The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (in short, Loyal Legion, also sometimes “MOLLUS” ) is a patriotic veterans’ and hereditary organization formed in the wake of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 15, 1865.
The Loyal Legion was founded by three Union officers attending a meeting of veterans in Philadelphia to plan for participation in the funeral arrangements for the President. The founding officers wanted to form an organization that could help thwart future threats to the national government. Soon after the President’s funeral, the Loyal Legion was formally incorporated as a permanent organization of officers and former officers of the regular and volunteer armed forces that fought to preserve the Union in the War of the Rebellion of 1861 to 1865. The Loyal Legion grew into a national organization federating state-based commanderies, which continues to this day. With the eventual aging of the Original Companions, membership within the Loyal Legion was opened up to provide for Hereditary Companions—descendants or collateral representatives of eligible officers. Membership is also available to Associate Companions—qualified men who do not descend from an eligible officer—by invitation.
The Loyal Legion continues into the twenty-first century as a hereditary society of descendants and allies who share the patriotic mission of the founding Companions. The Rhode Island Commandery welcomes eligible men who live in Rhode Island or who have a Rhode Island connection, or all who are descended from eligible officers who served from Rhode Island.