American Legion

Sergeant-At-Arms Duties and Responsibilities

“You are the sentinel or tiler, the outer guard of this Post. You will guard
especially against the loss of one of The American Legion’s greater
possessions—our deep and abiding spirit of comradeship. You will learn the
identity of and introduce to the Commander all visiting comrades and guests
of the Post. You are responsible that no one shall remain a stranger in our
midst. Be ready at all times to assist your Commander. Into your hands is
given charge of the stand of colors which you will properly display at all Post
meetings and on ceremonial occasions.” —Charge from Installation
Ceremony
01. The Sergeant-at-Arms should know how to arrange the meeting hall and
should assist the Post Commander and Adjutant in the preliminary arrangements
for the meeting, including custodian of the colors and should be in charge of the
color detail during the presentation and retirement ceremonies of the colors. The
Sergeant-at-Arms is the flag etiquette person and should be well informed on
proper flag display and procedures used in operating a meeting and should play a
leading part in the post color guard, burial detail, and the other pageantry that is a
part of The American Legion. The Sergeant-at-Arms will, from time-to-time,
present briefings on proper flag etiquette.
02. There is another duty—one that has a tremendous impact on the post’s image,
its membership, and its relationship with the members. Every Legionnaire wants
to be part of the group. This is particularly important for that new Legionnaire
attending his first few meetings. The Sergeant-at-Arms must make certain new
members are welcomed, introduced, and made to feel they are important to the
post. A welcome committee should be standard for every post. The Sergeant-at-
Arms is the logical person to chair such a committee. The members of this
committee must welcome new members and guests, make sure they are introduced,
and keep the Commander advised as to who should be acknowledged. This
committee can also be used to encourage present members to attend meetings.

03. The Sergeant-at-Arms serves with the commander and parliamentarian in

order to insure an orderly atmosphere during meetings. Here are guidelines you
should know and share with others. . .
General Instructions For Conduct By Members During Meetings of Pickett

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Post #21 (Taken from page 3-7 2000 American Legion Officer’s Guide [as
modified] )
01. The ceremonial services of The American Legion must be conducted with the
solemnity befitting the dignity of this organization.
02. No one shall be admitted during opening, initiation, or closing ceremonies of
an American Legion meeting.
03. Comrades shall be careful never to pass between the Flags and the station of
the Commander.
04. A member entering the hall after the meeting has begun shall advance to within
three steps of the American Flag, salute the Colors and move on to be seated.
05. Any member desiring to be excused from the hall while the meeting is in
progress, except during a prayer, or the obligation, or during the period of silence,
shall advance to within three steps of the American Flag,, salute the Colors, and
then leave.
06. All officers are instructed to memorize their parts...
07. The National Colors and Post Flag, when in position, should be in position at
either side and just in advance of the Commander’s station; the National Colors on
the right of the Commander, the Post Colors on the left when facing the audience,
even though the Commander is on a platform and the Flags are posted on the
ground level.
08. Each officer shall be equipped with the official overseas cap and with proper
official badge of the respective office. Such badges may be purchased in sets by
the post or singly by the individual officer through Emblem Sales, National
Headquarters.
09. Legionnaires standing in silent tribute in memory of departed comrades during
meetings or ceremonies will face the Flag of our country. Legionnaires are advised
of the following action by the National Executive Committee (Resolution No. 33):
‘RESOLVED’ by the National Executive Committee of The American Legion in
regular meeting assembled in Indianapolis, Indiana, on May 5- 6, 1971, “That The
American Legion shall, at functions within Legion buildings and at all levels, cease
all activities whatsoever for a period of sixty seconds as a tribute to our comrades
who have passed on and in honor of those now serving in the Armed Forces and
that this minute of silence shall be preceded by an appropriate announcement and

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message, if desired.”
10. In addressing an officer of The American Legion, preface the title with the
word “Comrade.”
11. This Manual of Ceremonies is designed with the idea of flexibility ...
12. MOTIONS: Business is introduced by a motion, or by a resolution. The steps
in making a motion and voting on it are as follows:
(1) OBTAIN THE FLOOR—The member rises and addresses the presiding
officer, as Mister ... Commander, and gives own name.... If the member is
entitled to the floor, the chair (addresses the members as “Comrade” and)
repeats the name of the member. This recognition gives the member the right
to speak. It is out of order for another member to stand before the member
speaking has finished, or to remain standing after another has been given the
floor. (Note see parliamentary procedure guidelines in Pickett Post #21
Member Guide beginning at page 22)

Wearing the American Legion Cap, Uniform and Regalia

1. A Legionnaire is considered to be in uniform if wearing an official American
Legion cap. Therefore, it is not proper to wear an American Legion cap while
eating a meal at an official Legion or civic luncheon or dinner.
2. The cap should be worn in a place of worship only by the Guard of Honor, Color
Guard and Commander of same while in marching order or standing guard. When
returned to and seated in pews, the cap should be removed.
3. Legion posts marching in formation into a place of worship should uncover, at
the door, hold the cap with the right hand over the heart (*) until the arrival in the
pews and commanded to take seats, remaining uncovered during the entire service.
At the close of the service, upon command, the post shall arise, the members
holding the cap with the right hand over the heart (*) will march out of the place of
worship and recover after marching through the door. Note: The hat should be
held over the heart as one approaches the casket, and is not at any time worn in a
place of worship except by the Guard of Honor, Color Guard or Commander of
same while in marching order or standing guard.
4. Legionnaires not in formation will uncover upon entering the place of worship
and remain uncovered during the entire service and will re-cover after leaving the

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place of worship.
5. At the graveside the cap should be held in the right hand over the heart (*)
during the entire service. In cold and inclement weather, the cap should not be
doffed.
6. In Legion meetings the cap should be worn except during moments of the
“Pledge of Allegiance,” prayer, and when standing in silent reverence in memory
of departed comrades, when the cap should be held with the right hand over the
heart (*). (*See “Saluting” in index)
7. A Legionnaire wearing the cap should behave in proper accordance as to salutes,
etc., the same as if the member was wearing the military uniform. If not wearing
the Legion cap, the ordinary rules of etiquette for civilian dress should be
observed.
8. Female members of The American Legion should wear their caps in the manner
prescribed for female personnel of the armed services.
9. Legionnaires wishing to attach decorations and/or other official insignia to their
caps are advised to read page 3-7 of the Legion Officer’s Guide. For example:
(e) Consecutive membership insignia, membership stars, and/or decorations
(authorized American Legion or military services) must be attached to the right
side of cap. Fraternal or civil organization insignia cannot be used on American
Legion caps.
(f) Names or nicknames of individual members cannot be used on caps.

10. Regulations have been promulgated by National Emblem Sales to standardize

the use of lettering, insignia, etc., on the official American Legion cap, as based on
Resolution No. 58, adopted by the National Executive Committee, April 30-May 1,
1964.
11. Restrictions (a) The left side (emblem side) of any American Legion cap
cannot contain other than the official American Legion emblem, and lettering as
set forth previously in this resolution for Post, County, District, Department or
National Caps. (b)....
12. Identification badges on caps (metal pendants or fabric)....
a. Commander: The American Legion Emblem suspended by The American

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 Legion ribbon from a bar on which there shall be the word “Commander.”

b. A similar arrangement for all officers 1st Vice Commander, 2nd Vice,
Chaplain, Sgt at Arms, Past Commander, Service Office, Historian, Athletic
Officer, etcetera.
c. Executive Committee: The American Legion Emblem suspended by The
American Legion ribbon from a bar on which there shall be the words
“Executive Committee.”
The metal ornaments for the ribbons should be made with pin back so they can be
passed from officer to officer at the time of the new installation. Each member of
each individual Post should be encouraged to possess the Official American
Legion Overseas Cap with The American Legion Emblem, the Department, and
the number of the Post on same.