Programs
Legion programs change lives
Families and children in need, youth mentoring, veterans assistance and advocacy from the local community to Capitol Hill.
Since 2011, Post 2001 has sponsored the 19-and-under Ashburn Knights who play in the 15th and 16th Districts of the Department of Virginia. The Knights were the 2016 District 15 & 16 Champion, and — against a field of 14 other State-wide district champions — rose to a position of semi-finalist in the Department’s American Legion Baseball State Championship tournament!
American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State are the premier programs for teaching how government works while developing leadership skills and an appreciation for our rights as citizens. Both are participatory programs in which students become part of the operation of local, county and state government, learning the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys and Girls State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs.
A recent addition to our Post’s growing list of community involvements is our sponsoring of this 120 member strong Cub Pack that is led by one of our Post comrades with the help of other Post comrades. We include the Cubs in as many Post activities as are feasible including marching with us in the Leesburg Fourth of July Parade, being the color guard at our Knights Baseball home games, and helping at the annual Loudoun County Salute to Military, Veterans and Families.
At the suggestion of one of our comrades, Post 2001 has “adopted” a stretch of Claiborne Parkway just beyond Stone Bridge HS between Hay Road and Ashburn Farm Parkway (about a mile and a half). Post members and friends conduct clean-ups every quarter to keep that section of our community roadways more scenic and free of litter.
American Legion Post 2001 coordinates with other youth sponsored organizations to conduct poppy distribution during period November 8 – 10 to educate the public, raise awareness of military supported programs, recruit new members, and build comradery among its members in the Ashburn area.
The Leonard W Kidd Memorial Post 2001 Charitable Foundation was created as a compliment to the Leonard W Kidd Memorial American Legion Post 2001. All proceeds benefit veterans and their families, youth sports and other charitable causes. The charitable foundation is a 501c(3) public charity and a separate entity from the Leonard W. Kidd Memorial American Legion Post 2001.
The mission of Honor Flight is to transport America’s WWII, Korean War and Viet-Nam War veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices. For many this is their first, and likely last, trip to see the Nation’s monuments dedicated to them and their comrades. Post 2001 members support the efforts of the Honor Flight Network and often assemble to greet veterans as they arrive at Dulles Airport to begin their visit to our Nation’s Capitol.
Two representatives from each of the 49 Boys States represent their state at Boys Nation in Washington, where the young leaders receive an education on the structure and function of federal government.
The first Boys Nation – then called Boys Forum of National Government – convened at American University in Washington in August 1946. The 1946 American Legion National Convention adopted the event as an official youth activity. Three years later, it became American Legion Boys Nation.