AUSTIN, Texas – (July 10, 2026) – During the American Legion Department of Texas’ 107th Annual Convention, held at the Renaissance Austin Hotel, Legionnaires had the opportunity to hear from the department’s 2026 Oratorical champion Anouchka Rai and 2026 Samsung Scholarship winner Luke David.

The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students.

Samsung endowed a scholarship fund of $5 million to be administered by The American Legion in 1996. Meant to show appreciation for U.S. veterans who came to Korea's aid during its struggle against communist forces in the Korean War, the Samsung American Legion Scholarship Program established a series of scholarships derived from interest and other income from the principal amount.

The American Legion is the largest U.S. veterans organization, with nearly 2 million members in more than 12,000 posts across the nation and in foreign countries.

Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is dedicated to the motto of “Veterans Strengthening America.”

Legionnaires accomplish this through the organization’s four founding pillars of mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans.