100 Years of Route 66
In 2026, American Legion Gaming (ALG) is proud to serve as an official partner of the Route 66 Centennial, a once-in-a-generation national commemoration of America’s most iconic highway.
Known as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 has symbolized freedom, mobility, and the American spirit since its establishment in 1926. Its 100-year anniversary represents more than nostalgia, it’s a cultural milestone that brings together heritage, storytelling, tourism, and national identity. As part of this historic moment, ALG is launching a signature project that connects that legacy to today’s generation of service members.
Help Support Our Road Crew
We’re raising funds not only to help feed our crew throughout the journey, but to support the full operation required to execute the mission. This includes lodging, transportation and fuel, equipment purchases and replacements, internet and power solutions, and basic crew support while on the road. Additional costs may include shipping gear, branded materials, and on-site setup needs to ensure each activation runs smoothly. Your support helps ensure the team is fully equipped, taken care of, and able to deliver at a high level from start to finish.
The Battleship Iowa
LA Fleet Week is one of Southern California’s largest Memorial Day events, centered around the Battleship Iowa, and serves as a vital bridge between the military and the public. It provides a rare opportunity for civilians to engage directly with active-duty service members, building understanding, appreciation, and community support.
For service members, the event boosts morale and offers meaningful connection outside of their daily duties. For Post 283 and American Legion Gaming, it’s a strategic opportunity to engage service members early—introducing them to the Legion in a modern, relevant way and helping build lasting connections that carry into veteran life.
Long Way to LA – An Official Route 66 Centennial Project
The Journey
“Long Way to LA” is a cross-country storytelling campaign that blends American history, modern military service, and digital content creation.
Beginning in mid-May 2026, a team of ALG veterans will depart from Chicago and travel west to Los Angeles along historic Route 66. Over the course of 7–10 days, the team will document their journey across the country, capturing the people, places, and stories that define America.
The route includes iconic stops like:
- St. Louis
- Tulsa
- Oklahoma City
- Amarillo
- Santa Fe
- Flagstaff
- Barstow
Final routing and activations will align with partners, veteran organizations, and local communities along the way.
Connecting Past and Present
This project sits at the intersection of three powerful narratives:
American legacy — honoring 100 years of Route 66 as a symbol of exploration and opportunity
Military service — showcasing the lives, camaraderie, and stories of today’s sailors
Digital storytelling — delivering real-time content that reaches a modern, connected audience
At each stop, the team will engage with local communities, veteran organizations, and civic partners, creating meaningful moments both on the ground and online.
Destination: LA Fleet Week 2026
The journey culminates at LA Fleet Week, Southern California’s largest Memorial Day event, taking place May 22–25, 2026.
Throughout the trip, ALG will produce:
- Daily video and social content updates
- Destination-specific stories from across Route 66
- A long-form documentary recap released during Fleet Week
Why It Matters
As an official Route 66 Centennial partner, ALG is uniquely positioned to bridge generations—honoring the past while engaging the future.
“Long Way to LA” transforms a historic highway into a modern platform for:
- Veteran connection
- National storytelling
- Brand and community engagement at scale
This is a living narrative of service, culture, and America—100 years in the making.