MISSION STATEMENT

     In the spirit of service, not self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad.  For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.

Vision Statement

      The vision of the American Legion Auxiliary is to be the premier service organization and foundation of every community providing support for our veterans, our military, and their families by shaping a positive future in an atmosphere of fellowship, patriotism, peace and security.

The Girls State History

Girls State began as one- and two-day sessions in the late 1930's.   Washington D.C. and Delaware are credited with first executing the program.   In 1939, Girls State was expanded to make it a weeklong government education program.   Since 1948, it has been a regular part of the Auxiliary's Americanism curriculum.

In 1945, a dream became a reality.   The members of the Department of Massachusetts, American Legion Auxiliary, made extended and very involved plans to begin an ambitious program called Massachusetts Girls State.

The idea of bringing High School Juniors, from all of the High Schools in the Commonwealth, together for a week – to study government structures, by personal involvement took much planning, dreaming and commitment.   Educators and legislators alike applauded the idea, as the first session met at Bridgewater State Teachers College.   The girls and staff at the initial session were told to bring, not only their linens, but ration books as well, as World War II was winding down and all citizens were subjected to rationing.   Auxiliary staff members, who tried to please the appetites of all 200 girls registered, did the many duties of administration as well as the cooking.

For more than 70 years, the American Legion Auxiliary has succeeded in giving these girls the finest citizenship-training program possible.   The program has grown from a few hundred participants to nearly 20,000 Girls State delegates annually.  

Freedom's Foundation at Valley Forge, PA, has long recognized the Auxiliary for the Girls State and Girls Nation program.   It has also received special recognition from the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), which has placed this program on its National Advisory List of Contests and Activities .