committee of the unit, Juniors conduct their own meetings and carry out their own activities. The Junior officers shall be known as honorary Junior officers. Their work should be coordinated with the work of the Senior group, and they should have a role in regular unit activities whenever possible so they will feel they are truly a part of the Auxiliary and the Sons.