Together we can.

Post Namesake

Davis-Sikes: American Legion Post 296 of Destin Florida was chartered in 1955. The Post was Named after Two of Our Fallen World War II American Hero’s. Elborn M. Davis and Rolen C. Sikes.The following is a brief summary of their lives: Elborn M. Davis, was born to Mary Ann Hardy and Hiliary Mathew Davis on September 4, 1912 in Point Washington, Walton County, Florida, USA. He was the only survivor of a set of triplets, Elborn lived and the other two were stillborn and buried in Holmes County in the Hardy Cemetery. He had one sister ( Ethel Davis, d;2002 ) and two brothers, ( Elton James Davis, d;1993 and Earnest Davis, b;1925 ).Staff Sergeant Davis was killed in action on July 17, 1944 at the invasion of Normandy, France. He is buried in Hardy Cemetery, Millers Ferry, Washington County Florida, USA. Rolen C. Sikes Jr. was born to Mr. and Mrs. Rolen Clarence Sikes, d;1959, of Destin, Florida. He was a Motor Machinist Mate First Class and Mustered aboard The LCI 219 ( Landing Craft Infantry ) on March 31, 1944. He is included in the Le Mur Virtuel Normandy Memorial “ Floride”. He was Awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He was originally listed as Missing in Action and then was changed to Killed in Action on June 11, 1944 at the Invasion of Normandy France. His body was never recovered.

The American Legion's mission statement, as adopted by the National Executive Committee in October 2020, is:

To enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. The American Legion's vision statement is "The American Legion: Veterans Strengthening America.” The American Legion's value principles are as follows:

A VETERAN IS A VETERAN - which means The American Legion embraces all current and former members of the military and endeavors to help them transition into their communities.

SELFLESS SERVICE - which means The American Legion celebrates all who contribute to something larger than themselves and inspires others to serve and strengthen America.

AMERICAN VALUES AND PATRIOTISM - which means The American Legion advocates for upholding and defending the United States Constitution, equal justice and opportunity for everyone and discrimination against no one, youth education, responsible citizenship and honoring military service by observing and participating in memorial events.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - which means The American Legion meets the unique needs of local communities.

ADVANCING THE VISION - which means The American Legion educates, mentors and leads new generations of Americans.

HONOR THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE US - which means The American Legion pays perpetual respect for all past military sacrifices to ensure they are never forgotten by new generations.

The American Legion's motto is "Veterans Strengthening America."