2017 US Code
Title 36 - Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies, and Organizations
Subtitle II - Patriotic and National Organizations
Part B - Organizations
Chapter 217 - The American Legion
Sec. 21703 - Membership

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Citation 36 U.S.C. § 21703 (2017)
Section Name §21703. Membership
Section Text

An individual is eligible for membership in the corporation only if the individual—

(1) has served in the Armed Forces of—

(A) the United States at any time during any period from—

(i) April 6, 1917, through November 11, 1918;

(ii) December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946;

(iii) June 25, 1950, through January 31, 1955;

(iv) February 28, 1961, through May 7, 1975;

(v) August 24, 1982, through July 31, 1984;

(vi) December 20, 1989, through January 31, 1990; or

(vii) August 2, 1990, through the date of cessation of hostilities, as decided by the United States Government; or


(B) a government associated with the United States during a period referred to in subclause (A) of this clause and was a citizen of the United States when the individual entered that service; and


(2) was honorably discharged or separated from that service or continues to serve honorably during or after that period.

Source Credit

(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1297; Pub. L. 105–354, §1(6), Nov. 3, 1998, 112 Stat. 3244; Pub. L. 107–309, §1, Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2449.)

Editorial Notes
Historical and Revision Notes
Pub. L. 105–225
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
21703 36:45. Sept. 16, 1919, ch. 59, §5, 41 Stat. 285; Oct. 29, 1942, ch. 633, §2, 56 Stat. 1012; July 9, 1946, ch. 546, 60 Stat. 524; Dec. 28, 1950, ch. 1177, 64 Stat. 1122; July 26, 1955, ch. 386, §2, 69 Stat. 380; Sept. 1, 1966, Pub. L. 89–550, §2, 80 Stat. 372; Dec. 27, 1974, Pub. L. 93–557, 88 Stat. 1792; Aug. 17, 1978, Pub. L. 95–346, 92 Stat. 485; Dec. 21, 1979, Pub. L. 96–155, 93 Stat. 1165; Oct. 30, 1990, Pub. L. 101–478, 104 Stat. 1157; Dec. 2, 1991, Pub. L. 102–179, 105 Stat. 1229.

In clause (1), the words "armed forces" are substituted for "naval or military services" and "military or naval service" for clarity. In subclause (A), the word "through" is substituted for "all dates inclusive" for clarity. In subclause (B), the words "a government associated with the United States during a period referred to in subclause (A) of this clause and was a citizen of the United States when the individual entered that service" are substituted for "who, being a citizen of the United States at the time of entry therein . . . of any governments associated with the United States during said wars or hostilities" for clarity.

In clause (2), the words "after that period" are substituted for "after any of the aforesaid terminal dates" to eliminate unnecessary words.

PUB. L. 105–354

This amends section 21703(1)(A)(iv) of title 36 to reflect changes made by Public Law 105–110 (Nov. 20, 1997, 111 Stat. 2270).

AMENDMENTS

2002—Par. (2). Pub. L. 107–309 inserted "during or" after "continues to serve honorably".

1998—Par. (1)(A)(iv). Pub. L. 105–354 substituted "February 28, 1961" for "December 22, 1961".

Publication Title United States Code, 2012 Edition, Supplement 5, Title 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND ORGANIZATIONS
Category Bills and Statutes
Collection United States Code
SuDoc Class Number Y 1.2/5:
Contained Within Title 36 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES, CEREMONIES, AND ORGANIZATIONS
Subtitle II - Patriotic and National Organizations
Part B - Organizations
CHAPTER 217 - THE AMERICAN LEGION
Sec. 21703 - Membership
Contains section 21703
Date 2017
Laws In Effect As Of Date January 12, 2018
Positive Law Yes
Disposition standard
Statutes at Large References 41 Stat. 285
56 Stat. 1012
60 Stat. 524
64 Stat. 1122
69 Stat. 380
80 Stat. 372
88 Stat. 1792
92 Stat. 485
93 Stat. 1165
104 Stat. 1157
105 Stat. 1229
111 Stat. 2270
112 Stat. 1297, 3244
116 Stat. 2449
Public Law References Public Law 89-550, Public Law 93-557, Public Law 95-346, Public Law 96-155, Public Law 101-478, Public Law 102-179, Public Law 105-110, Public Law 105-225, Public Law 105-354, Public Law 107-309
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