The Marine Corps League is the only congressionally chartered United States Marine Corps-related veterans organization in the United States. Its congressional charter was approved by the 75th U.S. Congress and signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 4, 1937. The organization credits Major General John A. Lejeune, the 13th Marine Corps commandant, as one of its founding members. The League holds a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code. Mission statement History The Marine Corps League perpetuates the traditions and spirit of all Marines, Navy FMF corpsmen and Navy FMF chaplains who wear or have worn the Eagle, Globe and Anchor of the Marine Corps. The League is the only federally chartered Marine Corps-related veterans organization in the country. Since its earliest days, the League has enjoyed the support and encouragement of the active duty and reserve establishments of the Marine Corps. The League boasts a membership of more than 60,000 men and women, officer and enlisted, active duty, reserve Marines, honorably discharged Marine veterans, qualified Navy FMF corpsmen and qualified Navy FMF chaplains. It is one of the few veterans organizations that experiences annual membership increases. Marine Corps Veterans Conference of 1922 (November 10, 1922) In 1922, retired Major Sidney W. Brewster had a vision in which appeared thousands of Marines marching in a parade. Until February 1923, his vision was an obsession until others with whom Brewster talked became impressed. From 1919-23, veteran organizations sprang up in all parts of the country. Clubs, associations and groups for Marine veterans were formed in keeping with the prevalent feeling of esprit de corps and good fellowship. They had served and fought together and now they met to recount the days of 1917-19 spent in Parris Island, Quantico, France and Germany. A gathering convened on November 10, 1922 at the Hotel McAlpin in New York City to discuss establishing relationships with other Marine Corps veteran organizations. Among attendees were retired First Lt. Paul Howard, retired First Lt. James Duffy, Second Lt. Frank D'Ipoli, Albert Lages, Milton Solomon, Roy Hagan, Frank Lambert, Miss Ray Sawyer, Mrs. Mae Garner, Webster de S. Smith, Merle McAlister and Rev. J. H. Clifford. After lengthy discussion, Brewster's vision materialized and he was elected temporary chairman. Sawyer was elected temporary secretary and Raymond Wills was elected temporary treasurer. A committee was appointed to plan a national organization and the name "Marine Corps Veterans