On July 30, President Donald Trump signed a piece of legislation that changes the face of the American Legion forever. In 1919, Congress chartered the American Legion as a wartime veterans association. Over the years, this fact has disqualified many veterans from joining our ranks.

The new law, known as the Legion Act, has opened legion membership to anyone who served honorably in the armed forces of the United States. We are still a wartime veterans association, but the periods of eligibility have been changed.

Now, those eligible to join are veterans of World War I and those who have served honorably from Dec. 7, 1941, until the time when we are no longer involved in an armed conflict. What does this mean to those veterans who have applied for membership and been denied? You are now eligible to join, and the American Legion would love to talk to you to discuss your membership.

Our local area has several different posts with just as many interests. One sponsors our local Fourth of July Parade, while another has a monthly public dance. Several posts have Legion Riders and others are involved in Legion Baseball or one of the other Legion youth activities. Contact one of the local posts and find the right fit.

Posts nearby include:

• Post No. 14 in Salisbury near the Highway Patrol station.

• Post No. 106 in the Cleveland area.

• Post No. 107 on Old Wilkesboro Road.

• Post No. 112 in Rockwell.

• Post No. 146 in Landis.

• Post No. 185 in China Grove.

• Post. No. 327 in Faith.

• Post No. 342 on Lincolnton Road in Salisbury.

• Post No. 448 in Granite Quarry.

To find a post, visit the American Legion’s website (legion.org) and click on “find a post” at the top of the page.

— Bob Price

China Grove