INDIANAPOLIS  – U.S. military veterans from around the world and across the nation begin arriving here next week for activities surrounding the 101st National Convention of The American Legion, the nation’s largest organization of wartime veterans.

“We expect nearly 9,000 members of The American Legion Family to take part in convention activities from August 22 to 29” said Michael E. Walton, chairman of The American Legion National Convention Commission.  “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 in Indianapolis where they will be housed in a number of hotels consuming approximately 15,000 room nights as they meet in business sessions at the Indianapolis Convention Center.  They are expected to contribute between $10 million and $15 million to the city economy through shopping, dining and tourism during their stay.

“We are delighted to be back to Indianapolis” Walton said.  “This is the home of our national headquarters so many Legionnaires are already familiar with the Circle City.  It is fitting that The American Legion is celebrating our centennial year in a city that is so patriotic and meaningful to us. Many of our delegates and family members fondly remember the last time we gathered here for a national convention.  Legionnaires truly enjoyed the outstanding hospitality extended by everyone in this beautiful city.”

The American Legion previously held national conventions here in 1990, 1995 and 2012.

Veterans of all five branches of the armed forces who have served in uniform anytime since December 7, 1941or those who are currently serving, are invited to join The American Legion and participate in the convention activities. Just stop by the national headquarters offices at the Indianapolis Convention Center, 500 Ballroom, level one,  through Aug. 29 or join online at www.legion.org.

With a current membership of nearly two 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 approximately 13,000 posts across the nation and overseas.