From Our Constitution (Preamble, Arts. I–III. 1865, emended 1885):
We, Officers and honorably discharged Officers of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps of the United States, . . . having aided in maintaining the honor, integrity and supremacy of the National Government at a critical period of its history, and holding in remembrance the sacrifices in common made and the triumphs together shared in discharge of this sacred duty, unite to ordain and establish a permanent association for the purposes and objects hereinafter set forth, and to this end pledge our honor, as officers and gentlemen. . . .
This association shall be known as The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.
This Order acknowledges as its fundamental principles —
First. A firm belief and trust in Almighty God, extolling Him under whose beneficent guidance the sovereignty and integrity of the Union have been maintained, the honor of the Flag vindicated, and the blessings of civil liberty secured, established, and enlarged.
Second. True allegiance to the United States of America, based upon paramount respect for and fidelity to the National Constitution and Laws, manifested by discountenancing whatever may tend to weaken loyalty; incite to insurrection, treason or rebellion; or impair in any manner the efficiency and permanency of our free institutions.
The objects of this Order shall be to cherish the memories and associations of the war waged in defense of the unity and indivisibility of the Republic; strengthen the ties of fraternal fellowship and sympathy formed by companionship-in-arms; advance the best interests of the soldiers and sailors of the United States, especially of those associated as Companions of this Order, and extend all possible relief to their widows and children; foster the cultivation of military and naval science; enforce unqualified allegiance to the General Government; protect the rights and liberties of American citizenship; and maintain National Honor, Union and Independence.