MADISON – Madison’s American Legion Auxiliary lives by its motto, “A Legacy of Service – Not Self.”

The Auxiliary Unit 229 provides complementary support to local veterans and community ventures in coordination with Madison American Legion, Post 229. “While American Legion, Post 229 was formed in 1968, American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 229 was not founded until 2017 and became an active unit in 2019,” Madison Auxiliary President Jean Downs said.

Madison’s American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 229 is hosting an event open to all members of the community to show support for local veterans. The event, “Valentine’s Blankets for Vets,” will be held Feb. 10 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Hogan Family YMCA.

“All ages are welcome to join us in making blankets and cards for the residents at Floyd E. ‘Tut’ Fann State Veterans Home in Huntsville,” Downs said.

Founded in 1919, American Legion Auxiliary has approximately 1 million members from all walks of life. While originally organized to assist The American Legion, the Auxiliary has achieved its own identity while working side-by-side with the veterans who belong to The American Legion.

“The mission of both organizations includes service to veterans and active duty service members, as well as the promotion of patriotic events in our community and patriotism amongst our youth through school programs,” Downs said.

The American Legion Auxiliary is the world’s largest patriotic service organization with membership that is primarily female. A recent change to National Auxiliary membership requirements now extends membership in the American Legion Auxiliary to male spouses of U.S. veterans and service members.

“Membership is open to both male and female spouses, grandmothers, mothers, sisters and direct and adopted female descendants of members of who served in the Armed Forces of the United States,” Downs said “Membership in the auxiliary provides both the opportunity to serve our veterans and military, and to educate our children and community about patriotism and responsible citizenship.”

While American Legion sponsors Boys State, the American Legion Auxiliary is the sponsor of Alabama Girls State for Madison City Schools and other youth programs, including in-school programs for younger children. For information on membership in the Madison Auxiliary Unit for both adult and junior members, or other upcoming events, email ALAux229@yahoo.com.