History of Connecticut's

"Blue Cap"

The local Post is the core unit of The American Legion from which many of the Legion programs and activities start. Legionnaires at the post level are identified as "blue cap" Legionnaires. This is to distinguish them from "white cap" Department (State) level officers and "red cap" National officers.

    In Connecticut, the term "blue cap Legionnaire" is a bit deceiving as the Post cap has two colors: the traditional blue with a buff crown. These distinguishing colors conform to the traditional colors of the Connecticut Militia of the Revolutionary War.

    The Connecticut Legion cap has a replica of the Charter Oak tree on the center front. This is the state tree and it is deeply rooted in the historic tradition of Connecticut. In 1662, the General Court of Connecticut received their Charter from King Charles II. Twenty-five years later with the succession of James II, His Majesty's agent Sir Edmund Andros attempted to seize the Charter. After hours of debate, with the Charter on the table between opposing parties, the candle lit room went suddenly dark. When the candles were relighted, the Charter was gone. Captain Joseph Wadsworth is credited with having removed it, and placing the Charter in the majestic oak on the Wyllys estate. That is why we wear the Charter Oak on our caps.