American Legion Annual State Convention July 8-12, 2015

War veterans from around the state will begin arriving in Beaumont in early July for activities surrounding the 97th Annual State Convention of The American Legion, the nation’s largest organization of wartime veterans.

“We expect more than 1,000 members of The American Legion family to take part in convention activities between July 8 and July 12,” said Bill West, State Adjutant. “Legionnaires and their families will actually be attending three different, but simultaneous, conventions – The American Legion convention, the American Legion Auxiliary convention and the Sons of the American Legion convention.”

Blue-capped Legionnaires will be seen primarily at the MCM Eleganté Hotel & Convention Center and Holiday Inn & Suites Beaumont Plaza where they will be consuming 2,285 room nights as they meet in business sessions. They are expected to contribute over $1 million to the city’s economy through shopping, dining and tourism during their stay.

“We are delighted to be back in the great city of Beaumont,” West said. “This is the fourth time we have convened in Beaumont. Legionnaires truly enjoy the outstanding hospitality extended by everyone in this beautiful city.”

Previous American Legion conventions were held in Beaumont in 2002, 2004, and 2010. Veterans of all five branches of military service who have served in uniform during wartime, or are currently serving, are invited to join The American Legion and participate in the convention activities. On-site registration will take place at the Holiday Inn & Suites Beaumont Plaza. Those interested in learning more or joining The American Legion may do so anytime online at www.legion.org.

About The American Legion

With a current membership of 2.3 million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 13,000 posts across the nation.