Programs and Events
Supported by the American Legion "U.S.S. Tampa" Post 5 family
Americanism Program
To inspire, recognize, and perpetuate responsible citizenship through education and acts of patriotism, in order to raise awareness and increase appreciation of the price paid for our fundamental freedoms. Respect is both earned and learned. Showing respect for our country and our nation’s flag is a fundamental value of the American Legion Family. We share practical things everyone can do to better live as grateful, patriotic citizens. The program provides learning opportunities and instructional resources for important things every good citizen should know such as learning about the Constitution, flying the flag on patriotic holidays, folding pocket flags to send to our troops overseas, and presenting flags to local schools and businesses.
Boys State Program
Boys State is a comprehensive one-week leadership course in state and local government, developed to offer youth a better perspective of the practical operation of government and to show that the individual is responsible for the character and success of government. Delegates who are selected to attend this program will "learn by doing" as they progress through the various phases of government. The Florida American Legion Boys State is a "leadership action program" where qualified male high school juniors take part in a practical government course. It is designed to develop a working knowledge of the structure of government and to impress upon each delegate that our government is what we make it. They will have the opportunity to learn the political process. Each level of government will be run by those delegates who are elected to serve. Instruction will be presented on the law and court system, legislative procedure, and Florida political history.
Girls State Program
Girls State is a practical application of Americanism and good citizenship. The entire program is a non-partisan, non-political attempt to teach and inculcate in the youth of America a love of God and country. The purpose of Girls State is to provide citizenship training for girls of high school age in every Department of the American Legion Auxiliary; to afford them an opportunity to live together as self-governing citizens; to inform them about the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, in order that they may understand and participate in the functioning of their government; and to help them grasp them meaning of some of the responsibilities which they must assume when they become adults.
Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the fallen, and to their families. To honor their contributions to our Nation, let us strive with renewed determination to keep the promises we have made to all who have answered our country’s call. As we fulfill our obligations to them, we keep faith with the patriots who have lost their lives to preserve our Union, and with the ideals of service and sacrifice upon which our Republic was founded. Memorial Day program is open to the public, the program begins with a vigil at sunset on the night before, followed by the Memorial Day service. May their service, sacrifice, and dedication never be forgotten.
Oratorical
The Oratorical Contest presents participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation's laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.
POW/MIA Advocacy
Nothing is more painful than to be forgotten. Since World War II, there are more than 83,000 unaccounted for personnel. The American Legion family is committed to achieving a full accounting of all Prisoners of War and Missing in Action (POW/MIAs) from the Gulf War, Vietnam War, Cold War, Korean War and World War II. This means returning living POWs, the repatriation of their remains, or finding convincing evidence why neither of these is possible. We urge the president and Congress to fully fund the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Office (DPMO) for its current and future mission of ensuring the accountability of U.S. servicemembers. We are committed to their remembrance and at every American Legion Meeting there will be a designated POW/MIA Empty Chair, which will be returned to its designated POW/MIA table afterwards.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a day for Nation to come together to honor our veterans and commemorate the legacy of profound service and sacrifice they have upheld in pursuit of a more perfect Union. Through their steadfast defense of America’s ideals, our service members have ensured our country still stands strong, our founding principles still shine, and nations around the world know the blessings of freedom. As we offer our sincere appreciation and respect to our veterans, to their families, to those who are still in harm’s way, and to those we have laid to rest, let us rededicate ourselves to serving them as well as they have served the United States of America. The American Legion family is active and proud participators in local veterans day programs and events.
Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is a national program that has a network of local participants that make it possible. Our local veterans' cemetery on Kennedy Boulevard has 730 gravesites. The goal is to place a wreath on every grave marker. The beauty of the red bowed wreaths is a sign that our community remembers those that have served our country. The ceremony takes place simultaneously nationwide and we encourage the members of our community to lay a wreath on a gravesite at our cemetery.
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