The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization that serves veterans, service members and communities. Based in Decatur, Ala., it sponsors youth programs in the communities, advocating patriotism and honor. The American Legion provides assistance to service personnel and families besides offering scholarships and other resources to young people in their pursuit of higher education and much more. It offers a number of local programs and activities to promote patriotism. American Legion Baseball is one of the nations most successful amateur athletic programs.