Filmmakers to document story of The American Legion

INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 29, 2009) - The American Legion has signed a contract with a California-based production company to produce a documentary on the history of the nation's largest veterans service organization.

"The American Legion not only wrote the original GI Bill, we have been a leading voice for veterans and the military since 1919," American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein said. "From the elevation of the Department of Veterans Affairs to cabinet-status to the administration of some of the most successful youth programs in the country, The American Legion has too many noteworthy accomplishments for me to mention here. Moreover, we continue to be as relevant and influential as we have ever been. I am pleased that we have reached an agreement with Blackhorse Productions to document the illustrious history of The American Legion."

The National Executive Committee passed Resolution 6 during its October 2008 meetings, which authorized The American Legion to negotiate an agreement with Blackhorse Productions, a 10-year-old film production company that specializes in military documentaries. The project will be completed at no cost to The American Legion and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. It will then be available for purchase on DVD, with a portion of the proceeds being allocated to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, Child Welfare Foundation and National Emergency Fund. Members will be able to purchase the DVD at www.legion.org or at the 2010 National Convention. Information will be provided in The American Legion Magazine and in other publications when the product is available.

"Preserving history and teaching viewers about the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans is a passion for Blackhorse Productions," said Jason Heit, CEO of Blackhorse Productions. "We are very excited about this project and can't wait to meet Legionnaires during the filming. We want to raise awareness so people everywhere can know the fascinating story of The American Legion."

With a current membership of 2.6-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and the welfare of children. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.