The Pennsylvania American Legion is taking entries for its annual essay contest. Winners will receive $3,500, $3,000, or $2,500 scholarships for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
The contest is open to students in two categories: grades 6-8 and 9-12. Students can be from public, private, parochial, cyber, charter, or home schooled.
Students must submit their essay by mail or hand delivery to their local American Legion post by Jan 8, 2025 for those in grades 9-12 and February 5th for those in grades 6-8. Complete rules and regulations are available at here.
The Legion also hosts an oratorical contest with scholarships offering $7,500, $5,000, and $4,000 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. That contest is only open to those in grades 9-12.
Marine Forces Reserve Birthday
The 109th birthday of the United States Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR) will be on August 29. Congress established the USMCR on August 29, 1916. The day honors the Marine Corps' history, traditions, and achievements, as well as the dedication and sacrifice of its members.
Celebrating the Marine Forces Reserve Birthday: Honoring Service and Commitment
Marine Forces Reserve Birthday
Each year on February 29, the Marine Forces Reserve celebrates its birthday, marking a significant milestone in the history of the United States Marine Corps. Established in 1934, the Marine Forces Reserve plays a vital role in ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of the Marine Corps. This celebration not only honors the dedicated service of reservists but also highlights the close relationship between the Marine Forces Reserve and organizations like The American Legion, which supports all veterans.
Understanding the Marine Forces Reserve Birthday
The Marine Forces Reserve Birthday commemorates the establishment of the reserve component of the Marine Corps, which allows Marines to serve part-time while maintaining their civilian lives. This dual commitment embodies the spirit of service and sacrifice that characterizes all members of the Marine Corps. The Marine Forces Reserve is crucial in providing trained units and qualified individuals who can be rapidly deployed in times of need, whether for domestic emergencies or overseas operations.
Recognizing the Marine Forces Reserve Birthday is essential for acknowledging the unique contributions of reservists. These dedicated individuals often balance civilian careers, education, and family life while fulfilling their military duties. The celebration serves as a reminder of their commitment to service and the sacrifices they make in the name of freedom.
The Role of The American Legion
The American Legion, founded in 1919, has long been a champion for the rights and needs of veterans from all branches of the military, including the Marine Forces Reserve. As we celebrate the Marine Forces Reserve Birthday, it is essential to highlight the Legion's efforts in supporting reservists and veterans alike. The American Legion provides various programs and resources that directly benefit those who have served, including:
Advocacy for Veterans’ Rights: The American Legion actively advocates for policies that support veterans and reservists. This includes lobbying for benefits, healthcare access, and recognition of their unique service contributions. The organization’s voice is crucial in ensuring that the needs of Marine Forces Reserve members are addressed at the national level.
Community Support Programs: Local American Legion posts often host events to celebrate military service and honor reservists. These events may include commemorative ceremonies, social gatherings, and educational workshops that focus on issues relevant to veterans and their families.
Resources for Transition: The American Legion offers various resources to help reservists transition to civilian life. From career fairs to educational scholarships, the Legion is dedicated to ensuring that Marines, both active and reserve, have the support they need during and after their service.
Honoring the Marine Forces Reserve Birthday
Celebrating the Marine Forces Reserve Birthday is a collective effort that involves veterans, active duty personnel, families, and communities. Here are some ways to honor this important occasion:
Participate in Local Celebrations: Many American Legion posts host events to celebrate the Marine Forces Reserve Birthday. Attending these gatherings not only honors the service of reservists but also fosters camaraderie and community support.
Engage in Educational Initiatives: Organizing or participating in educational initiatives about the role of the Marine Forces Reserve can help raise awareness about their contributions. This could involve presentations in schools, community centers, or local organizations that highlight the importance of reservists.
Support Veteran Organizations: Contributing to or volunteering with organizations like The American Legion can make a significant difference in the lives of veterans and reservists. These organizations rely on community support to continue providing essential services and advocacy.
Conclusion
As we celebrate the Marine Forces Reserve Birthday, it is important to recognize the dedication and sacrifices made by reservists who serve our country. Their commitment to balancing military service with civilian life exemplifies the spirit of resilience and patriotism.
The American Legion stands ready to support all service members, including those in the Marine Forces Reserve. Through advocacy, community engagement, and resources, the Legion plays a crucial role in honoring the service of reservists and ensuring they receive the support they deserve.
For more information on how to get involved and support veterans, visit The American Legion and the Pennsylvania American Legion. Together, we can celebrate the Marine Forces Reserve Birthday and honor the legacy of those who serve in this vital component of the United States Marine Corps.
August 17 to 21, 2025. Registration is now open for riders, passengers and supporters of the 2025 American Legion Legacy Run.
Legacy Run Registration
The Legacy Run Registration is for riders, passengers and supporters of The American Legion Legacy Run.
Please sign in or create an account to get started. Here are help instructions to create an account.
FUELED BY COMMUNITY SPIRIT
For 18 years, the American Legion Riders have journeyed across the nation, rallying communities to their cause. The sight of flag-waving supporters lining streets and overpasses—cheering as our riders pass by—continues to fuel this mission.
Since its inception in 2006, The American Legion Legacy Run has raised $16 million dollars for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. These funds have provided over $6.2 million dollars in scholarships to support the higher education of children who lost a parent in active military service on or after September 11, 2001, or whose post-9/11 parent has a VA disability rating of 50% or higher.
Thanks to the enduring success of the Legacy Scholarship Fund—now self-sustaining for the foreseeable future—the Legacy Run expanded its mission in 2024 to begin fundraising for The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (VCF). This new chapter ensures we continue addressing the evolving needs of veterans and military families.
None of it would be possible without the unwavering support of local Legion posts, businesses, city officials, and law enforcement.
Jackson Sauders 2025 Oratorical Winner speaks to convention delegates
Jackson Sauders: 2025 Oratorical Winner Ispires Delegates with Message to "Get in the Game."
Jackson Sauders, representing New Castle American Legion Pist 343, was recognized today by convention delegates after winning top honors in the 2025 Pennsylvania American Legion Oratorical Contest. The victory earned him a $7,500 scholarship and an all expense paid trip to compete at the national level this past May at Hillsdale College in Michigan.
Sauders' winning address, titled "Get in the Game," drew on his love of sports to illustrate how citizens can actively engage in American democracy. His speech encouraged fellow duties by voting, staying informed, and participant in local government.
"I decided to go more into how you can be an empowered citizen," Sauders explained, reflecting on his approach this year. "I also wanted to get into a sports analogy because I really enjoy playing sports and being involved in it. I though it would be a great way to say that a citizen can be in the game of politics like you can be in the game of sports."
The cotes challenges high school students to deliver an eight to ten minute prepared speech on the Constitution of The United States. They also will do a shorter assigned topic address. The Oratorical contest has been a hallmark of the American Leion's youth programs since 1939. It is designed to instill a deeper knowledge of the nation's founding principles, along with public speaking and leadership skills.
This year's title marks a significant milestone for Post 343, as Saunders is the post's first ever state champion.
"It's quite an honor for our post to have him as our state winner," said Post Commander Bill Schafer. "We're very proud of his accomplishments since he started two years ago with us. He's really advanced in his presentations." Schafer noted that Sauders has regularly spoken at post events to refine his delivery, even volunteering at veterans' breakfast last month.
Sauders credited his experience in last year's competition, where he finished runner-up at the state sectional level, with helping him reach the top this year.
"Having a little bit of experience under my belt helped with confidence overall and what to do with hand gestures and my tone of voice," he said.
The National American Legion awarded $25,000 to the national champion, with scholarships of $22,000 and $20,000 for second and third place finishers, respectively.
After he delivered his award winning speech, Sauders expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and the American Legion members who have supported his journey and emphasized his faith as the foundation of his success.
About the Pennsylvania Oratorical Contest
The contest is open to Pennsylvania high school students under age 20. Participants must be enrolled in grades 9-12 and either live in or attend school in Pennsylvania, with applications submitted to a local American Legion Post, normally as early as December.
Contestants advance through multiple eliminations rounds:
School or Post Level
County Contest
District Contest
Section Contest (3 sections in the state west, central, east)
Department Finals normally in March in Harrisburg
Then onto the levels of the National level.
Contest Format & Rules
Prepared speech: 8-10 minutes on a chosen aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with emphasis on civic duties.
Assigned topic: 3-5 minutes on a national level topic drawn at the contest.
No notes or aids during delivery of the speech. The contestants speak from memory.
Judged by at least five impartial judges at district level and aove; scores tabulated meticulously.
Format adhears strictly to national contest standards, including use of timers and penalties for under/over time.
Scholarship & Awards
There are normally awards for the earlier levels of post, county, district, and section.
Department state winner: $7,500, plus plaque and free trip to deliver the oration at the Pennsylvania American Legion State Convention. Also eligibility to compete nationally for an additional scholarship.
First runner up: $5,000; second runner-up $4,000
National finals: $25,000 for first place, $22,500 for second place, and $20,000 for third place. Each department winner who is certified and participants in the first round of the national contest receives a $2,000 scholarship. Each first round winner who advances to and participants in the second round but does not advance to the final round, will receive an additional $2,000 scholarship to pursue education beyond high school.
The contest is part of a national program launched in 1938 (with Pennsylvania department level events dating back decades). It aims to enhance constitutional understanding, leadership, public speaking, and civic awareness in students.
Jackson Sauders' powerful argument to "Get in the Game" resonated not only with judges but with a generation invited to participate in democracy with purpose and passion. His victory reflects not only personal excellence but the strength of well-estabilished tradition: the American Legion Oratorical Contest, which for nearly a century has cultivated informed, articulate, and engaged young citizens.
You can talk your way through college if you’re a winner in the American Legion National High School Oratorical contest.
The Oratorical contest was developed primarily to instill a better knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States in high school students. Other objectives include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.
Another purpose of the program is to assist students in paying the high cost of a college education. The Department of Pennsylvania American Legion awards the first place winner a $7,500 scholarship, plaque and expense paid trip to the Pennsylvania American Legion State convention to present his/her winning oration, plus the opportunity to represent Pennsylvania in the National and Regional Contests and receive an additional $1,500 scholarship from the National Organization. The second place winner receives a $5,000 scholarship and plaque and the third place winner receives a $4,000 scholarship and plaque.
The winner of the Pennsylvania Oratorical contest will move onto the National American Legion Oratorical program and will be eligible to win Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $203,500 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets a $25,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $22,500, and third gets $20,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $2,000 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $2,000 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States..
2024 National Oratorical Contest
The Contest
The contest will consist of two parts (A) An 8 – 10 minute, memorized oration will be given on some phase of the United States Constitution. (B) A 3 – 5 minute oration on one of the four “assigned topics” assigned by National Headquarters.
The contestant may not use any notes or prompts when giving their oration. A minimum of five (5) judges will judge all contests, grading independently. Local and county contest can be judged by a minimum of three (3) judges.
The tabulators will tabulate all scores of the judges and apply any penalties as directed by the Chairman of the contest. The Chairman will verify the result and announce the winners.
Any applications for this program can be found on the forms page.
As American Legionnaires, we fully believe that education is the cornerstone upon which the future of America is built. Education becomes the first requisite of good citizenship and the relationship of The American Legion to Pennsylvania citizens is of prime importance as a means of keeping us a free civilization.
Our approach to supporting solid educational principles is direct and positive. We agree with the PA Department of Education’s initiative of “writing across the curriculum” and we reward the efforts of involved students through our annual essay scholarship program beginning at the local Post.
Any student enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in a public, private, parochial, cyber school or who is home schooled in Pennsylvania is eligible to participate in the High School Essay Contest. Students in grades 6, 7, 8 are encouraged to participate in the Middle School Essay Program in preparation for the high school program.
Through the annual Department of Pennsylvania American Legion Essay scholarship contest, students are provided an opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities in English by using originality, accuracy and research as evidence, while learning that the responsibilities and duties of good citizenship can be both rewarding and fun
Since the inception of the Department of Pennsylvania State Essay Contest in 1935, The American Legion has awarded well over $500,000 in scholarships, while local American Legion Posts, Counties, Districts and Sections have also offered suitable awards and prizes for their respective best essay winners.
Prizes to Be Awarded
The Department of Pennsylvania State Essay First Place Winner will be awarded a $3,500 scholarship, a plaque, and a trip to this year’s Pennsylvania American Legion Convention in July to read the winning essay to the assembled delegates.
The Second Place Winner will receive a $3,000 scholarship and a plaque.
The Third Place Winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship and a plaque.
Any applications for this program can be found on the forms page.
PA Legion Notices Receive Email Notices From The Department
Occasionally the Pennsylvania Department will send out notifications to its membership. The notifications inform members of deaths, events and important department information. When you sign up you will be able to select topics that you are interested in. Click below to add your name to the list.
