American Legion National Convention 2026

The American Legion National Convention 2026 convenes in New Orleans, Louisiana August 28 through September 1, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center — one of the largest and most distinguished convention facilities in the South — for the most consequential gathering of America's oldest and largest veterans service organization. Founded in 1919 by World War I veterans, the American Legion now represents over two million members across 13,000 posts in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines. The National Convention is the Legion's supreme governing body: it is here that resolutions are passed, national leadership is elected, and the Legion's advocacy priorities for the coming year are formally established and empowered. The 2026 convention program spans five days and includes legislative advocacy sessions where Legionnaires meet with their congressional representatives on Capitol Hill (virtually and in person), the National Boys Nation and Girls Nation mock Congress programs, Boys State and Girls State scholarship announcements, the American Legion Baseball national tournament celebration, the oratorical contest national finals, a major career and education fair for veterans, and the formal business sessions that determine the direction of the Legion's advocacy on behalf of all American veterans. New Orleans — with its legendary food, music, history, and Southern hospitality — provides an unforgettable setting for this annual gathering of heroes. All American Legion members, Auxiliary members, Sons of the American Legion, and Riders are encouraged to attend and participate in this democratic exercise of veteran power.