By Travis Perkins 
 
American Legion Auxiliary members from across the country will gather in August in Louisville, Ky., to celebrate the administrative year and the difference that — together — the ALA has made for our nation’s veterans, military, and their families.  
 
Each year, about 9,000 members of The American Legion Family attend National Convention, which includes conventions for The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion, as well as The American Legion Riders Legacy Run.
 
A few highlights of the week will include color guard and band contests, the Legacy Run arrival, ALA national governing board meetings, a patriotic memorial service, our opening convention session, and the installation of our 2026-2027 national officers. ALA general sessions will begin Monday, Aug. 31, and continue through Wednesday, Sept. 2. The national offices of president, vice president, national division vice presidents, chaplain, and historian will be elected by National Convention delegates on Wednesday and installed thereafter. 
 
This year will also include extra celebrations for the United States’ 250th birthday. 
 
Here’s what happens at convention
At the ALA’s largest national event, we elect officers, receive reports, and conduct the business of the organization as required by the ALA National Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules. Part of that business is conducted by the National Executive Committee (NEC) — our national governing board — with fiduciary, policy, and strategic responsibility for the organization. The 2025-2026 NEC will meet in Louisville on Saturday, Aug. 29, and the 2026-2027 NEC will be convened by the newly elected national president on Thursday, Sept. 3.
 
During the ALA’s National Convention week, attendees will also have an opportunity to honor a veteran or military personnel by donating to the Wall of Heroes. All funds received will benefit the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation’s Mission Endowment Fund to ensure the ALA’s mission of service endures for future generations. Those who cannot attend in person can still donate online in honor of their hero by visiting https://donate.legion-aux.org/Hero. 
 

ALA awards presented at National Convention
Several major ALA awards will also be presented at our National Convention to honor outstanding successes in service to veterans, military, and their families, both within the ALA and out in the community: 
 
• Salute to Servicemembers recognizes military members from each branch of service.
• Unit Members of the Year recognizes those serving at the unit level who exemplify the values and ideals of the Auxiliary and whose accomplishments significantly impact the program work in their units.
• Junior Members of the Year recognizes Junior members actively serving the ALA mission.
• National President’s Award for Excellence recognizes the work accomplished by units while working at least three of the mission outreach programs, with a maximum of five unit winners; departments can win by working up to four of the mission outreach programs, with one department winner. 
• Department Merit Medallion Award began during the 2024-2025 administrative year and has continued into this administrative year. The Department Merit Medallion Award focuses on recognizing and celebrating departments that strive for and achieve business management excellence. These elite departments understand that focusing on department business excellence not only drives volunteer engagement and allegiance, but it also cultivates respect in the ranks and validates the legitimacy of the ALA for both members and non-members. 
 
Stay connected online via our livestream and social media
Unable to attend National Convention in person? Our livestream is available for general sessions starting Monday, Aug. 31, as well as installation of national officers.
 
Viewers of the livestream can post comments during each session, and archived video recordings from each session will be available following convention so you can watch at your convenience. 

In addition, 2025-2026 National President Pam Ray will share stories from her travels and visits to departments in an end-of-year report shown as a video presentation during convention.
 
How to register, agenda details, and more: 
www.ALAforVeterans.org/meetings/national-convention. 

Stay connected through social media: Follow us @ALAforVeterans and use #AuxCon26.
 
Louisville, Ky. offers several significant veteran-related attractions

• Jeffersontown Veterans Memorial Park: A 25-acre park dedicated to veterans featuring a Walk of Veterans (6,000+ bricks), military artifacts, including a Huey helicopter and M-60A tank, and the Veterans Memorial Plaza/Freedom Wall.
• Cave Hill National Cemetery: A historic site where the oldest Civil War monument — the 32nd Indiana Infantry Monument — was originally located; it still houses many military graves.
• Frazier History Museum: Houses the 32nd Indiana Infantry Monument in its permanent collection, providing a unique look at Civil War history.
• Veterans Memorial Park of Kentucky (Oldham County): Located just outside Louisville, this park offers a “timeline of military history” via various monuments.
• Fort Knox: Located roughly 35 miles south, this base is central to the region’s military history and home to the Patton Museum (open to the public). 
 
Exclusive savings, events available for attendees
 
American Legion National Convention at Slugger Field: Join us for an exhilarating day of baseball as the Louisville Bats take on the Gwinnett Stripers at the Louisville Slugger Field. Mark your calendars for Sunday, Aug. 30, at 1:05 p.m. to witness this exciting matchup. Since it is a Sunday, kids eat free and will get the opportunity to run around the bases after the game. Whether you’re a diehard baseball fan or looking for a fun day out with the family, this game is not to be missed.
 
Visit www.gofevo.com/event/AmericanLegionBATS to get discounted tickets, courtesy of The American Legion. Any additional inquiries for add-ons or different ticketing packages can be purchased from Tony Bertuca (tbertuca@batsbaseball.com).
 
Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory tour discount: Connect with a genuine global icon on its hometown turf. Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory celebrates the extraordinary role Louisville Slugger baseball bats have played in the sport’s past, present, and future. Receive $6 off admission when you use promo code ALC26 at checkout. Offer valid Aug. 27 - Sept. 4. Visit www.sluggermuseum.com to learn more.