polish legion of american veterans

Following the conclusion of World War I, several groups of American Veterans of Polish descent came together with a shared vision to uphold the true spirit of camaraderie and patriotism forged during their service in the United States Armed Forces. These organizations aimed to perpetuate the bonds of friendship formed in service through mutual aid and cooperation in patriotic, charitable, educational, and civic endeavors. Another significant objective was to support the liberation and establishment of a free and independent Poland, as outlined in President Woodrow Wilson’s “Fourteen Points” for peace.

Among these groups, The Alliance of Polish-American Veterans emerged as the most prominent, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and spanning across Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin. A similar organization bearing the same name operated in Michigan.

On the East Coast, the Polish Legion of the American Army flourished, covering New York and New Jersey.

In December 1920, the Chicago-based unit held its provisional convention at Falcons Hall, where the first “Central Administration” was elected, an insignia adopted, and a constitutional committee appointed.

By September 1921, the group convened its first regular Convention, rebranding itself as the Alliance of American Veterans of Polish Extraction. Notably, it was among the first organizations globally to recognize the threat of Communism, as evidenced by the addition of a paragraph to its Constitution’s Preamble, emphasizing the need to combat destructive propaganda.

In September 1923, the Auxiliary was established, enriching the organization’s dedication to Americanism and the welfare of American veterans of Polish descent.

In 1930, the Alliance of American Veterans of Polish Extraction delegated its Commander, Stanley A. Halick of Chicago, to attend the convention of the Polish Legion of the American Army in New York City, with the aim of consolidating all groups. Through correspondence and personal visits, this cause was also taken up with the Michigan unit.

Finally, in September 1931, the three organizations—the Alliance of Veterans of Polish Extraction, the Michigan unit, and the Polish Legion of the American Army—convened at a consolidation convention, uniting into a single entity known as The Polish Legion of American Veterans. This consolidation received further recognition when, on July 23, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed P.L.98-372, the Act of Congress granting a Federal Charter to the Polish Legion of American Veterans, U.S.A.

In 1992, the ethnic membership requirements were dropped due to the acquisition of the National Charter.