The American Legion was founded in 1919 by a group of veterans who met in Paris , France at the close of World War 1.  Their underlying premise was to establish a fraternal organization of veterans dedicated to helping veterans.  Today, the American Legion, the largest veterans' organization in the world, has expanded the original premise to include all Veterans, their families, and the communities in which they live.

Moorpark Post 502 was chartered in 1966 and since then our members have carried on the traditions and goals as set forth by the National Organization.  We pride ourselves on maintaining the customs and spirit of that organization.  Some of the ways we accomplish this are:

Americanism

Moorpark Post 502 oversees the observance of Veterans Day on November 11, Memorial Day in May, and the Post Speakers Bureau.  Recently a Post sponsored event assisted Gold Star Mother (mother of a veteran killed in war) from Moorpark in receiving a Purple Heart and burial flag for her son who was killed in action 50 years earlier and heretofore had received neither.

Children and Youth

Boy’s State Program:  A living civics lesson in which high school juniors create their own government modeled after the US Constitution electing and appointing everyone from Mayor to City Dog Catcher.  The post sponsors one, two, or three Moorpark High School Juniors whom attend Boys’ State at the University of California at Sacramento for a weeklong lesson on how government is run.  Boy’s State has been an ongoing project for Post 502, and provides the same opportunities for the girls from Moorpark High School .  Potential Boy’s State candidates are screened by school officials and then interviewed by a select committee from the Post, responsible for the final selection.  Participation in Boy’s & Girl’s State can be a deciding factor for the honoree in getting into the college of his or her choice.

Citizenship Awards:  Awards are presented to outstanding boys and girls at several schools in Moorpark.  The Citizenship Award recipient will have displayed all characteristics, which are consistent with exemplary citizenship and possess those high qualities of Courage, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism, Scholarship, and Service which are necessary to the preservation and protection of the fundamental institution of our government an the advancement of society.  Presentation is made during assembly at the end of the school year where the student body, faculty, and parents may be present.

Scholarships: A senior boy and a girl from Moorpark High School ’s student body are selected to be the recipients of our Annual Scholarship Award.  A committee of Post 502 members, who review qualifications based on academic achievement, community involvement, and need, determines the honorees.  The Scholarship Program was begun in 1966 with monetary awards presented each year with a few exceptions.

American Legion Baseball: This program has been active in Moorpark for many years and is open to both high school and college students.  It has proven to be a stepping-stone for college scholarships and is all but a prerequisite for the major leagues.  For the past several years, Post 502 has sponsored two teams each carrying a roster of 18 players maximum.   Since the 2001 season, Post 502 has sponsored three teams each year.

Special Events

Special event activities include participation in special requests such as Moorpark country Days, various parades, Fourth of July, Color Guard, and Community based programs in Moorpark and the County of Ventura.  Moorpark Post 502 as a veterans’ organization is also asked to assist with and participates in funerals for veterans.

Veterans Rehabilitation

Since being chartered, Post 502 membership has provided financial support, clothing, transportation, food, over the counter medicine and assistance with veterans’ benefits.  Post 502 has a Service Officer who is available to provide guidance to veterans and their family members.

Membership

Eligible applicants are encouraged to join our post at our monthly meetings. You may also complete and send in a membership application.