Burton-Cowell Post 265
ProgramsAmerican Legion Baseball
American Legion Baseball is a national institution, having thrived through a world war, several national tragedies, and times of great prosperity as well as great despair.
The league still stands behind the traditional values upon which it was founded in 1925. American Legion Baseball has taught hundreds of thousands of young Americans the importance of sportsmanship, good health and active citizenship. The program is also a promoter of equality, making teammates out of young athletes regardless of their income levels or social standings. American Legion Baseball has been, and continues to be, a stepping stone to manhood for millions of young men who have gone on to serve their country or community, raise families or play the sport at the highest level.
For additional information on the history of American Legion Baseball.
Boys State
Boys State/NationTwo representatives from each of the 50 Boys States represent their state at Boys Nation in Washington, where the young leaders receive an education on the structure and function of federal government.
The first Boys Nation – then called Boys Forum of National Government – convened at American University in Washington in August 1946. The 1946 American Legion National Convention adopted the event as an official youth activity. Three years later, it became American Legion Boys Nation.
At the event, each delegate acts as a senator from his Boys State. The young lawmakers caucus at the beginning of the session, then organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills submitted by program delegates.
Senators learn the proper method of handling bills, according to U.S. Senate rules. Participation in the political process is emphasized throughout the week, including organization of party conventions and nominating and electing a president and vice president.
The week of government training also includes lectures, forums and visits to federal agencies, institutions, memorials and historical sites. On Capitol Hill, Boys Nation senators meet with elected officials from their home states.
Field trips include Arlington National Cemetery, the National Mall, the Supreme Court, the Department of State, the Capitol and the White House.
Since Boys Nation began in 1946, a number of its graduates have been elected to public office, including presidents, congressmen, state governors and state legislators. Many others have been inspired to work for the campaigns of individuals seeking public office.
Oratorical Contest
“A constitutional speech contest”
The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented 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. The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former president candidate Alan Keyes and CNN anchor Lou Dobbs.
Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $138,000 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets an $18,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $16,000, and third gets $14,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $1,500 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $1,500 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.
1st Vice Commander Thompson presents a certificate to Ms. Haley Green in recognition of her selection as the post’s 2026 Oratorical Candidate.
2026/27 Contestant Application (PDF)
High school students under age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest, where department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers.
Flag Retirements
We are continually being asked what can be done with my old flag that is worn and tattered. The U.S. Flag Code states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning”, you can drop off your worn and tattered flag at any time and we will dispose of your flag for free in the dignified manner it deserves.
A drop box is located on the post grounds and is accessible 24/7.
A dignified flag retirement ceremony is conducted in the begining of June each year. Please watch the events calendar for the specific date. Event is open to the public.
Student Trooper
The purpose of the North Carolina American Legion Student Trooper Program is to create an association between our young people and the men and women who are responsible for enforcing the laws of our State. The American Legion believes that our young people have a strong sense of patriotism and a high regard for Law and Order. It is our belief that the young men and women who participate in the Student Trooper Program will develop favorable attitudes toward Law Enforcement and will articulate those attitudes throughout their communities and among their peers.
Pop Tabs Collection 
Help American Legion Burton-Cowell Post 265 “Pull Together” by collecting aluminum pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House Eastern North Carolina!
Individuals can collect the pop tabs and bring to Post 265’s monthly membership meetings to deposit in a container that will be located at the sign in table. (meetings are at 7pm the 4th Monday of each month at Living Water Christian School located at 3980 Gum Branch Rd, Jacksonville, NC)
Not only will the tabs bring a real value in providing help to those in need for lodging and meals while a family member is in a medical emergency, it also is an effort to recycle.
Point of contact for questions is the Post Public Relations Chair, Kelly Shortt at email: info.legionpost265@gmail.com
Why the Pop Tab?
The pop tab by itself does not mean much, however, when collected, pop tabs add up to become a valuable donation to the Ronald McDonald House Eastern North Carolina! You can help us “pull together” by collecting the tabs you pull to open soda, soup, and other cans.
Why the Ronald McDonald House in Greenville, NC?
Onslow County is a HUB for 29 counties in Eastern North Carolina. Camp Lejeune Medical Center is a LEVEL III trauma center, and Greenville is the closest location to offer LEVEL I adult and pediatric trauma services- meaning this is the closest LEVEL I for transferring patients for specialized treatment.