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The following chart explains the relationship a local post has with other posts, the district or county, the department and National Headquarters. For the sake of brevity, post subcommittees are not included. A list of “standard” post committees and other non- traditional committees (depending on your post’s programs and activities) are listed starting on page 21.
Note: Department headquarters and National Headquarters do not manage, operate or control local posts in day- ‐to- ‐day business decisions. Departments and posts uphold the declared principles of The American Legion as well as conform to and abide by the constitution, regulations and decisions of their department executive committee, the National Executive Committee and the National Convention.
Disclaimer of liabilityWith respect to information contained in this document, neither The American Legion nor any of its employees makes any warranty, express or implied, nor assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process implemented at the post or department level. All items of information in this document are suggestions except for the National Constitution and By- ‐laws. You should consult your own counsel for ”best practices“ when dealing with any business operations or American Legion programs, even those covered by resolutions approved by the National Executive Committee or National Convention.
The American LegionLevels of Communication
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS
DISTRICT AND/OR COUNTY
POST COMMANDER
55 Departments
Approx. 800 Districts
Approx. 13,500 Posts
POST ADJUTANT
OTHER ELECTED OFFICERS
LEGEND
coordination & information
directive
COMMITTEES1. Americanism2. Children and Youth3. Economic4. Finance5. House6. Legislative7. Membership & Post Activities8. Media & Communications9. Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation10. Security11. Graves Registration12. Sons of The American Legion13. Legion Riders
POST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
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AMERICANLEGIONOFFICER’SGUIDE
andManualofCeremonies
PublishedbyTheAmericanLegionNationalHeadquarters
InternalAffairsDivision
P.O.Box1055Indianapolis,IN46206
www.legion.org
54thEdition(RevisedFebruary2017)
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TheOfficer’sGuideisintendedastheprincipalhandbookissuedbyNationalHeadquarterstohelpAmericanLegionofficersfulfilltheirresponsibilities.Thishandbookcombinesinonevolumeaguidetopostoffices,operationsandprocedures;theManualofCeremonies,inwhichceremoniesprescribedbytheNationalTrophies,AwardsandCeremonialsSubcommitteearedescribed;andanappendixincludingTheAmericanLegionConstitution,eligibilityrequirements,parliamentaryprocedures,asuggestedpostconstitutionandby-laws,andmore.PublicationsonallmajorAmericanLegionprogramsareavailablefromyourdepartmentheadquartersandNationalHeadquarters.Asthesearereceivedorobtained,theyshouldbegiventotheresponsiblepostofficersorcommitteechairpersons.Seethecompletelistatwww.legion.org/publications.Manycanbedownloadedforfree;othersareavailableatlowcost.Astheyearunfolds,youwillreceivethroughvariousdepartmentandnationalpublicationsadditionalinformationconcerningspecificprogramsandsuggestionsforworthwhileactivities.ShouldyouhavequestionsonAmericanLegionpoliciesorprocedures,contactyourdistrictofficer.Inaddition,yourdepartmentheadquartersisalwaysavailableforadviceandinformation.Whennecessary,departmentheadquarterscancallonNationalHeadquartersforinformation,clarification,orassistanceonanymatter.ThecommunityknowsTheAmericanLegionbyitsposts.Inyourcommunity,TheAmericanLegionisyourpost.Wehopethishandbookwillhelpyoucarryoutyourmanyresponsibilities,andweencourageyouandyourfellowpostofficerstobecomefamiliarwithitscontents.
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Section1–PostOperationsTheWearingoftheCapandUsageofTheAmericanLegionEmblem,FacilitiesandPoliticalDonations..................................6Foreword.....................................................................................................................................................................................7ThePost......................................................................................................................................................................................8PostOfficers.............................................................................................................................................................................10PostCommittees.....................................................................................................................................................................21UniformedGroups...................................................................................................................................................................23AnalysisofPostOperation......................................................................................................................................................24PostResponsibilityAudit(PRA)...............................................................................................................................................25StepstoaBetterPost..............................................................................................................................................................27PostCharters...........................................................................................................................................................................29NewPosts................................................................................................................................................................................31ProjectStayActive...................................................................................................................................................................33DirectRenewalNotices...........................................................................................................................................................34Paid-Up-For-Life(PUFL)Membership.....................................................................................................................................34ConsolidatedPostReports(CPR).............................................................................................................................................34myLegion.org...........................................................................................................................................................................35ChildWelfareFoundation(CWF).............................................................................................................................................35TemporaryFinancialAssistance(TFA).....................................................................................................................................36NationalEmergencyFund(NEF).............................................................................................................................................37SonsofTheAmericanLegion(SAL).........................................................................................................................................38AmericanLegionAuxiliary.......................................................................................................................................................38
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Section2–ManualofCeremoniesPlanofPostMeetingRoom.....................................................................................................................................................40PlanofPostMeetingRoomforSpecialCeremonies...............................................................................................................41WearingtheAmericanLegionCap..........................................................................................................................................42Badges.....................................................................................................................................................................................43ColorGuardProcedure............................................................................................................................................................44RegularMeeting......................................................................................................................................................................45POW/MIAEmptyChairCeremony...........................................................................................................................................45POW/MIARemembranceService............................................................................................................................................47Initiation..................................................................................................................................................................................49InstallationofOfficers.............................................................................................................................................................57Dedications..............................................................................................................................................................................63MilitaryFuneralHonorsforVeterans......................................................................................................................................66PostEverlasting.......................................................................................................................................................................68FoldingtheFlag.......................................................................................................................................................................77DrapingtheAmericanLegionCharterCeremony....................................................................................................................78GoldStarBannerCeremony....................................................................................................................................................79PatrioticHolidays.....................................................................................................................................................................80FlagCeremonies......................................................................................................................................................................88PrayersforSpecialOccasions..................................................................................................................................................92
AppendixMeaningofthePreambletoTheAmericanLegionConstitution............................................................................................93TheAmericanLegionCharter..................................................................................................................................................95ConstitutionofTheAmericanLegion......................................................................................................................................96By-LawsofTheAmericanLegion...........................................................................................................................................101TheAmericanLegion’sBlueprintforthe21stCentury.........................................................................................................106SuggestedFormforPostConstitution...................................................................................................................................108SuggestedFormforPostBy-Laws.........................................................................................................................................110Delinquency,ResignationandTransfer.................................................................................................................................113Eligibility................................................................................................................................................................................114ParliamentaryProcedure......................................................................................................................................................122UniformCodeofProcedurefortheRevocation,CancellationorSuspensionofPostCharters............................................129PracticesandProcedureinExpulsionorSuspensionofaMember......................................................................................132EmblemSales........................................................................................................................................................................136UseofTheAmericanLegionEmblem....................................................................................................................................136ElementsoftheEmblem.......................................................................................................................................................138MilitaryEquipmentandBlankAmmunition..........................................................................................................................139TheAmericanLegionandAmericanLegionAuxiliaryPoppyProgram..................................................................................143HowtoWriteaResolution....................................................................................................................................................144VeteranoftheMonth............................................................................................................................................................146PostNarrativeHistories.........................................................................................................................................................147PostYearbooks......................................................................................................................................................................152U.S.FlagCode........................................................................................................................................................................157NationalAnthem...................................................................................................................................................................160PublicationsandOtherMaterials..........................................................................................................................................160Index......................................................................................................................................................................................161NationalHeadquartersAddressesandPhoneNumbers.......................................................................................................166NationalHeadquartersOrganizationChart.....................................................................................................InsideBackCover
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TheFourPillarsofTheAmericanLegion
TheAmericanLegion’sfourpillars–VeteransAffairsandRehabilitation,NationalSecurity,Americanism,andChildrenandYouth–areasrelevanttodayaswhenourorganizationwasfoundedin1919.
AllAmericanLegionofficersshouldbefamiliarwiththeprogramsofferedundereachpillar,alongwithhowtoconductandpublicizethem,recruitparticipantsandinspirecommunityinvolvement.
Inaddition,allofficersshouldknowtheLegion’slegislativepositionsandbefullyengagedindiscussingwithlocal,stateandnationalelectedofficialshowtosupportandachieveourlegislativegoals.
Asanofficer,strivetobecomeasourceofLegionhistoryandknowledge.Beeagerandpreparedtoansweranyandallquestionsfromapotentialnewmember,andtospeakwithauthorityaboutTheAmericanLegiontoothercommunitygroups.
WelcomeeverynewmemberintotheLegionbyassigninghimorheramentorwhoisfamiliarwithourtraditions,customs,policiesandprograms.Finally,encouragemembersoldandnewtocompleteTheAmericanLegionExtensionInstitute,whichisthebestandmostconvenientwaytogainbasicknowledgeofwhoweareandwhatwedo.ManyLegionnaireswanttobecomestrongerleadersandonlyneedtheopportunity,makingcontinuoustrainingandeducationprogramsnecessaryateverylevel–post,district,countyanddepartment.
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TheAmericanLegionemblem
EverypartofTheAmericanLegionemblemhasmeaning.Theemblemislaidupontheraysofthesun,giveroflife,warmthandcourage;foeofthecold,ofthedarkness,offear,ofapprehension.Inturn,eachoftheemblem’spartssignifiesameaning,whichnoAmericanLegionnairewhowearstheemblemshouldtakelightly,andwhichhe/sheshouldknowfromthefirstmomentitisputon.Whydoesthestarsignifyconstancyofpurpose?Becausethestarsarefixedintheheavens.Asthestarsdonotwander,soshouldTheAmericanLegionnotwanderfromitsfixedpurposes.Further,thewords“TheAmericanLegion”demandthatthewearer“shalleverguardthesanctityofhomeandcountryandfreeinstitutions….”ThereshinestheemblemofTheAmericanLegion.Itisyourbadgeofprideanddistinction,honorandservice.
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ThewearingofthecapandusageoftheAmericanLegionemblem,facilitiesandpoliticaldonations AccordingtoArticleII,Section2,oftheConstitutionofTheAmericanLegion,“TheAmericanLegionshallbeabsolutelynonpoliticalandshallnotbeusedforthedisseminationofpartisanprinciplesnorforthepromotionofthecandidacyofanypersonseekingpublicofficeorpreferment.”Thenationalcharter,approvedbyCongress,alsostipulatesTheAmericanLegionasanorganizationisnonpolitical*,whichhasbeeninterpretedbythenationaljudgeadvocateas“nonpartisan”inmodernlingo.Therefore,TheAmericanLegionasanorganizationisprohibitedfromcontributing,helpingorendorsingacandidate.However,amember–asaprivatecitizenandnotrepresentingtheorganization–canemploywhateverlegalandethicalmeanstoadvancehisorhercandidate.TheLegioncapisconsideredtheofficialLegionuniform(seep.42).ItisnotanindividualLegionmember’sdecisionontheappropriateusageofthecapandemblem.Ifattendingapoliticalevent,TheAmericanLegioncap,oranyclothingwiththeemblemvisible,shouldberemovedsoasnottoimplyendorsementbyTheAmericanLegion.Theproblemistheassumptionofendorsementbythosewhoseetheemblemornamewornatanimproperlocation,suchasapartisanrally.Whenusingpostfacilitiestohostcandidates,thepostshouldremovetheemblemandAmericanLegionflagtoavoidanyimpressionofendorsements.Candidatesforallpartiesmustbepresentedequalopportunityatthesametimetousethefacilitiesonthesametermsandconditionsasothercompetingcandidates.TheAmericanLegionvaluesitsindependenceandeffectivenessonveterans’issues.Thisstanceisbestmaintainedbyneutralityonindividualcandidatesorpoliticalparties.TheAmericanLegionbylegaldefinitionisnonpartisanandsupportsonlyissuesthatimpacttheFourPillars.ThefollowingisthepositionoftheNationalHeadquartersofTheAmericanLegionregardingfinancialcontributionsthatmightbeofferedbycandidatesforpoliticaloffice,campaigns,politicalactioncommitteesorpoliticalparties:! TheAmericanLegionisveryappreciativeofdonorswhocontributetoitsprograms,whichenhancethe
qualityoflifeforthousandsofveterans,youngpeopleandtheirfamilies.! WhileTheAmericanLegionispleasedtoseecandidatesaddressissuesofconcerntoAmerica’sveterans,it
isanonpartisanorganization.TheAmericanLegionConstitutionprohibitstheorganizationfromendorsinganycandidateforpoliticaloffice.
! Ifacandidate,PACorpoliticalpartyweretoofferafinancialcontributiontoTheAmericanLegionoritsprograms,theLegionwouldpolitelydecline.Whileacceptingthecontributionmaybeperfectlylegal,TheAmericanLegionwantstoavoideventheperceptionthattheorganizationsupportsanycandidacy.Again,TheAmericanLegionvaluesitsindependenceandisbeholdentonopoliticalofficeholderorcandidate.
*Thismeans“nonpartisan”intoday’ssociety.TheAmericanLegionisallowedbyCongresstolobbyforveteransbenefitsandastrongUnitedStatesofAmerica(NJA,October25,2012).
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FOREWORD
Servingasapostofficerisaprivilegeandhonorbestoweduponyoubyyourfellowcomrades.Throughyourelection,yourpeershaverecognizedyourleadershipskillsandpotentialtomanagetheposteffectively.Yourterminofficewilloffermanyopportunitiestolearnnewskillswhileenhancingtheexperienceofothersandgrowingasaleader.Yourtermcanalsoreappersonalandprofessionaldevelopmentbenefitsforalifetime.
TheOfficer’sGuideisaninformationaltooltoassistyouthroughoutyouryearasapostofficer.IncludedistheManualofCeremonies,acompilationoftime-honoredAmericanLegionritualsbasedontraditionandestablishedpolicy.
TheAmericanLegionrecognizesthateachpostisunique,andthatallleadershavedifferentmanagementstyles.Toaccommodatethesedifferences,postofficershavegreatdealoflatitudeinhowtheychoosetomanagetheirpostaslongastheyfollowthebasiclegalrequirementsestablishedinthecharterofTheAmericanLegionandintheNationalConstitutionandBy-Laws.Acopyofeachiscontainedintheappendixofthisguide.
Remember,youarenotonyourown.Everymemberofyourpostispartofyourteam,anditisthepostofficers’responsibilitytoguidememberstowardreachingthepost’ssharedgoals.Everymemberhashisorherroletoplay,andbyworkingtogether,yourpostwillbeabletomeetitsfullpotentialandserveavitalroleinyourcommunity.
Yourpost’schallengeistofocusonservicetoveterans,theirfamiliesandthecommunityinwhichyoureside.Tomeetthischallenge,yourpostmustdevelopgoalsandobjectives.ThePreambletotheConstitutionofTheAmericanLegionisanideal,asetofmissionsandbattlesthatcanneverbedecisivelywonorlost–onlyfoughtfor.Itservesasavisionforyourpostleadershiptocraftamissionstatementfromwhichyoucanestablishshort-andlong-termgoals.Intheappendix,youwillfindalistoffiveresolutionspertainingtoTheAmericanLegion’sblueprintformeetingchallengesitfacesinthe21stcentury(seepages106-107).ThoughtheystemfromastudycompletedandreportedtotheNationalExecutiveCommitteein1997,theseresolutionsremaingermanetoday,somuchsothattheNationalExecutiveCommitteerevisedandreaffirmedtheminOctober2012.Theycanprovideguidanceanddirectionasyouestablishyourpost’sprogramsandsetgoals.
Byacceptingtheelectedofficeyouhave,youmadeadecisiontoserve.Goandmakethebestofit.
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SECTIONIPostOperations
Thepost
TheAmericanLegionisincorporatedbyanactofCongressandisorganizedintolocalposts,which,forpurposesofcoordinationandadministration,aregroupedintodepartments.ThepostisthecombatunitofTheAmericanLegion.DependinguponitsabilitytorealizeAmericanLegionpoliciesandproperlyinterpretthemtoothers,andtosuccessfullycarryoutunselfishactivitiesforthecommunity,thestateandthenation,ourorganizationwillstandorfall.ThepostisTheAmericanLegion.ItsdutiesarebeautifullyspelledoutinthePreambletotheConstitutionofTheAmericanLegion.Membershipisbypostonly.Programsareeffectivetothedegreethepostadoptsandputsthemintooperation.Mutualhelpfulnessbecomesarealitythroughthepost’scomradeship,socialactivitiesandserviceprograms.
Theresponsibilitygiventotheindividualpostisthesourceofourstrengthandgrowth.Thepostistoalargedegreeautonomous,restrictedonlybybroadgeneralguidelinesmadeclearinthenationalordepartmentconstitutionandby-laws.
TheindividualLegionnaire’sperceptionofTheAmericanLegion–particularlythepostofficer’sperception–largelydefinesthepost.IfthepersonperceivestheLegiontobeabar,thepostwillbeabar,andthatisall.Ifthepersonthinksthepostisdoingagoodjobbutstillisn’tattractingnewmembers,thentheperceptionofwhattheLegionshouldbe,oris,doesnotagreewithwhatthemajorityofveteransintheareawantinanorganization.
Allpostsdonothavetobealike,althoughthereisatendencytothinkso.MembershiptroublesariseinacommunitywhenagroupwithanarrowperceptionofTheAmericanLegionbecomesdominantandsuppressesanygroupwithadifferentperception.Certainperceptionscanpreventthedevelopmentofnewactivitiesthatwouldproducenewleadersandnewmembers,whileotherscanresultintheexpansionofprograms,leadershipand,eventually,membership.Theyalsohelporhindertheestablishmentofnewpoststhatmightattractandserveentirelynewgroupsofveterans.
Thepostmustneverforget,however,itsresponsibilitytotheveteransandchildrenofitscommunity–andtothecommunityitself.WhatthecommunitythinksofTheAmericanLegionisjustasbasicaswhataLegionpostthinksofitself.TheAmericanLegionexistsonlywiththeapprovalofoursociety,oratleastalargesegmentofit.Thisistruewhetherit’sthenationalorganizationorapost.Eachpostisjudgedbythecommunity.Itssuccessorfailurereflectsthisjudgment.Agoodpostwillencourageactiveparticipationbyitsmemberswithothercivic-mindedcommitteesandorganizationswithinthecommunity.ItwillseektoparticipatewhetherornottheactivityisinitiatedbyTheAmericanLegion.
Agoodpostwillknowtheneedsofthecommunity.Itwillknowthembythesimpleprocessofplannedcontactsbyrepresentativepostmemberswithcityofficials,educators,welfareworkers,communityleaders,andothercivicandfraternalgroups.ALegionnairewhodoesagoodjobforthecommunitydeservesrecognitionandthanksfromthepost,whethertheprojectwaspost-sponsoredornot.
VeteransactivitiesalonewillnotestablishtheLegionasanassetintheeyesofthecommunity.Theseare,however,ofparticularimportancetoanorganizationcomposedexclusivelyofveterans.
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Kindsofposts,goalsEachLegionnaireseesTheAmericanLegionthroughhisorherpersonalexperiencesordesires.The
organizationisbigenoughandbroadenoughtoaccommodateeveryone,butthepostwillreflectthecompositepersonalityofitsmembers.Therearecountryclub-typepostsandcommunityposts.Therearepostsofethnicgroupsandallwomen.Therearebusinessandprofessionalposts,companyposts,andpostsformedbyfraternalgroups.Somepostshaveseveralthousandmembers,whileothersaresuccessfulwithfewerthanahundred.AllaredoingtheworkofTheAmericanLegion. Whatthepostwantsandneedstodo,itcando,butonlyifthemembership,andthepostofficersinparticular,carefullyspelloutitsgoalsorstandardsintermsofservicetothecommunityandthentranslatethemintoaction.Serviceisgettingmemberstodoajobandhavingfunwhiledoingit.It’sdoingwhatneedstobedone,whetherforthemembersorthecommunity.Thus,postofficersmustbeawareofthelikesanddislikesofitsmembers,andequallyawareoftheneedsofthecommunity.Developingleaders
TheAmericanLegionrequiresaterrificamountofmanpower.Morethan13,000newpostcommandersareneededeachyear.Thisnumbertops100,000whenotherpostofficersareelected.Someholdthesameofficeyearafteryear,butthereisalwaysaneedforfreshvolunteerleaders.
Wherearetheyfound?First,aveteranbecomesamember.Then,experience,educationandexposurethroughservingoncommitteesandattendingleadershipschools,conventionsandconferencespreparethatpersonforotherpositionsofresponsibility.Leadershiptraining,formalorinformal,shouldbeongoing.
Ifthepost’sworkhasgonewellandthepresentofficershavebeeneffective,thereshouldbenolackofcompetitionforelectivepostoffices.Buttheremaycomeatimewhensomeonemustbeapproachedandurgedtorunforpostcommanderorotherelectiveoffice.Thisisparticularlytrueinsomesmallpostswheremanymembershavealreadyserved.Thisshouldbeanticipatedandalong-termplaninplace.Thepresentofficersandactivemembersmustbeonthelookoutforfutureofficermaterial,andLegionnairesshowingabilityandinterestshouldbeencouragedtoseekhigheroffice. ElectionsThepostconstitutionandby-lawswillspelloutthedatesfornominationandelectionofofficers.Ifthesedonotagreewiththedepartmentconstitutionandby-laws,thepost’selectiondatesshouldbechanged.Forbestcommunicationsbetweenthepostanddepartment,itisdesirableforallpoststoconductelectionsonornearthesamedate,andtheresultspromptlyreportedtothedepartment. Installation
TheinstallationofanewgroupofofficersisthefirstoccasionofthenewLegionyearforanimpressiveceremonyandoneofthetopsocialeventsonthepost’scalendar.Ifnewofficersarecasuallyinstalled,theirattitudetowardtheirobligationwillbecasual.Iftheinstallationisaccompaniedbyabanquet,visitsfromdepartmentanddistrictofficers,andentertainmentthatdrawsacrowd,thenewofficersaregoingtobefullyawareoftheresponsibilitiestheyhaveassumed.
Impressiveinstallationceremoniescanprovidetheframeworkaroundwhichotherritualscandevelop.TheManualofCeremoniescoverstheinitiationofnewmembers,dedicationofhalls,funeralservicesandotherritualsthatarestandardthroughoutTheAmericanLegion.DepartmentheadquartersandNationalHeadquarterscanprovideadditionaltoolstomaketheseceremoniesmoreeffective.
Inmanydepartments,regulationsareineffectastowhotheinstallingofficersshouldbe.Checkwiththedistrictcommanderforthesedetails.
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District/countyDepartmentshavetheauthoritytocreateintermediatebodiesbetweenthepostanddepartmenttoassist
asaliaisonbetweensuchorganizations,andforthepurposeofpromotingtheprogramsofTheAmericanLegion.Thedepartmentexecutivecommitteeorconstitutiondefinesthepowersofsuchintermediategroups.Innoeventshallsuchpowersinvadetheprerogativesvestedinthepost,departmentornationalorganization.
Themostcommondivisionisthedepartment’spartitionintodistricts.However,manydepartmentsdoprovideforcountyorganizations,inter-countycouncilsandothersubdivisionsbelowthedistrictlevel.Inonedepartment,countyorganizationssubstitutefordistricts.
Dependinguponthepowersdelegated,thedistrictdoeshavesomesupervisorypowersoverthepostscomprisingthedistrict,buttheprimarypurposeistopromote,stimulateandcoordinateprogramssotheposts’workbecomesmoreeffective.
TheDistrict/CountyCommander’sGuideispublishedannuallytoassistnewlyelecteddistrictandcountycommanders.Thisguideissenttothedepartmentsfordistributionandavailableonlineatwww.legion.org/publications.DepartmentTheAmericanLegionisorganizedintodepartmentsandthese,inturn,intoposts.ThereisonedepartmentineachstateandtheDistrictofColumbia,andtheremaybeoneineachterritoryandinsularpossessionoftheUnitedStates(PuertoRico).Eachdepartmentmayprescribetheconstitutionofitsposts,andthedepartmenthassupervisionofthepostswithinitsboundariesandthepostsassignedtoitbytheNationalExecutiveCommittee.TherearealsoforeigndepartmentsinthePhilippines,FranceandMexico.Inall,thereare55departments.NationalHeadquarters
ThetoplegislativebodyofTheAmericanLegionisthenationalconvention.TheNationalExecutiveCommitteeisvestedwithadministrativeauthoritybetweennationalconventions.
ThroughtheofficesofNationalHeadquartersinIndianapolisandWashington,D.C.,thepoliciesoftheLegionareclarifiedanditsactivitiesarecenteredanddirected.Thus,theinfluenceofmorethan13,000postsiscoordinatedanddirectedalongthelinesofLegionpolicy.
PostofficersCommander
Thatyouhaveabilityisrecognizedbyyourelectiontotheofficeofpostcommander.Nowyoumustdrawonyourabilityandpastexperiencewhiledevelopingnewskillssothatyouwillsucceedinhelpingthepostprosper.
Thechargeyouhaveaccepted,commander,isbroadanddifficult.HowyourespondwilldeterminetoalargedegreethestandingofTheAmericanLegionamongyourassociatesandwithinthecommunity.Yourownability,thesupportofdistrictanddepartmentofficers,theinformationinthisguide,andthehelpyouwillgetfromthepostofficerswhoformyourteamwilltogethermaketheperformanceofyourjobpossible.Asyoulooktotheoveralloperationofthepost,you’llrealizethatyouhavesteppedtoanotherlevel.Youmayfeelthestepistoohigh,butasyouproceed,followingthesuggestionsandrecommendationsinthisguide,youmayfindthatyouryearascommanderisthemostrewardingofyourlife.
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PlanningpostoperationsforthecomingyearIt’sararegroupofnewpostofficerswhotakeofficewithoutenthusiasmandadesireforasuccessfulyear.
Inthechargeyouacceptedatyourinstallation,youwereentrustedwiththesupervisionofthedutiesofallotherpostofficers.Thisdoesnotmeanthatyouwilldiscouragethemfromusinginitiativeanddevelopingnewideas.Whatitdoesmeanisthatyouwillbejudgedbytheireffectiveness.
Therearemanywaystodeterminewhetherapostcommanderandtheirofficersareenjoyingasuccessfulyear.Judgmentsoftheworthofapostaremadebythemembers,thecommunity,andbyTheAmericanLegionitself.Likeitornot,againorlossinmembershipisthemeasuremostoftenused.
Actually,themembershiprecordisareliablebarometerofwhatyourpostisdoing.Anactivepostwherethemembersenjoythemselvesoftencreatesa“wordofmouth”membershipcampaign.Themembersareproudtobelong.It’snaturalforthemtotalk“Legion”totheirfriends,neighbors,relatives,coworkersandbusinessassociates.SincetheyenjoybelongingtotheLegion,theywanttheirfriendstogetinonagoodthing,too.
However,whetheritshowsornot,agreatdealofplanninghasprobablygoneintoeverysuccessfulmembershipcampaign.Butbeforesalespeoplecansellaproduct,theyhavetohaveagoodproduct–somethingpeoplewantandwillvalue.Programs,socialactivities,theopportunitytomakenewfriends,eventheposthomeitself–thesearewhataLegionsalespersonhastosell.
PostexecutivecommitteeEarlyon,youwilldiscoverthatrunningevenasmallpostismorethanaone-personjob.Thisiswhythepost
constitutionprovidesforafullgroupofpostofficers,aswellasanexecutivecommittee.Theyareelectedtodospecificjobs.It’suptoyoutogetthemtoworktogetherforthegoodofthepost.
Startbycallinganearlymeetingofyourofficersandexecutivecommittee.Thiscanhappenevenbeforeyouareinstalled.Invitetheoutgoingpostcommanderandadjutanttoattend.
Beforethemeeting,youandyouradjutantshouldknowwhatpostrecordsareonhand,wheretheyarekept,andhowtousethem.
Records,minutesandothermaterials
Doestheposthaveallitsmembershiprecordssinceitwaschartered,oratleastforrecentyears?Membersareproudoftheirrecordofcontinuousmembership.Keeptheseandallothermembershiprecordsuptodate.
Arethecompleteminutesofallmeetingsonfileorbound?Thekeepingandreadingofminutesmayseemdull,butminutescanbeextremelyimportant.Morethanonelegalcasehasturnedonwhatsomelong-forgottensecretaryoradjutantwroteintheminutesofameetingyearsago.
Doesthecheckbookbalance?Wherearethefunds,andisallthemoneyaccountedfor?Isthepostincorporatedunderthestate’snot-for-profitlaws?Whereisacopyofthearticlesofincorporation?Havethenecessaryannualreportsbeenfiledandallfeespaid?Iseveryofficerwhowillbehandlingfundsbonded?ThisisrequiredbytheLegion’snationalconstitution.
Doyouhaveacopyofthepost’sconstitutionandby-laws?Withthechangesinpostofficersfromyeartoyear,it’seasytoseehowvitalrecordscanbelostormisplaced.Makesurethatallessentialrecordsareaccessible,thattheyarewheretheyshouldbe(andnothidinginthedeskofanadjutantwhoservedadecadeago),andthatyouknow,atleastgenerally,theirpurpose.
BudgetandfundraisingAnyonewhoaskspeopletoattendameetingshoulddothemthecourtesyofpreparinganagenda–and
doingitinadvance.Oneofthefirstthingsontheagendaforthisfirstgatheringofnewpostofficersshouldbemoney–yourpost’sbudget.Theofficersneedtoknowwhatincomeisexpectedfortheyearandhowitshouldbespent.
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You’llhaveagoodchanceofstayingoutofmoneytroublesifyoufollowthesethreegeneralprinciples:
! First,makeyourdueshighenoughtomeetfixed,administrativecosts:postage,stationery,departmentdues,andinsomecases,rent.Thesearecoststhateverypostmustmeettostayinbusiness.
! Second,ifthecommunityistobenefitfromanAmericanLegionproject,don’thesitatetosolicitthecommunityforfunds–forexample,anAmericanLegionBaseballteam,acommunityplaygroundoraswimmingpool.Thepostwillactuallyaddtoitsreputationwithsuchprojects,butafullpublicaccountingneedstobemadeofallfundsreceivedandofhowtheyarespent.
! Third,don’taskthepublictogiveinthenameofcharityforanyprojectthatwillbeofbenefitprimarilytoLegionnaires.AbusinessmanmaydonatetosendayoungmantoBoysState,butheprobablywouldn’tcaretogivemoneytobuyanewcoolerforyourbar.Sometimesitisnecessarytoraisefundsfromoutsideforsomethingthatisstrictlyforthebenefitofthepostanditsmembers.Whenthishappens,makesurethatthepublicreceivesfullvalue.
CommitteeassignmentsElectedofficerswillberesponsibleforsomeoftheactivitiesandprojects.Yourappointedchairswillbein
chargeofothers.Decideattheverybeginningwhatisgoingtohappen,whenitisgoingtohappen,andwhoisgoingtomakeithappen.Mostoftheassignmentswillbetocarryonalreadyestablishedprogramsoractivities.
Handbooks,manualsandbrochuresexistforalloftheLegion’spremierprograms:BoysState,AmericanLegionBaseball,scholarships,andmore(seepage160).Youandyouradjutanthaveprobablyreceivedcopiesfromdepartmentheadquartersalready.Thesepublicationshaveinformationandideasthatyourcommitteechairsneed.Takethemtothefirstplanningmeetingandturnthemovertotheproperpeople.
ProgramsnewandoldNopostcanstandstill.Newprogramsareneededtomaintaininterestand,especially,tokeepupwiththe
times.Everynewactivityorprogramofferstheopportunitytointerestnewpeopleinjoiningthepost.Inactivememberscanbeturnedintoactivemembersthesameway.
Justabouteveryposthasserviceprogramsandsocialactivitiesthatwerestartedlongagoandhavebecometradition.Butorganizations,likeindividuals,fallintoruts.Anyprogramrunexactlythesamewayyearafteryearisgoingtogrowstale.So,atyourfirstplanningmeeting,takealookatthepost’sprogramsandactivities.Decidewhichneedsomechangesoranewlook.Aprogramwon’thappen,though,withoutsomeonetomakeithappen.Everyprogramoractivityneedstohaveapersonincharge–usuallyapostofficerorcommitteechair.Iftheselectionisgood,theprogramwillsucceed.Askand,infact,demandthateachchairpersonandofficerbuildatimetableofeventsthatcanbefittedintoanoverallpostcalendarforyouryear.
FirstpostmeetingAtthefirstpostmeeting,expectotherstocompareyoutopreviouscommanders.Thisisthetimetosetthe
tonefortheentireyear.Ifchangesaregoingtobemade,startnow.ThebasicframeworkforanypostmeetingisfoundintheManualofCeremonies.Byfollowingtheprescribedritualandorderofbusiness,evenapersonwhohasneverbeforepresidedoverameetingcandoanadequatejob.
Asanewcommander,youmightfeelself-consciousaboutrunningaformalmeeting,particularlyinapostthathasgottenawayfromtheManualofCeremonies.Don’t.TheAmericanLegionisarespectedorganization,anditsmeetingsshouldbesuitablyformalandimpressive.Notimeissavedbyomittingpartsoftheritual.Meetings,ofcourse,canandshouldvary.Butbyfollowingtheprescribedritualandorderofbusiness,youshouldbeabletocompleteyouragendainnomorethanonehour.
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AgendaWhiletheManualofCeremoniesprovidestheframeworkortheskeletonforameeting,thecommander’s
agendaiswhatputsmeatonthebones.Youragendaforthefirstandeachsucceedingmeetingshouldlisttheexactcommitteesscheduledtoreport.Butbeforeputtingachairperson’snameontheagenda,askthatpersonifheorsheisreadytoreport.Thisisaneasywaytoseeifthechairpersonisdoingthejob.Ifnot,alittleencouragement,afewsuggestionsorperhapssomeproddingmightbeinorder.
ProtocolAlthough“protocol”isatermusedprimarilyinsettingtherulesofetiquettethatgoverndiplomatic
functions,thereisacertainamountofprotocolthatappliestoAmericanLegionmeetingsandsocialfunctions,especiallythosetowhichdignitarieshavebeeninvited.Thisistheresponsibilityofthepostcommander,beginningwiththeplanningoftheevent.
Ifthedepartmentcommanderistobeinvited,thismattershouldbeclearedpromptlywithdepartmentheadquarters.Inpreliminaryplanning,itisadvisabletohaveanalternatedateintheeventthedepartmentcommanderisalreadycommittedfortheoriginaldate.
Theinvitationshouldlistthetime,place,whetherornottheeventisadinner,significanceoftheeventandanyotherpertinentinformation.WillitbeajointLegion-Auxiliaryfunction?Willtherebenon-Legionnairedignitariespresent?Remember,thisisyour“home,”andthoseyou’veinviteddeserveallthecourtesiesandconsiderationsaccordedsuchdistinguishedguests.
Iftheeventisadinner,notifythosewhowillbeseatedattheheadtablebeforetheyarrive.Escortthemtotheirplacestoavoidconfusion.Thepresidingorhostofficerisseatedjusttotherightofthelectern.Themasterofceremoniesisseatedjusttotheleftofthelectern.Useplacecardstoidentifythoseattheheadtable.
Introductionsbeginafterthemeal.Thepresidingofficerstandsatthecenteroftheheadtableandmakestheintroductions,beginningattheextremeleft,continuingtothecenterofthetable,andthenstartingattheextremerightandcontinuingtothecenter.Themainspeaker,theguestofhonor,isthelastpersonintroduced.
Officersareintroducedintheorderbywhichtheywereinstalled:sergeant-at-arms,serviceofficer,historian,judgeadvocate,chaplain,financeofficer,adjutant,vicecommandersandcommander.
Aswithallrules,therearesomeexceptions.IftheeventisafunctionofboththeLegionandtheAuxiliary,theAuxiliaryofficersanddignitariesareintroducedfirst.Anationalexecutivecommitteemanoralternatenationalexecutivecommitteemanshouldbeintroducedimmediatelybeforethedepartmentcommander.
WelcomecommitteeThefirstmeetingisagreattimetostartawelcomingcommittee,ifthepostdoesn’thaveonealready.Ask
twoorthreemembers–includingthesergeant-at-arms–totakeonthejobofwelcomingnewmembers,guestsorevenoldermemberswhoarenotwellacquainted,helpingthemfeelathomeandintroducingthem.Anactivewelcomecommitteeisapartofthepost’spublicrelationsjob.
PageantryandhonorsPageantryandpatrioticobservancesaresomethingthatthecommunityexpectsofitsAmericanLegionpost.Awell-trainedcolorguardandevenaburialdetailcomposedofmembersoftheLegionfamilywillhelpkeepthelocalpostvisible.
CommunityprojectsAgoodpostcommanderwillencouragememberstoactivelyparticipateincivicaffairs.Theentirepostshouldbeproudwhenamemberiselectedtotheschoolboard,headsuptheUnitedWayorgetsajobpromotioninajob–andwillgooutofthewaytocongratulatemembersontheiraccomplishments,whetherintheLegionorinanotherfield.
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Saying”thanks”Plan,assignresponsibilities,checkbacktoseethatthejobisbeingdone,andthensay,“Thankyouverymuch!”Apostcanexpressitsappreciationinmanyways,includingawards,citationsandrecognitionatapostmeeting.Butevenasimple“thankyou”notecanmeanagreatdeal.Thisisasimplecourtesythatshouldneverbeforgotten.ResolutionsIfyouhaveanideathatwillimproveTheAmericanLegionatanylevel,putthatideaintowordsintheformofaresolution.First,worktohaveitpassedbyyourlocalpost,thenbyyourdistrictatitsannualconvention.Allresolutionspassedatadistrictconventionaredeliveredtotheresolutionscommitteeatthenextdepartmentconvention.Atthedepartmentconvention,appearbeforetheresolutionscommitteeandpleadfortheirpassageofyourresolution,andbepreparedtospeakforitspassageonthefloorofthedepartmentconvention.Allresolutionspertainingtothenationalorganizationthatarepassedbythedepartmentareforwardedtothenationalconvention.Forguidanceonwritingresolutions,seepage144.
SourcesofhelpAcommanderreliesonateamofpostofficersandtapsthepotentialofpostmembers.Butvaluableassistancecomesfrompastpostcommanders,districtofficers,departmentofficersand,wherenecessary,NationalHeadquartersstaff.
! PastcommandersManypostshaveanactivePastCommanders’Club.Sometimesitsprimarypurposeissocial–retentionofgoodfellowshipamongthosewhohaveservedascommanders.Butthisgrouphasawealthofknowledgeandability.Don’tletitgotowaste.Whethersuchaclubisformallyorganizedinyourpostornot,itishelpfultobuildaCommander’sAdvisoryCommitteewithyourpastcommanders.
! DistrictofficersThepostisaseparateanddistinctunitthatfunctionsindependently.Buttheworkofthepostcanbemoreeffectivewhenitistightlylinkedtothedepartmentandnationalorganization.Districtofficersprovidethatlink.Thedistrictcommanderisusuallytheelectedrepresentativeofpostsinthedistrict,butanobligationtoprovideguidanceandsupervisionisimplied.PostsarechargedwithcarryingouttheLegion’sobjectivesandprogramsandtocomplyfullywiththeobligationsassumedunderthepost,departmentandnationalconstitutions.Butifyourpostbecomesinactiveorfalters,expectyourdistrictcommandertostartgivingadvice.Thedistrictcommanderhasapositionofrespectinourorganization.Avisittoyourpostcallsforsomethingspecial.Makeitasocialeventsignificantenoughtodrawacrowd.Thedignityshowntheofficehelpsincreasetheimportanceoftheofficeofpostcommander.
! DepartmentofficersDepartmentofficersare“show”people.Avisitfromoneusuallyoffersanopportunityformediacoverage,andthetypeofLegionfunctionthatwillattractyourmembersandcommunityleaders.Theseofficersareyourelectedleadersanddeservingofeveryrespect.Noteverypostwillreceiveannualvisitsfromadepartmentcommander,butifyourinvitationisaccepted,orthereisoccasiontovisityou,makethemostofit.
! DepartmentheadquartersThedepartmentheadquartersisthelinkbetweenlocalpostsandthenationalorganization.Thepostwilldealdirectlywiththedepartmentadjutant.Routinebusinessshouldbeconductedthroughdepartmentheadquarters.Questionsofpolicyandorganizationshouldalsobereferredtodepartmentheadquarters.Thepostcommandershouldcloselyfollowdepartmentaffairs,knowwhatstatewideactivitiesaregoingon,andseethatthepostisinvolved.Heorsheshouldalsostudyallinstructionsfromdepartmentheadquartersandseethattheyarepassedontotheproperofficerorcommitteeforaction.Finally,thepost’smembershipneedstobeinformedofanynewactivitiesinitiatedbythedepartment.
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! NationalHeadquartersNearlyallyourcontactswithNationalHeadquartersrightfullycomethroughdepartmentheadquarters.Thereis,however,onepublicationthatshouldbefaithfullyreadandkept,issuebyissue:TheAmericanLegionDispatch,whichprovidesyouthelatestLegionnewsandinformationonwhichtobaseyourprograms.PostofficersshouldalsosubscribetoTheAmericanLegionOnlineUpdate,anweeklyemailnewsletter.
AuxiliaryunitTheAuxiliaryunitisanimportantpartofthepost’sorganization.Officialcontactwiththeunitisthroughtheunitpresident.Buttheunitcanhelponlyinproportiontoitsopportunity.AgoodcommanderwillfindworkfortheAuxiliaryunittodo.Thecommander,oradesignatedrepresentative,willkeepinclosetouchwiththeunitandgiveitsmembersplentyofinspirationandencouragement.
ConventionsWhileyourpostcouldcontinuetooperatewithoutthedistrict,departmentornationalorganization,itis
moreeffectiveasapartofateam.Youmayhaveanideathatshouldbedevelopedandexpandedbeyondyourpost.CertainlyyouwantyourposttohaveavoiceindecidingthefutureprogramsanddirectionoftheLegion.District,departmentandnationalconventionsarewhereLegionpolicyisdetermined.Becertainthatyourpostisrepresentedbyproperlyelecteddelegates,particularlyonthedistrictanddepartmentlevel.TheAmericanLegionExtensionInstitute(ALEI)
ThisonlinecourseisintendedtoeducateandempowerneworinactiveAmericanLegion,AuxiliaryandSALmembers.Asamultimediatrainingtool,ALEIisanopportunitytolearnanddiscovertherichhistory,programs,policies,developments,positionsandgoalsofourorganization.The90-minutecoursehassixmodules:HistoryandOrganization,VeteransAffairs&Rehabilitation,NationalSecurity,AmericanismandChildren&Youth,plusacoursewrap-upandcomprehensivefinalexam.ALEIcentersontheLegion’sfourpillars,eachofwhichoffersavarietyofprogramsthatbenefitveterans,servicemembers,theirfamilies,America’syouthandcitizens.
Totakethecourse,gotowww.legion.org/aleiorvisitmyLegion.org.Thecostis$4.95forcurrentmembersoftheAmericanLegionFamily.
ProgramremindersPostprogramsrequireintelligentplanning.EachyearthedistrictandthedepartmentconductseminarsonbothgeneraloperationsandspecificLegionprograms.Youcanhelpreducetheriskofleadershipproblemsinyourpostbymakingcertainthatthepostisrepresentedattrainingsessions.AttendanceatdistrictanddepartmentfunctionsalsohelpsbuildtheespritdecorpsthatmakesforagoodLegionpost.PerResolutionNo.16,passedbytheNationalExecutiveCommitteeinOctober2016,theLegionexpectsparticipantsofallitsprogramstoshowproperrespecttotheU.S.flagatalltimes,includingduringthenationalanthem.JANUARYInitiationceremoniesaregoodmembershipstabilizers.Keepworkingonmembership,especiallybycontactingthosewhobecamedelinquentJan.1.Acommunityservicesurveycanrevealareaswhereadditionaleffortisneeded.Thismonthisalsoagoodtimetopresentflagsandcopiesoftheflagcodetolocalschools.Checkdatesforpost,districtorcounty,andstateOratoricalcontests.MarchisCommunityServiceMonth,sonowisthetimetoplaninitiativesandprojects.
FEBRUARY–AmericanismMonthPlanschoolawardswithlocaleducators.Sponsorreligiousemphasisactivities.StartplanningtheupcomingAmericanLegionBaseballseason.Invitealocalveteransemploymentrepresentativetospeakatapostmeeting.ConsiderhostingobservancesofAbrahamLincoln’sandGeorgeWashington’sbirthdays.PlanabigAmericanLegionbirthdayprogramforMarch.
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MARCH–CommunityServiceMonthGiveprioritytoBoysStateselectionthismonth,orearlier.Closeoutthemembershipcampaign,andmailduesandcardstothedepartment.RecognizetheanniversaryofTheAmericanLegion’sfoundingMarch15-17.ThisisanoccasionforpostofficerstofocusonprojectingtheproperimageofTheAmericanLegioninthecommunity,intheprogramssponsoredandservicesprovided,andalsoontheappearanceoftheposthomeandsurroundinggrounds.Thiscanbeperceivedasareflectionoftheattitude,initiativeandcivicawarenessofthepostmembership.Thepostshouldbeapillarofthecommunity,consciousthatitrepresentsthenationalorganizationtocitizensinitscommunity.Renewedattentiontoappearancedoesn’trequireacapitalimprovementproject,merelyoneofattentiontodetailandroutinefix-ups,fromsignagetoinsideandoutsideimprovements.ThisshouldbeincludedonyourannualPostResponsibilityAudit(seepage25).BetweenJanuaryandMarch,postleadersshouldconsiderformingacommitteetohostapostopenhouse.
APRIL–Children&YouthMonth.CoordinateChildren&Youthactivitiesandrecognitionwiththepost’sAuxiliaryunit.ObtainChildren&YouthGuidefromdepartmentheadquarters.Planelectionofnewofficers,summerScoutingactivitiesandBoysState.Howaboutanoldtimers’night?Communityservicewillelevateyourpost’sstandinginthecommunity.PutAmericanLegionChildWelfareFoundationWeekonthepostcalendar.
MAYThismonthmarkstheanniversaryoftheSt.LouisCaucus,whereorganizationofTheAmericanLegionwascompletedin1919.NationalPoppyWeek,MemorialDay,ArmedForcesDayandMother’sDayformthebasisforgoodpostprogramsandoutreachtoU.S.militarypersonnelincommunitiesnationwide.ConsiderhonoringthemwithaBlueStarSalute.Doestheposthaveauniformedgroup?Doyoudecorateveterans’graves?Presentschoolawardsattheendofthesemester.KickoffAmericanLegionBaseballandsummerathleticprograms.ContactschoolofficialstogetLegionactivitiesapprovedandonthecalendarfornextyear:OratoricalContest,BoysState,schoolawards,AmericanEducationWeek.
JUNEStartplanningamembershipdrivefornextyear,callingonpastofficersforassistanceandguidance.Decidehowtogoaboutcontactingnewveterans.June14isFlagDay,soconsidersurveyingpeopleandbusinessesinthecommunity,askingwhofliesflagsonpatrioticholidays.ThehistoryofOldGlorywouldmakeanexcellentprogramforapostmeeting.Summeryouthprogramsneedmembers’supportandattendance.Communityserviceisagreatactivitythismonthandeverymonth.
JULYHostanold-fashionedcommunityFourthofJulycelebration.Certifynewofficerswithdepartmentheadquarters.Installationofofficersmakesanimpressiveceremonyatapostmeeting.Continueeffortsonbehalfofsummeryouthprograms.AUGUSTBynowthepostshouldhavereceivednextyear’smembershipcardsfromdepartmentheadquarters.Inmanycommunities,schoolstartsatthebeginningormiddleofthemonth.BeginplanningacommunityVeteransDayobservance.
SEPTEMBER–NationalDisasterPreparednessMonthSept.2isV-JDay,soconsideraskingchurchestoringtheirbells.EncouragethecommunitytorecognizePatriotDay,Sept.11.CelebratetheanniversaryofCongress’charterofTheAmericanLegiononSept.16,perhapswithaneventincludingcivicleaders.Sept.17isConstitutionDay,anidealtimeforacitizenshipprogram.Provideschoolswithcopiesof“Let‘sBeRightonFlagEtiquette.”ThethirdFridayofthemonthisNationalPOW/MIARecognitionDay.ObtainadmaterialsforVeteransDay.
OCTOBERLaunchanall-outmembershipcampaign.RememberthatduesfornextyeararepayablebyOct.20.OrganizeandparticipateinHalloweensafetyprograms.
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NOVEMBERContinuefullspeedaheadonthemembershipcampaignbyconductingmembershiproundups.GettheminbeforeDec.31.LeadyourcommunityinobservingVeteransDayandAmericanEducationWeek.Remindmemberstheyneednextyear’scardnumberwhenpayingAmericanLegionlifeinsurancepremiums.ThedeadlineforpaymentisDec.31.
DECEMBERDon’tletDec.7gobywithoutanacknowledgmentofPearlHarbor,“adaythatwillliveininfamy.”Astheholidayseasonbegins,encourageandsupportactivitiesthatbringChristmascheertoneedyfamilies.HowaboutaChristmasparty?Worktowardanall-timehighinpostmembership.Keeppluggingforrenewalsandnewmembers.Visitveteranswhoareillorinthehospital.
AdjutantTheadjutanthasthesamepositioninthepostasthesecretaryofanyotherorganizedbody,andabitmore.
Likethefirstsergeantofacompany,postactivitiesrevolvearoundtheadjutant.Mostpostsfinditwisetoretainagoodadjutantinofficeoveraperiodofyears.Theadjutantmaywellprovidecontinuityinthepost.Whilethecommander’sdutiesarelargelyinspirationalandexecutive,anadjutant’sdutiesareadministrative.Thecommandernavigatestheship,buttheadjutantistheengineerwhorunstheship’smachinery.
Theadjutantisthepersonnelofficerandpersonalpointofcontactforindividualmembersofthepost.Heorshemaintainsmembershiprecordsandminutesofmeetings,checksupandassiststheworkoftheotherofficersandcommittees,andpublishesofficialorders,announcementsandinstructions.
Becauseallpostrecordsshouldbeintheadjutant’scustody,foreasyaccess,itistohisorherinteresttodevelopacomprehensivefilingsystem.
Theadjutantisprimarilyconcernedwithwaysandmeansand,byvirtueofakeyposition,canaddeffectivenesstoallpostactivities.Theofficeinvolvesagreatdealofwork,anditisstronglyrecommendedthatsomedegreeofcompensationbepaidtheadjutant,particularlyinlargeposts.Suggestionsforthenewadjutant
Theonlyindispensablequalificationsforthejobofadjutantarehonestyandwillingness.TheadjutantshouldpurchaseasetofpostaccountbooksfromEmblemSales.Theyrequirenospecialknowledgeofbookkeeping.
Heorsheshouldgothroughallthepostrecordsatthefirstopportunity.Theconstitution,minutesofmeetings,andreportsofofficersandcommitteeswillgiveinsightintothepost’spoliciesandtraditions.Communicationsfromdepartmentheadquarterswillbringtheadjutantuptodateoninstructions.
ThePostAdjutant’sManualhasfullinstructionsonthehandlingandprocessingoftheautomatedmembershipcardsystemandotherduties.Everyadjutantshouldhaveacopy.
FirstvicecommanderInthemajorityofposts,afirstandsecondvicecommanderareelected,withmembershiptheprimary
concernofthefirstvicecommander.Frequently,thesuccessorfailureofthemembershiprecordduringhisorheryeardeterminesthechances
ofadvancingtotheofficeofcommanderthenextyear.Inafewposts,oneortwomembershipgo-getterswillsecurethemajorityofdues,butthepossibilityofdeath,illnessorachangeofresidencemakesforaweakfoundationonwhichavicecommanderandthepostarestakingthepost’sfuture.Whileeachpostisdifferent,anymembershipcampaignshouldcovercertainfundamentals.Lookatthemethodsusedinthepast.Weretheysuccessful?Dotheyneedupdated?Havenewproceduresbeendevelopedtoimprovetheplansnowbeingused?
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Inasuccessfulpost,anewcommanderisgoingtocontactthepostofficersandcommitteechairsimmediatelyafterelectiontoscheduleameetingwheretheycanlayoutageneralplanofoperationfortheentireyear.Thisiswhenthemembershipplanshouldalsobedecided.
ThefourW’sofplanning
! WHERE–Wheredoyouwanttogo?What’stheobjective?(Or,foramembershipcampaign,howmanymembersdoyouwant?)
! WHAT–Whatstepshavetobetakentoreachtheobjective?! WHO–Who’sgoingtodowhathastobedoneineachstepnecessarytoreachthegoal?! WHEN–Whenistheworkgoingtobedone?
Onlyyouandthemembersofyourpostknowwhereyouwanttogo,orhowmanymembersyouwant.Butthestepstogettherearemuchthesameineverypost.Ifyoucananswerthefollowingquestionsforyourpostandforyourmembershipcampaign,youhaveyourjobanalyzedandknowwhatstepstotaketoreachyourgoal:
! Mailedduesnoticeswillbringinabout85percentofyourcurrentmembers’renewals.Whoisgoingtocontactthosewhodonotrespond?
! Howaredropoutstobereinstated?! Howareyougoingtocontactprospectivemembers?Who’sgoingtocontactthem?Howwillnew
recruitsbebroughtintothepost?! Whatpublicitywillbeneeded?! Whocanbecountedontoworkatmembership?! Whatawardsorspecialrecognitionwillbegiven?! Whatspecialeventscanbetiedinwithmembership,suchasVeteransDay,teamcompetition,contests
withotherposts,theLegionbirthday,etc.?Otherduties
Membershipmaybetheprimaryassignmentofafirstvicecommander,butduringanormalLegionyear,thefirstvicecommanderwillhavemanyotherduties.Heorsheshouldbecomefamiliarwiththeceremonialprotocolforregularmeetings.Heorshewillmostlikelyhavetoconductoneormoremeetingsduringtheyear.Knowinghowtoprepareameaningfulandfruitfulagendaisveryimportant,aswellasgoodexperience.Thevicecommandermustbereadytofillinforthecommanderatamoment’snotice. Secondvicecommander
Thesecondvicecommanderisresponsibleforbuildingan“Ilikemypostbecause…”atmosphereinwhichLegionnaireshavefunwhiledoingtheworkoftheLegion.
Thecommanderdependsonthesecondvicecommandertohelpruntheprogramsthatspiceupmeetingsandattractattendance.Thesocialcalendarshouldbefilledmonthsinadvancewithactivitiesthatwillbringouttheactivemembers,aswellasthosewhoarejustcard-carryingLegionnaires.
Oneofthesecondvicecommander’sfirstdutiesshouldbetocontactotherveteransandcivicgroupstoseethateachpatrioticholidayandobservancereceivestheattentionitdeserves.HeorshewillbeconcernedwiththepageantrysocloselyassociatedwiththeLegion.
Thesecondvicecommandermaynotbeinchargeofthecolorguardorfiringsquad,butmustpromoteit.Heorshemightnotbepartoftheinitiationteam,butshouldmakesureoneisfunctioning.Inthepursuitof“justice,”thesecondvicecommanderisconcernedwiththewelfareofallfellowveterans,andthusisinterestedintheworkoftheVeteransAffairs&RehabilitationCommittee.Likewise,thesecondvicewillknowhowtheEconomicCommitteeisfunctioning.
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FinanceofficerThefinanceofficermustbeapersonofprovenintegrityandexperienceinhandlingfinancialaffairs.The
postdependsonfinance,justasanyotherorganization,andwilldowelltoacceptexpertadviceinformulatingandadministeringitsfinancialpolicy.
Thefinanceofficerusuallyservesasthechairofthefinancecommitteeandisinchargeofallreceivinganddisbursingofpostfunds.Thepostadjutant,inallmattersrelatingtofinance,shouldcarryontheworkinclosecorrelationwiththefinanceofficer.Bothofficersmustbecoveredbyadequatebond.Departmentheadquartersshouldbeconsultedforblanketbondarrangement.PostaccountingformsaredesignedtomeettherequirementsofLegionpostsinmaintainingacorrectandpermanentmembershipandfinancerecord.Becauseoftheirsimplicity,theyrequirenospecialknowledgeofbookkeepingoraccounting.Everypostadjutantandfinanceofficershouldinsistuponbeingprovidedwithasetofformstosavetimeandmoneyforthepost.ConsulttheEmblemSalescatalogforpricesanddetaileddescriptions,orgoonlinetoemblem.legion.org.
Bepromptinremittingnationalanddepartmentdues,alongwiththedepartmentrecordcard,todepartmentheadquarters.Noteallpaymentsandothertransactionsonthepostmembershipregister.
ServiceofficerAgoodserviceofficershouldberetained.Thevalueofapostserviceofficerincreaseswithlengthofservice.
Astheserviceofficer’sreputationgrows,sowilltheprestigeoftheorganizationinyourcommunity.Thejobcallsforacompetentanddedicatedperson,preferablyonewholivesandworksnearbyandisreadilyavailabletothoseneedingassistance.Heorsheisresponsibleforbringingtotheattentionofallveteransandtheirdependentstherightsandbenefitsgrantedthembylaw–lawTheAmericanLegionhelpedcraft.
TheserviceofficermustknowhowtoaccessandutilizetheexpertservicesavailablethroughLegionchannelsandothercommunityagencies.Thejobrequirestimelysubmissionofinformationtofull-timeprofessionalssothateveryveteranandhisorherdependentsareadequatelyrepresented.Theserviceofficer’sreportshouldbeastandardpartofeverymeeting.
Beyondthepost,TheAmericanLegionmaintainsafullstaffofappealsrepresentativesinWashington.AsmallmobilestaffoffieldrepresentativesprovidesaconstantflowofinformationconcerningconditionsinVAhospitals,domicilesandregionaloffices.OtherLegionrepresentativesassistveteranswhopetitionDepartmentofDefenseboardsforreviewoflessthanfullyhonorabledischargesordismissalfromthemilitary.Theyalsohelpveteransobtaindeserveddecorationsandmedals.
Departmentserviceofficerscanprovidenecessaryclaimsforms.Additionalinformationcomesthroughdepartmentpublications,NationalVeteransAffairs&Rehabilitationbulletins,memorandumsandVApamphlets.Manydepartmentsconducttrainingschoolsforpostserviceofficerstoaddtotheirknowledgeandcontacts,andallhavetrainedserviceofficersinVAregionalofficesandhospitals.
Withmostoftoday’sveteranspopulationcomposedofthosewhoservedduringtheVietnam,PersianGulf,IraqandAfghanistanwars,theworkofthepostserviceofficercontinuestobevital.Evenmorethanolderveterans,thesemenandwomenarelikelytonotbefullyversedinveteransbenefitsandprograms.Meanwhile,olderveteransneedadviceonhowtointegratepossiblebenefitsintotheirretirementplans.Dependentsshouldbevisitedassoonasfeasibleafteraveteran’sdeath.
EveryCongressconsiderslegislativemattersofimportancetoveteransandtoTheAmericanLegion.Workingincooperationwiththepostlegislativecommittee,thepostserviceofficercanaidinthepost’ssupportofthenationalorganization’sefforts.
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ChaplainThechaplainneednotnecessarilybeaclergyman,butmustbeapersoncapableofmoralandintellectual
leadershipandonewhogivesdignityandrespecttotheoffice.Thechaplainshouldbeinclosetouchwiththecommanderandotherpostofficersofthepost,andshouldattendallmeetingsofthepostexecutivecommittee.Theleadershipinmanypostactivitiesbelongsbyrighttothechaplain,andwhenthisofficeisfilledbytherightperson,thepost’susefulnesstothecommunityonlyincreases.
TheManualofCeremonies(seeSection2)givesanimportantplacetothechaplainintheconductofmeetings,theobservanceofpatrioticoccasions,funeralservicesanddedicationceremonies.Atalltheseevents,thechaplainisthemoralleader.
ThechaplainshouldcooperatewiththeposthistorianongravesregistrationworkandinspiretheposttoseethatgravesaredecoratedonMemorialDay.Besidesofficiatingatpostmembers’funeralswhenrequested,thechaplaincanalsobeofservicetotheirbereavedfamilies.Thechaplainmayalsochairthepost’sVeteransAdministrationVoluntaryServices(VAVS)Committee,whichcoordinatesvolunteerworkatnearbyVAfacilities.
TheAmericanLegion’s“ServicetoGodandCountry”handbook,availablethroughdepartmentheadquarters,offersguidanceforthepostchaplainandreligiousemphasiscommittee.Sergeant-at-arms
Thesergeant-at-armsknowshowtoarrangethemeetinghallandassiststhepostcommanderandadjutantinpreliminaryarrangementsformeetings,includingleadingthecolordetailduringpresentationandretirementceremonies.Heorsheistheexpertonflagetiquetteandshouldknowproperflagdisplayandproceduresinoperatingameeting.Thesergeant-at-armsshouldalsoplayaleadingroleinthepostcolorguard,burialdetailandotherpageantry.
Thesergeant-at-armsisthelogicalpersontochairawelcomecommittee,whichcanhaveatremendousinfluenceonthepost’simage,membershipandrelationshipwithmembers.EveryLegionnairewantstofeelpartofthegroup,particularlythenewLegionnaireattendinghisorherfirstfewmeetings.Thesergeant-at-armsmustmakecertainnewmembersarewelcomed,introducedandmadetofeeltheyareimportanttothepost.Thewelcomecommitteealsoencouragespresentmemberstoattendmeetingsandadvisesthecommanderonwhoshouldbeacknowledged.
Historian
Theworkofposthistorianiscumulative.Itiswisetoleaveitinthehandsofonepersonaslongasit’sbeinghandledwell.Theofficeisasuitablepositionforapastpostcommander.
Thereshouldbeclosecooperationbetweenthepostadjutantandthehistorian.Theformerworkswiththerecordsonmattersofcurrentinterest,thelatteronmattersofhistoricalinterest.Theposthistorianshouldalsokeepintouchwiththedepartmenthistorianandbepromptinansweringinquiries.Anannualreportshouldbemadetothedepartmenthistorianjustbeforethedepartmentconvention.
Copiesofwhateverisprintedconcerningthepostshouldbedepositedinlocalandstatelibraries,aswellasinthepostanddepartmentarchives.Thiswillpreventcompletelossofvaluablerecordsthroughfireorothercalamity,aswellasprovidematerialforthoselookingforinformationabouttheLegion.Anoutlineforaone-yearpostnarrativehistoryandyearbookisprovidedintheappendix(seepages147-156).
Theposthistorianshouldattenddepartmentconventionsandmakeapointofknowingwhathistoriansofneighboringpostsaredoing.Thedepartmenthistoriancanadviseposthistoriansondepartmentandnationalposthistorycontests,historiansassociations,andmaterialsthatwillassistindoingabetterjob.
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JudgeadvocateTheprimarydutyofthejudgeadvocateistosupplyprofessionaladviceintheconductofpostbusinessorto
procurepropercounsel.Heistheguardianoftheconstitutionalformofpostgovernment.Yourjudgeadvocatecanalsosupplyvaluableassistancetootherpostcommitteesandofficers–totheserviceofficerforlegaladvice,forexample,andtotheAmericanismcommitteeonmattersrelatingtoeducationandnaturalizationlaws.Anypostcommitteecanbenefitfromthejudgeadvocate’scontactswithlocalgovernmentofficials.
Thejudgeadvocateandlegalcommitteearechargedbythesuggestedpostconstitutionwiththedutyofauditingpostfinancialaccounts.Thisshouldbedoneannuallyjustbeforetheelectionofofficersormorefrequentlyattheirdiscretion.
Executivecommittee
Inthesuggestedpostconstitutionandby-laws(seepages108-113),thegovernmentandmanagementofthepostisentrustedtotheexecutivecommittee.Itshouldmeetregularlyorasoftenasthecommanderdeemsnecessary.Thepostexecutivecommitteeisfurtherchargedwithhiringsuchemployeesasmaybenecessary,authorizingandapprovingallexpenditures,requiringadequatebondsfromthosewithcustodyofpostfunds,hearingreportsofpostcommitteechairpersons,andgenerallymanagingpostaffairs.
Delegationofthesefunctionstotheexecutivecommitteeisinnowayintendedtousurpthepowersofthemembershipthroughregularpostmeetings.Rather,thisallowstheroutineoperationalaffairsoftheposttobehandledoutsideofpostmeetings.Committeereportsofgeneralinteresttomembersshouldstillbegivenatpostmeetings,though.
Thekeytointerestingpostmeetingsisusingtheexecutivecommitteeeffectively.Thepostmeetingthatbecomesboggeddowninargumentsonpettydetailsisinterestingonlytothosedoingthetalking.
Standingcommittees
ListedbelowarecommitteesfoundinmostAmericanLegionposts,withbriefdescriptionsoftheirduties.Yourpostconstitutionand/ordepartmentconstitutionmayrequireadditionalcommitteesorhaveothernamesforsomecommittees,sodonotconsiderthelisttobemandatoryorcompleteforeveryAmericanLegionpost.
Newprogramsareoftenneeded,whileoldprogramsshouldbechanged,revitalizedor,insomecases,dropped.Officersshouldtaketimetoreviewthepost’slong-standingprogramsandactivitiesandconsiderchangesoradditions.Determinewhichcommitteesarenecessary.Next,takeanotherlookatthepost’smembersandeveneligiblenonmembers,makingalistofpotentialcommitteeheadsandmembers.Frequently,aneligiblenonmemberwillconsiderjoiningamemberofyourpostifithasanactivityorisplanninganactivityinwhichheorsheisinterested.Whoevermakesthismustbeabletopointouttheneedfortheprogramandthereasonwhythisparticularpersonisdesiredtoassist.Eachcommitteechairneedstoknowhowtheworkofthecommitteefitsintotheoverallprogramofthepost,whatisexpectedandwhen.Here’sthelistofwhatmightbecalledstandardpostcommitteesandtheirusualduties:
AmericanismThiscommitteeseekstoinspireloveofcountryandgoodcitizenshipthroughpatrioticobservances,flagetiquette,civicinstructioninschools,theAmericanizationofimmigrants,communityservice,andyouthactivitiessuchasBoysState,BoyScouts,OratoricalContest,SchoolAwardMedalsandAmericanLegionBaseball.ChildrenandYouthThiscommitteeischargedwithensuringthatanychildofaveteraninneedofcareandprotectionshallreceiveproperandtimelyserviceandaid,strengtheningthefamilyunit,extendingsupporttosoundorganizationsandfacilitiesthatprovideservicesforchildrenandyouth,andmaintainingawell-roundedprogramthatmeetstheneedsoftheyoungpeopleinthecommunity.
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VeteransAffairs&RehabilitationThiscommitteeassistsveteransinpursuingclaims,understandingtheirrightsandobtainingtheirbenefits.Committeemembersalsovisitcomradeswhoaresickordisabled,andprovidecomforttomembers’familiesinillnessandbereavement.TheheadoftheVeteransAffairs&RehabilitationCommitteemaybethepostserviceofficer.Inaddition,thepostchaplainmayserveaschairofavisitingcommittee.NationalSecurityThiscommitteeurgespostmemberstoassistincommunityemergencypreparedness,andtosupportlocalandnationalciviliandefenseprojects.Membership&PostActivitiesThiscommitteeisresponsibleforobtaining,retainingandincreasingpostmembership–specifically,renewals,enrollmentofnewmembers,transfersandreinstatements.Thefirstvicecommanderoftenchairsthemembershipcommittee.Media&CommunicationsThiscommitteeelevatesawarenessintheveteranscommunityandthecommunityatlargeoftheLegion’sadvocacyofveteransissues,nationalsecurity,Americanism,andyouth.TheAmericanLegionisdefinedinthepubliceyebythevaluesforwhichitstands.Thecommitteeaccomplishesthisintwoways:placingradioandTVadvertisementsandpublicserviceannouncementsproducedbytheNationalPublicRelationsDivisionwheretheycanbeseenandheard,anddevelopingrelationshipswitheditorsandjournalistsinthepost’scommunitysothattheycoverprogramssupportingtheLegion’sfourpillars.Forexample,theHighSchoolOratoricalContestisthereporter’snewspeg,buttheLegion’ssupportfora“onehundredpercentAmericanism”isthestory.WhyandhowtheLegionis“stillservingAmerica”isthequestionthepost’spublicrelationscommitteeshouldanswerinthemedia.Publicrelationsisamembershipmultiplier.LegislativeThiscommitteepromotestheLegion’sofficiallegislativemandates,disseminatesmonthlylegislativeupdates,organizesandpromotesproactivegrassrootslobbyingactivities,andestablishesandmaintainsliaisonswithelectedofficialsandtheirstaffs.AllactivitiesmustbeincompliancewithSection2,ArticleIIoftheConstitutionofTheAmericanLegion,whichforbidsthedisseminationofpartisanprinciplesandthepromotionofthecandidacyofanypersonseekingpublicoffice.However,votereducationisacriticalelementoftheelectoralprocess,andpostsarepermittedtohosttownhallmeetings,puton“meetthecandidate”nightsandallowcandidatestoaddresspostmeetings,districtconferencesorstateconventions.Candidatesmayparticipateaslongasinvitationsareextendedtoallcandidates,affordingthemequalopportunitytoparticipate.TheAmericanLegioncannotendorseoropposeanycandidate,evenifthecandidateisaLegionnaireandpostmember.Aposthomeshouldbefreeofanypoliticalmaterialsthatwouldappeartobeanendorsementofaparticularcandidate.Everyeffortmustbemadetoremainnonpartisan.Note:Ifindoubt,contactthedepartmentjudgeadvocateforclarificationbeforeproceeding.FinanceThiscommitteesupervisesthereceiving,disbursementandaccountingofallpostfunds,preparesannualbudgetrecommendations,andadvisesthepostonallfinancialpolicies.Thepostfinanceofficerusuallychairsthefinancecommittee.EconomicThiscommitteeassistsveteransinmeetingandovercomingproblemssuchasemployment,veteranspreference,housing,civilserviceappeals,andemploymentofhandicappedandolderworkers.HouseThiscommitteesupervisestheoperationofthepost’sphysicalfacilities,suchasaclubroom,AmericanLegioncenter,meetingroom,etc.Responsibilitiesincludeadministration,equipment,andthehiringanddirectionofemployees,asauthorizedbythepostexecutivecommitteeandgeneralrulesapplicabletotheconductofmemberswhileonthepost’spremises.
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ServiceThiscommitteeiskeytoeverysuccessfulpost,assistingreturningveteransintheirtransitiontocivilianlife.Otherconcernsincludeemployment,on-the-jobtraining,andeducatingveteransontheirrightsandbenefits.Thecommitteeshouldalsomaintaincontactwithanymembersofthearmedforcesfromthepost’scommunity.Thepostserviceofficermaychairthecommittee;however,theresponsibilitiesofthecommitteegobeyondtheday-to-dayfunctionsofagoodserviceofficerinfilingclaims.
OthercommitteesYourpostmayneedadditionalcommittees,dependingontheprogramsandactivitiesoffered,including:
SonsofTheAmericanLegionThiscommitteesupervisestheSonsofTheAmericanLegionsquadroninitsorganization,activities,andrecreationalandeducationalprograms.
AmericanLegionRidersThiscommitteementorsandsupervisesthepost’sAmericanLegionRiderschapterforproperorganizationalstructure,reportingrequirementsatmonthlypostmeetings,andtorecordactivities,fundraising,andrecreationalandscholarshipprograms.
GravesRegistrationandMemorialsThiscommitteerecords,marksanddecoratesgravesofdeceasedveterans,rendersserviceandcomforttobereavedfamilies,andprovidesAmericanLegionmilitaryfuneralhonorswhenrequested.
UniformedGroupsThiscommitteeorganizes,trains,promotesandsupervisesuniformedgroups,suchasaburialdetail,colorguard,chorusorfiringsquad.
VisitingorVAVSMembersofthiscommitteegivecomfortandassistancetomembersandtheirfamiliesduringillnessorbereavement,andvisithospitalizedveterans.Itisrecommendedthepostchaplainchairthiscommittee,andallpostmembersshareinitsworkbytakingturnsascommitteemembers.
UniformedgroupsTheAmericanLegionpioneeredthemoderndrumcorpsthroughpost-levelamateurmusicaldrillunits,and
hasbeenaddingtothebeauty,excitementandprecisionofthemodernparadesince1921.UniformedgroupsareTheAmericanLegion’s“displaycases,”sotospeak.Atparades,funeralsandspecial
events,theyadvertisetheLegion’ssize,scopeandsubstancetothepublicatlarge;theyareoneofthefinestopportunitiesforpostpublicrelations.Theyaffordthoseinvolvedasenseofaccomplishment,andagreatdealofsatisfactionandenjoyment.
Anypostthatwantstoparticipateinuniformedgroupactivitiesisencouragedtodoso.Therearemanyoptionsfromwhichtochoose:anensembleorband,acolorguardorfiringsquad,achorusorquartet.Ifthenaturalbentofyourpostistowardyouthactivities,sponsorajuniorunitofsometype.
Everyyear,thenationalconventionputsoncolorguardandbandcontests,inthefollowingclasses:
ColorGuardMilitaryMilitaryOpenOpenAdvancingandRetiringColors
BandConcertBandExhibitionConcertBand
Fordetailsandrulesconcerningbandandcolorguardcompetitionatthenationalconvention,contacttheConvention&MeetingsDivisionat(317)630-1313orgoonlinetowww.legion.org/convention.
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SocialactivitiesSomeoneoncedescribedTheAmericanLegionasanorganizationthatcametoplaybutstayedtowork.ThatdescribesLegionnaires,too.Themajorityofmembersjoinbecauseofrealorexpectedcomradeship,funandsocialactivities.Agoodpostrecognizesthis,givingasmuchattentiontoplanningasocialeventasitdoestoanyotherproject.Apostmustdeterminethetypeofsocialactivitiesthatwillappealtothegreatestnumberofmembers,buteachactivityshouldbeevaluatedastoitsacceptancebythecommunityandeligibleveterans.
AmericanLegionbuildingsActivitiesusuallytakeplaceatanAmericanLegionposthome,afamiliarbutvariedsightacrossAmerica.
Somearecountryclubs.Othersarecommunitycenters.Somearebars;othersaresimplymeetinghalls.Somearenewlybuilt;othershaven’tbeenrenovatedorchangedsincebeforeWorldWarII.Someappealtoaparticulartypeofveteran;othershaveageneralappeal.Somearelandscapedandpainted.Othersarejustnon-descriptbuildings.
Forpostsplanningtobuildnewfacilitiesorimprovetheirexistingbuildings,thePostOperationsManualhasinformationrelevanttoabuildingprogram–standards,planningcriteria,financing,relatedadministrationsuggestions–andpostsuccessstories.Downloadacopyatwww.legion.org/publications.
ClubroomIfpostmembersdecidetheywantaclubroomand/orbar,itmusthavethebestpossibleoperation.Toassistthepostofficerschargedwiththesupervisionofclubroomfacilities,thePostOperationsManualcoverssuchtopicsasthedutiesofaclubmanager,laborcosts,beveragecontrol,foodserviceandfinancialaccounting.ThePostOperationsManualisavailableonlineatwww.legion.org/publications.
AnalysisofpostoperationsPresidentAbrahamLincolnissaidtohaveremarked,“Aman’slegsneedtobelongenoughtoreachthe
ground.”Inthesameway,apost’smembershipneedstobelargeenoughtocarryontheworkofthepost–anditwillbe,forapost’sactivitiescannotexceedwhatitsmembershipcansupport.Butbeforediscussingapost’smembershipandhowbigthepostoughttobe,considerthesequestions:
! Whatdoesthepostdothatwouldmakeaveteranwanttobelong?! Isthepostlookingtothefuture?! Whatfurtheractivitiescouldthepostreasonablyexpecttocarryout?! Howmanymemberscanthepostexpecttohandle?! Howmanymembersdoesthepostactuallywant,andhowmanycoulditbeexpectedtohandle?
Isitsatisfiedwithitscurrentmembership?! Whatkindofpostisitordoesitwanttobe?! Whatisthereasonforthepost’sexistence?
Theanswersforeverypostwillbedifferent,revealingwhichpostsarecapableofmembershipgrowthandwhichmustimproveandmodernizetheirprogramsbeforehealthymembershipgrowthcanbesupported.
Inanygivenpost,thereisareliablegroupofmemberswhodomostofthework.Nearlyallpostsbuildtheirprogramsaroundthismanpowerpool.Evenso,thispercentageofactivemembersdoesnotneedtohoveratthesamemark.PickupdepartmentandnationalplanningmanualsforideasonhowtoincreasethenumberandcontributionsofactiveLegionnaires,andusethismaterialasabaseforyourownpresentationtomakeyourpostmoreeffective.
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PostResponsibilityAudit(PRA)Apostresponsibilityaudit,orPRA,anticipatesthatapostparticipates,throughitsmembers,inmeaningful
activitieswithinthecommunitywhereitsmembersreside.ThePRAisahelpfulwaytomeasuretheresultsoftheseactivities.
Overthedecades,TheAmericanLegionanditspostshavedevelopedprogramslargelyinresponsetopressure.Thesepressurescantakemanyforms:adropinmembership,acceptancebythewidercommunity,changingeconomicfactors,orthereturnofanewgenerationofveteransfromwar.Allthesechallenges,andothers,mustbefacedhead-onbytheLegion.Unfortunately,somepostsrespondbyreactingratherthanacting.Asindividuals,andinourpersonallives,weknowthevalueofplanningahead.Butwhenapersonhasbeenactiveinapostforalongtime,“blinders”or“tunnelvision”cansetin.You’llhearstatementslike,“Beactive“or“Promotecommunityservice,”butmembersmaychoosetoreactinsteadofactaheadofanyemergency.
Therearenoprecisestandardsdevelopedtoprovidebothaqualitativeandquantitativepostanalysis,butonemuststartsomewhere,andtheaccompanyingPRAformcanbeusedasabarometertohelpmeasureapost’seffectiveness.
TheintentofthePRAisnotnecessarilytoindicatehowyoucanquicklyrateyourposts,althoughthiscouldbeavaluabletool.Theprimarypurposeistoindicatehow,byevaluatingwhatthepostisdoing,youcanseeifitisfulfillingausefulfunction,attractingveteransandbenefitingthecommunity.
Ifyouhonestlyevaluateyourposts,youaregoingtobesurprised.Moreimportant,suchevaluationswillindicatewhereimprovementismostneeded.
Perhapsthesocialaspectshavebeenunderplayed,althoughitwouldbeeasytocoverallsuchactivitiesunderthefifthitem,“Postisacommunitycenter”ortheeighthitem,“Isafriendlyplacetobe.”IfthePRAisused,theremayneedtobeincreasedemphasisonplannedsocialorrecreationalprograms.Inthemeantime,donotlosesightofthefundamentalquestion,“Isthispostdoingthethingsthatjustifyitscontinuedexistenceinthecommunityorforyourveterans?”
Ascoreof24usuallyreflectsapostthat’sdoingarespectablejobofhangingontooldmembers.Butit’sdoubtfulmanyarecomingouttomeetings,andit’smoredoubtfulitwouldbeattractingthenecessarynewbloodtomakethepostgrow.
Mostaverageposts,withabitofeffort,canbecomeoutstandingposts.ByimprovingineacharealistedonthePRA,thatcanhappen.Oneareainwhichabetterperformanceismostvisiblyobservedisinpostmeetingattendance.Othersaremembers’enthusiasmandabrighteningofthemembershipoutlook.
EvaluatewhatthepostisdoingbyusingthefollowingPRAformtoauditpostactivities.Runabeginningauditwithperiodicfollow-upsforcomparison–perhapsquarterly–toseewhetherornottheposthasmadeanyimprovementsinspecificallyidentifiedareas.
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POSTRESPONSIBILITYAUDITRatingschedule0-Noparticipation1-Poor2-Belowaverage3-Average4-Aboveaverage5-Excellent 0 1 2 3 4 5
1. FollowsprinciplesofPreamble __ __ __ __ __ __
2. Hasgoodyouthprograms __ __ __ __ __ __
3. Membersareinterestedandactive __ __ __ __ __ __
4. Isarealassettothecommunity __ __ __ __ __ __
5. Postisacommunitycenter __ __ __ __ __ __
6. Veteransneedinghelparehelped __ __ __ __ __ __
7. Hasbusinesslikeoperation __ __ __ __ __ __
8. Isafriendlyplacetobe __ __ __ __ __ __
9. Iswellthoughtofbythecommunity __ __ __ __ __ __
10.Iswellthoughtofbyveterans __ __ __ __ __ __
TOTALPOSTSCORE
DATEOFAUDIT Overallrating(assessment)fromposttotal0-4 Dead5-14 Poor15-24 Belowaverage25-34 Average35-44 Aboveaverage45-50 Excellent
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POSTANALYSISTHEAMERICANLEGIONDEPARTMENTOF_______________________________________________________________
Post_____________________________________#_____________Location_______________________________________________
Dateofvisit_________________________By_______________________________Title______________________________________
Nameofcommander_______________________________________Adjutant_______________________________________________
LastreviewofConsolidatedPostReport?______________________________________________________________________________
COMMITTEES Committeeappointed Achievedlastyear’sgoal Numberofevents Yes No Yes No Americanism __ __ __ __ _______Membership __ __ __ __ _______Children&Youth __ __ __ __ _______VeteransAffairs&Rehabilitation __ __ __ __ _______VeteransEmployment&Education __ __ __ __ _______NationalSecurity __ __ __ __ _______BoysState __ __ __ __ _______LegionBaseball __ __ __ __ _______Oratorical __ __ __ __ _______Othercommittees __ __ __ __ _______Communitypatrioticobservances __ __ __ __ _______
MEMBERSHIP
Goal________Todate______Lastyear ______Renewalrateofmembershiplastyear____________________
Describethegeneralconductofthemeeting________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Howcouldpostmeetingsbetterattractmemberstoattend?___________________________________________________
Averageattendanceatpostmeetings______Howoftendoespostmeet? Dates__________________
Howoftendoesthepostexecutivecommitteemeet?_________________________________________________________
Doestheposthaveafive-yearstrategicplan?_______Whenwasitlastreviewed?________________________________
Inyouropinion,whatcanbedonetoassistthispost?_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Doespostleadershipattenddistrictmeetings?______________________________________________________________
Doespostleadershipattenddepartmentconferencesandconventions?__________________________________________
Doesposthavefundraisingplantoensurepostprogramsremainvibrant?________________________________________
Signed(postofficer) Title__________________________________________
Signed(departmentrepresentative)_________________________________Title_________________________________
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StepstoabetterpostManytimes,newpostofficersareeagertodoajobbutlackthebackgroundororganizationskillsto
completetheiryear.Thefollowingoutlineisaprovenplanthatcanhelporganizeapost,usefulatalllevels:StepIObtainpostrecordsandgetnewmaterialfromdepartmentheadquarterstobecomefamiliarwiththepoliciesandtraditionsofthepost,district,departmentandNationalHeadquarters.
StepIICallanearlymeetingofyournewlyelectedofficers.InvitetheoutgoingcommanderandadjutantandotherinfluentialLegionnairestomeetwithyou.
Asuggestedagendashouldinclude:a. Budget 1.Old,andpossiblynew,sourcesofincome 2.Estimatedexpenditures 3.Possiblemethodsoffinancingselectedprogramswithotherthanpostfundsb. Assignmentsandoutlineofdutiesofelectedofficersc. Discussionofindividualprogramsandcommitteestodeterminethefollowing: 1.Qualificationsandsuggestionsforcommitteechairsandmembers 2.Establishedprograms 3.Possiblenewprograms(useavailablehandbooksanddepartmentmaterialasguides) 4.Programscheduled. Discussionprogramsuniquetoyourposte. Initiatestudyofthepostandcommunityfornewprograms,conductpostanalysis
StepIIIActivatecommittees.a. Selectchairpersonandmembersb. Makepersonalcontactwitheachchairtodeterminewillingnesstoservec. Arrangemeetingofcommitteestoformulateprogramd. Instructchairmenonprograms,availablematerials,postreportsandmoree. Buildtimetableforeachcommitteetofitintotheoverallpostcalendar
StepIVCoordinatewiththepost’sAuxiliaryunit.ManyprogramsdependonAuxiliarysupporttobesuccessful.
StepVConductapostmeetinga. Thefirstpostmeetingtendstosetapatternfortheentireyear.b. Workcloselywiththeadjutant,officersandcommitteeheads.c. Runaformalmeeting,followingtheritualintheManualofCeremonies.d. Postbusinessshouldbeattendedtoasbrieflyaspossible.e. Knowdepartmentandnationalmaterialinadvanceandreportitemsofinteresttothemembership.f. Committeereportsshouldbebriefandtothepoint.g. ConsiderqualifiedspeakersatsomeorallmeetingsforbriefingsonsomephaseofLegionprograms.h. Don’tneglectthesocialside.i. Announcethemainbusinessofthenextmeeting.j. Havethewelcomecommitteeestablished.
StepVIConductaPublicRelationsCommitteemeeting.a. Discusswaysandmeans.b. Formulateinstructiontopostofficersandcommitteechairsonstandardprocedureforkeepingthe
PublicRelationschairandeditorofyournewspaperorbulletininformed.
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StepVIIPlanforamoreinformedmembership. a. Talksatpostmeetings
b. Giveeveryoneajob.c. EncourageenrollmentandcompletionofTheAmericanLegionExtensionInstituteonline.d. Passoninformation.e. Publishamonthlypostnewspaperorbulletin.f. Acquaintactivememberswithveteranbenefits.
StepVIIIAppointacoordinatingcommitteeforpatrioticobservances.a. Workwithstandingcommittees,includingyoungermembers.b. Workwiththeentirecommunitytorecognizelocalactivemilitarypersonnelandallveterans.c. Includeuniformedgroupsifavailable.
StepIXGivepropercredit.a. Awardsandcitationsb. Thank-younotesc. Recognitionatmeetings
StepXThevoiceoftheLegionnaireandthepostisonlyheardbyactiveparticipationinmeetings, whetherdistrict,departmentornational.
a. Planelectionofdelegatesaspartoftheposttimetable.b. Attenddistrict,departmentandnationalconventionsandconferences.c. PresentsoundresolutionsofconcerntoTheAmericanLegion.d. Reportbacktothepost.
StepXIFollowstandardproceduresandscheduleallyearround.Planpostmeetingsthreemonthsahead,andsocialactivitiessixmonthsahead.
StepXIIItisnevertooearlytoevaluatepossiblepostofficersfornextyear.Postcharters
ApplicationformsforcharteringanewAmericanLegionpostmaybeobtainedfromdepartmentheadquarters.Atemporarycharterisissuedfirst,andwhenthepost’sfoundershavedemonstratedtheirabilitytomaintainapostoveraperiodofnofewerthan90daysandhavedevelopedanefficientorganizationforfurtheringtheLegion’sworkandideals,theyareeligibletoreceiveapermanentpostcharter.Applicationformsforpermanentchartermaybeobtainedfromdepartmentheadquarters.
Apostnamemustbeadoptedbeforeanewpostisissuedacharter.Manypostschoosetoadoptthenameofadepartedcomrade–afittingmemorial.Ifmembersdonotwishtodecideonapermanentnameatthetimethepostisorganized,itisrecommendedthatatemporarynamebeadopted(forinstance,thenameofthetownorcounty).Thiscanbechangedbyresolutionofthepostmembershipwhenapplyingforpermanentcharter.Acopyoftheresolution,attestedbythepostcommanderandthepostadjutant,shouldbeattachedtoeachcopyoftheapplicationforpermanentcharter.
Whenapostwithapermanentcharteradoptsanewname,anewpermanentcharterbearingthenewnamemaybeobtaineduponwrittenrequestthroughdepartmentheadquarters.Suchrequestsshouldbeaccompaniedbydulyattestedcopiesoftheresolutionadoptingthenewnameandbysurrenderoftheoldcharter.
Ifapostlosesitspermanentcharterthroughfireorotherdamage,anewonemaybeobtainedbyawrittenrequesttothedepartmentheadquarters.Therequestshouldincludeanexplanationofthefactssurroundingtheloss,signedbythepostcommanderandattestedbythepostadjutant.
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ChartersforincorporatedpostsPostsanddepartmentsthathaveincorporatedsincereceivingtheiroriginalchartersneedtoobtainsupplementalchartersintheircorporatecapacityuponapplicationtoNationalHeadquarters.ThisbringsthelegalincorporatedstatusofthepostintoconformitywithitscharterstatussothattheincorporatedpostmayavoidconfusionoveritspropernamewhendealingwiththeInternalRevenueService.
OrganizationalmeetingAtentativedraftshouldbemadeofapostconstitutionbeforetheorganizationalmeeting(seepages108-
110).Thepersonbestfittedforthepurposeamongtheorganizersshouldcallthemeetingtoorder,outlineitspurposes,andpointoutthefollowingfacts:
! ThismeetingiscalledtoorganizealocalpostofTheAmericanLegion.! TheAmericanLegionhaspostsinmostU.S.countyseatsandmanycountriesthroughouttheworld.! TheAmericanLegionincludesveteransofWorldWarII,theKoreanWar,Vietnam,Lebanon,Grenada,
Panama,PersianGulfandthewaronterrorism.! Anysoldier,sailor,Marine,airman,nurse,WAC,WAVEorSPARoftheUnitedStateswhoserved
honorablybetweenDecember7,1941,andDecember31,1946,June25,1950,andJanuary31,1955,February28,1961,andMay7,1975,August24,1982,andJuly31,1984,December20,1989,andJanuary31,1990,orAugust2,1990,tothedateofcessationofhostilitiesasdeterminedbytheU.S.government,andmenandwomenwhoseservicebeganduringoneofthoseperiodsandremaininservice,areadmitted.
! Fifteenmembersareusuallyrequiredfortheformalapplicationforacharter;however,theactualminimumnumberissetbyeachdepartment.
! Duesshouldbesetsufficientlyhightocoveranticipatedadministrativeexpensesandcollectedeitherbeforeorattheorganizationalmeeting.Duesarecollectedannuallyandincludenational,departmentand,onoccasion,districtassessments.
Theorganizershouldthencallfornominationsforatemporarychairmanandsecretary.Onceelected,theseofficerswilltakechargeofproceedings.
Thesuggestedconstitutionshouldbediscussedandtheapprovedformadopted.Thenthetemporarychairshouldnameacommitteetoconsideranameforthepost.(Nopostmaybenamedinhonorofalivingperson.)Itiscustomary,butnotnecessary,toadoptthenameofalocalpersonwhodiedinoneoftheworldwars,theKoreanWar,theVietnamWar,Lebanon,Grenada,Panama,PersianGulforthewaronterrorism.Youmayalsousethenamesofadeceasedveteranofeachwar.
Alistshouldbecompiledofthoseinattendance,includingfullname,nameofthelastorganizationwithwhichtheyserved,dateofseparationfrommilitaryserviceandcurrentlocaladdress.Thisinformationshouldbekeptforthepersonelectedadjutant.
Thecommitteechargedwithfindinganameforthepostshouldthenreportandanamebeadopted.Thetemporarychairshouldthenaskfornominationsforthefollowingofficers:
Postcommander Postfinanceofficer Postvicecommander Posthistorian Postadjutant Postchaplain Postserviceofficer Postsergeant-at-arms
Thenewlyelectedofficersshouldthenassumetheirduties,andthenewcommandershouldimmediatelynamethestandingcommittees.Themembershipcommitteeshouldbeinstructedtocanvasfornewmembersandsecureblankapplications.Alloriginalandnewmembersshouldcompletetheseassoonastheyareavailable.StandardmembershipapplicationscanbesecuredfromthedepartmentorNationalHeadquarters.
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Theoriginal(whitesheet)ofthecharterapplicationshouldthenbesignedbytheminimumrequiredbythedepartmentconstitution.TheseformsmaybesecuredfromanyLegionpostordepartmentheadquarters.Itispreferabletohavetheofficerssignfirst,intheordernamedabove.Whencompleted,theformshouldbeturnedovertothenewlyelectedadjutantforrecordingthesamenamesandaddressesontheremainingtwocopies.Allthreecopiesshouldthenbesignedbythepostcommander,attestedbytheadjutant,and–togetherwithanamountcoveringtheduesofthedepartmentandthenationalorganizationforallnamesappearingontheapplication–beforwardedtodepartmentheadquarters.
NewpostsWhenthedepartment-prescribedminimumnumberofeligibleveteranshasdecidedtoformanewpost,
andtheyhavethego-aheadfromthecountyordistrictanddepartmentofficers,setatimeandplaceforanorganizationalmeeting.Spreadthewordvialocalnewspapers,email,websites,andsocialmediasuchasFacebookandTwitter.
Establishinganewpostorrevivingadormantoneisnotdifficultifagroupfollowscertainsteps.DeterminefirstthatTheAmericanLegionisnotservingaparticularcommunityorneighborhoodwheretherearesufficientveteranstosupportanactiveandgrowingpost.Someoneofstaturefromthedistrictorthedepartmentmustvisittheareaandfindoutwherethecommunity’sandveterans’needs.Thismaytaketheformofasurvey,askingwhereTheAmericanLegionmightserveinconnectionwithlocalschoolsandschoolprograms,drugabuseandteensuicideprevention,Scouting,carefordisabledoragingveterans,orthecommunity’sneedforvolunteergroupssuchastheAmericanLegionAuxiliary.Suchasurveyshouldcertainlytakeintoaccountthecommunity’srecreationalandsocialfacilities.
Often,evenwhilesuchasurveyisinprogress,youcangoalongwaytowardachievingthesecondstep,whichistherecruitmentofeligibleveteranswhohavetheabilityandwillingnesstobethecoregrouparoundwhichanAmericanLegionpostcanbebuilt.Thelocalschoolsuperintendentorprincipalmightsuggestsomenamesofthosewhowouldbeinterested.Federalemployeesareofteneligiblemembers.ThelocalScoutingexecutivemayalsoknowsomeveteranswhowouldseeanewLegionpostasawaytoexpandtheScoutingprogram.AdultsactiveinLittleLeagueorotheryouthbaseballprogramsareusuallyinterestedinensuringthatthereisanAmericanLegionBaseballteamandcanbeinstrumentalinassistinginthesearchforthenecessarynumberofveteranstostartapost.Otherorganizations,suchasLionsorKiwanis,mayneedthecooperationofanAmericanLegionserviceofficertoroundoutaprogram.Banksandotherbusinessesareofteninterestedinbeingrepresentedinsuchaventure,particularlyifthebankorbusinessisheadedbyaLegionnairefromanotherpostbuthasmanyemployeeslivinginthedesiredarea.Also,NationalHeadquarterscanassistinidentifyingnamesandaddressesofLegionnairesbelongingtopostsinothercommunitiesorotherstateswholivewithintheboundarieswhereanewpostisproposed.
Sometimesdistrictofficerswillstilllackakeypersonorgrouptoformanewpost.Makealistofplacestolook,startingwithbanks,insuranceandreal-estateoffices,schoolprincipals,andlocalgovernment.
Payavisittotheseplaces,explainingwhatyou’reattemptingandwhyyoubelieveanAmericanLegionpostwillbeanassettotheneighborhoodorcommunity.Ateachstop,requestthenamesofanyveteranswhomightbeinterestedingettingonthegroundfloorofanewAmericanLegionpost.Oftentimes,thismethodwillproduceone,twoorthreekeypeoplewhocantakethelead,locally,informingthepost.Inachainreactionofsorts,theirfriendsandacquaintanceswilllikelybeasourceofadditionalmembers.
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Inmakingthefirstcontactswithaprospectivenewmemberorbusiness,itisnotnecessarytoofferadetailedexplanationoftheLegion.Thatcancomelater.Actually,acopyofTheAmericanLegionMagazineisasimpleitemofsubstancethatmakesthesellingjobeasier.Iftherightpeoplearerecruited,onlyasmallnumberarerequiredtoensurethesuccessofanewpost.Thesepeoplewilldomostoftherecruitingamongtheirfriends,businessassociatesandacquaintances.Infact,thejoboffindingthe“nucleus”ofanewpostissimplifiedbydrawinguponfriendsofLegionnairesinadjacentpostsordistrictofficers.
Severaldecisionsmustbemadewhenstartinganewpost.Selectatemporaryname,setinitialduesand,mostimportantly,identifythreeorfourreasonswhyanewpostisneeded.
Twoimportantreasonstoorganizeapostare1)toassistveteransandlocalfamilies,and2)tomakethecommunityorneighborhoodabetterplacetolive.However,thesereasonsshouldbespelledoutintermsofprogramsthathavemeaningtoarearesidents.
Onceyouhaverecruitedtheminimumnumberofeligibleveteransnecessarytostartapost,conductabrieforganizationalmeetingtoelectatemporarychairmanandsecretary.Therethenexistsanorganizationthatcansetthedateforasecondmeeting,wheretheproceduresoutlinedinArticleIX,Section4,ofTheAmericanLegionConstitutionshouldbefollowedtoorganizeapost.Thisgroupshouldmakesureproperpublicityisgiventothesecondmeeting,andthatthoseLegionnaireswhohavevolunteeredtoassistthenewpostduringitsformationandthefirstfewcrucialmonths–includingaserviceofficer–areinattendance.
TheworkofdedicatedLegionnaireswhounselfishlydevotetimeandefforttoassuringthesuccessofanewpostshouldnotgounrecognized.Forthispurpose,theNationalMembership&PostActivitiesCommitteeissues“PioneerAward”citations,whichanewpostcanawardatthetimeitreceivesapermanentchartertotheindividualsorpostsmostinstrumentalinitssuccess.Thedepartmentanddistrictsshouldalsogiveawardstothosemostactiveinestablishingnewposts.
Althoughthemajorityofpostsarecommunity-oriented,drawingtheirmembershipfromacross-sectionofthelocalpopulationandcarryingonsuchstandardAmericanLegionactivitiesastheyarecapableof,thereisroomwithinthebroaderAmericanLegionforavarietyofspecializedposts.Therearehighlysuccessfulluncheon-typeposts,madeupprimarilyofbusinessandprofessionalmembers.Otherslimittheirmembershiptoemployeesofaparticularbusinessorindustry.Therearedoctors’posts,nurses’posts,andpostsmadeupentirelyofchurchmembersorfederalemployees.Somepostscatertoveteransofaparticularmilitaryoutfitorthosewhowerestationedinaparticularcountry.AnyareaofinterestoractivitywithwhichagroupofveteransidentifiesitselfcanprovidethereasonforanAmericanLegionpostaswellasthemeansoforganizingit.
Regardlessofthepost’stype,theremustbealegitimate,recognizableneedtobeservedbyestablishinganAmericanLegionpost.Then,acoregroupofeligiblemembersshouldbefoundorbroughttogether,andtheyshouldbeinterestedintakingtheinitiativetoformapost.Finally,theremustbehelp,encouragementandexpertisefromknowledgeableLegionnairesinapositiontoadviseandinformthegroup. Step-by-stepprocedures
WhenestablishinganewAmericanLegionpost,apositiveattitudeisessential.Don’tsay,“ifweformapost.”It’s“whenweformapost.”Remember,you’llbeprovidingagenuineservicetothecommunityanditsveterans.Thefollowingstepscanserveasaguide:
1. Determinethecity,town,neighborhoodorotheridentifiableareawhereveteransarewithoutareadilyavailablepost.
2. Decidethatanewpostwillbeestablishedtoservetheselectedarea.3. CommunicatewiththeLegion’sdepartmentheadquartersand,ifnecessary,thedistrictcommander.
(Othersmayalreadybeworkingtoestablishapostinthearea.)4. Findoutfromthedepartmenttheminimumnumberofmembersrequiredforapostcharter.5. Atthesametime,askthedepartmentforanapplicationfortemporarycharter,acopyofthePost
Adjutant’sManualandmembershipapplications.
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6.Selecttwoorthreeprojectsthatthenewpostcancarryouttomeetlocalneedsoraspirations.7.Contactkeypeopleinthecommunityandgettheirapprovalforanewpost,alongwithsuggestionsfor
possibleleadersandmembers.Askthemayor,policeofficers,firedepartmentofficials,theschoolsuperintendent,teachers,bankmanagers,real-estateagents,insuranceagents,barbersandbusinessowners.
8. Pickakeyindividualwhocanserveasthepresidingpersonduringorganization.Lookforleadership,talent,enthusiasmandstatureinthecommunity.
9. Pickanameforapost.(Apostmaynotbenamedforanylivingperson.)10.Askthedepartmentheadquarterstoassignanumbertothepost.11.Establishpostduesbeforethefirstorganizationalmeeting,keepingtheminlinewithneighboringposts.12.Designateasecretary/treasurertoserveduringtheorganizationalperiod.13.Openabankaccountforthepost.(Twosignaturesshouldberequiredonallchecks.)14.Startsigningmembers.(Befamiliarwitheligibilityrequirements.)15.Setatimeandplaceforanorganizationalmeeting.16.Gettherequirednumberofsignaturesontheapplicationforatemporarycharter.17.Notifyallmembersinwritingofthetimeandplaceoftheorganizationalmeeting.18.Publicizethepost’sformationandorganizationalmeetingthroughlocalpress,socialmedia,noticeson
shoppingcenterbulletinboardsandotheroutlets.19.Checktomakesureyouhavesignaturesofallmembersonthecharterapplicationandthattheformis
fullycompletedwithnecessarycopies.20.Donotoverwhelmmembersandprospectiveofficerswithliteratureortoomuchinformation.Takeit
onestepatatime.21.Selectoneortwoneededcommunityprojects.EmphasizehowTheAmericanLegioncanhelpmeetthe
needsofveteransandthecommunity.
InitiationandinstallationThisisafirst-classsocialeventthatshouldbecarefullyplannedwithtopdepartmentanddistrictofficerstoproperlyinitiateandinstallnewmembersandofficers.
1. Publicizetheorganizationalmeeting.2. Temporaryofficersshouldpreside(ifitisarevitalization).3. KeyLegionnairesresponsibleforthepostshouldbepresent.4. Initiatenewmembers.5. Installofficers.
ProjectStayActiveProjectStayActivehelpslocalpostsmaintaincontactwithmemberswhomoveintoyourarea.National
Headquartersprintsasummaryoftheveteran’smembershipona3x5card,includingbothnewandoldaddresses,themember’sdepartment,thepostnumber,thenumberofcontinuousyears,andthedatethecardwasprinted.Ifthememberisalifemember,itisnoted.ThecardisprintedinZIPcodeorderandmailedtodepartmentadjutantsfordistributiontothepostmostaccessibletothemember.Thispostisthenaskedtocontactandwelcomethemembertothearea.Thisisanidealtimetoofferassistanceandtoinvitethemembertovisityourpost.
Inmanycases,theLegionnairemaywishtotransfermembershiptoapostinthecommunity.Asmaybeexpected,someoftheseLegionnairesareinvolvedintemporarymoves,somemayhavealifemembership“backhome,”andothersmayhavesentimentalfeelingstowardtheirhometownpost.However,manyofthemwillbereceptivetoanoffertotransfertoyourpostwhenasked.
DepartmentsactivelyparticipatinginProjectStayActivegenerallydistributethecardseachmonththroughdistrictorcountycommanders.
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DirectrenewalnoticesBeginninginJuly,NationalHeadquartersmailsdirectduesrenewalnoticestocurrentmembers.The
memberpaysduesdirectlytothepost.Eachyear,departmentheadquartersmailsapostdatacardtothepostaskingforthepost’sduesamountandtheaddresstowhichthememberistomaildues.Asmuchaspossible,postsshoulduseapermanentmailingaddress–eitherapostofficeboxortheaddressoftheposthome.
Somepostshavememberswhoshouldnotreceiverenewalnotices.Inthesecases,sendalettertodepartmentheadquarterslistingthosemembers’names,addressesandcardnumbers,signedbyapostofficialandgivingthepostnumber,andtheywillnotreceiveanotherrenewalnotice.Thereafter,thecodeletter“c”willappearinacolumnafterthemember’sZIPcodeinthepostmembershipregister.Onlyoneamountforpostduescanbeprintedforeachpost.Forexample,NationalHeadquarterscannotprint“$30untilJanuary1,$35afterJanuary1.”
Poststhatdonotparticipateinthedepartmentprogrammaybeincludedinthenextbillingbyfillingoutapostdatacardandsendingittodepartmentheadquarters.Throughdepartmentparticipation,additionalnoticesareavailable.Scheduledrenewalmailingsareusuallyatnocosttodepartmentsorposts.AlldelinquentmemberswillreceiverenewalnoticesinMarch;ifstilldelinquentinMay,anadditionalrenewalmaybesent.
OnlinerenewalsLegionnairescanrenewtheirmembershiponlineatwww.legion.org/renew.Uponrenewal,amembercanprintatemporarymembershipcardtosendtohisorherposttoreceiveapermanentmembershipcard.PostsusingmyLegion.orgcanseewhichpostmembershaverenewedonline.Otherwise,postswillbenotifiedthroughtheirdepartmentssothattheycansendmembershipcards.
Paid-Up-For-Life(PUFL)membershipMemberspayaone-timefeeorcanutilizeatimepaymentplanoptiontogainlifetimemembershipinTheAmericanLegion.Ratesandformsareavailableatwww.legion.org/join/pufl foreitherelectronicsubmissionorprintingformailing.ThereisalsoaquicklinktotheapplicationatmyLegion.orgforpostsanddepartmentsQuestions?ContactNationalHeadquarters’CustomerServiceat1-800-433-3318.
ConsolidatedPostReports(CPR)PostadjutantsarethekeytohowwellTheAmericanLegionasawholewillbeabletoreporttothe
Americanpeopleitsactualaccomplishmentsforthepastyear.Eachpostreceivesathree-part,snap-outCPRreportformasthereportingyearcomestoaclose.Thefirst
twocopiesgotodepartmentheadquarters,andthethirdcopyistoberetainedbythepost.Allreportsfromadistrict’spostsshouldbesenttodepartmentheadquartersonorbeforetheJune15deadline,orsoonerifthedepartmenthassetanearlierdate.
TheCPRformcoversparticipationintheLegion’sbasicprograms:Americanism,Children&Youth,VeteransAffairs&Rehabilitation,EconomicandNationalSecurity.Otherrequesteditemsarethenumberoffuneralhonorsprovidedfordeceasedmembers,andwhetherthepostsponsorsauniformedgroupordistributesaregularpublicationtomembers.Don’tbediscouragedifthepostdoesn’thavesomethingtoreportineveryblankontheCPR.VeryfewpostshaveeveryLegionprogram.Manyoutstandingpostsdevotetheirenergiesandresourcestojusttwoorthreeprogramsoractivities,morethanjustifyingtheirexistence.
InformationfromCPRformsisfrequentlysharedwithmembersofCongress,givingthemasnapshotofthevaluablecommunityserviceprovidedbyAmericanLegion,AuxiliaryandSALmembers.
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IncludedetailsinnarrativePostsshouldconfineanswerstotheallottedspaces.Iftheywishtogointoasubjectinfurtherdetail,include
suchinformationinadescriptivenarrativeattachedtothereport.Thiscancoverapost’saccomplishmentsinprogramareas,includingphotos.DepartmentAmericanismandChildren&Youthcommitteesconsidertheworkofapostindeterminingitsqualificationfornationalrecognition.
Bymid-August,NationalHeadquartersexpectstohaveacompletedtabulationofallreportsbrokendownandprintedbydepartment.ThestatisticaltotalswillprovidethefoundationforTheAmericanLegion’sannualreporttoCongress,requiredbytheLegion’sfederalcharter.
Oncetheposthascompletedtheannualreport,itmaybesurprisinghowmuchtheposthasaccomplished.Inadditiontobeingthebasisforgoodlocalnewsreleases,theCPRalsohelpsinthepreparationofmembershippromotionalmaterial.Andthere’salwaysthepossibilityapost’sreportswillresultinnationalrecognitionforoneormoreofitsoutstandingprograms.
myLegion.orgNationalHeadquartershasasecurewebsitetoassistpostofficersintheirday-to-daymembershipprocessingduties.Toregister,thepostadjutantmustfirstcompleteandsubmitanauthorizationformatwww.mylegion.org.
! Viewmemberinformationforpostandsquadrondata.! Trackmemberswhohaverenewedonline.! SubmitMemberDataFormchangeselectronically,withtheexceptionofaddingnewmembers,
processingrenewalsandtransferringmembers.Thosethreeprocessesmustcontinuetobetransmittedtothedepartment.AllmemberdatachangessubmittedelectronicallythroughmyLegionaresubmittedtodepartmentheadquartersinaweeklyfilefromNationalHeadquarters,eliminatingtheneedtocompleteormailpaperformsforaddresschanges,phonenumberupdates,deceasednotifications,etc.
! Generaterostersforcurrent,expired,deceasedandundeliverablemembers.DataisalsoavailableinCSVfileformatallowinguserstoworkwiththedatainotherapplications.
! SubmitConsolidatedPostReport(CPR)electronically.! Searchforheadquarterspostandexpiredmembersinaspecifiedareatohelpgrowyourpost
membership.
TheAmericanLegionChildWelfareFoundation(CWF) TheAmericanLegionChildWelfareFoundation(CWF)wascreatedin1954to:
! Contributetothephysical,mental,emotionalandspiritualwelfareofchildrenandyouththroughthedisseminationofknowledgeaboutnewandinnovativeorganizationsand/ortheirprogramsdesignedtobenefityouth.
! Contributetothephysical,mental,emotionalandspiritualwelfareofchildrenandyouththroughthedisseminationofknowledgealreadypossessedbywell-establishedorganizations,totheendthatsuchinformationcanbemoreadequatelyusedbysociety.
CWF’sprimarysourceofrevenueismembersoftheLegion,Auxiliary,SALandEight&Forty.Italsoreceivessupportfromalllevelsoftheorganization–local,stateandnational.
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Toprovideanincentiveforgivingonanannualbasis,CWFhastheCornerstoneGiftClub,whichoffersawardstoindividualsfortheircumulativedonationsmadeduringthecurrentcontributionyear(June1-May31):
Cumulativedonations Award
CenturyClub $100 GoldpinwithamethystFoundationPartner $250 GoldpinwithbluesapphirePresident’sCircle $500 GoldpinwithonediamondFoundationAmbassadors $1,000 GoldpinwithfivediamondsThe“ChildrenFirst”GiftClubrecognizespostsfortheircumulativedonations:
Caretaker $500 BronzeplaqueAdvocate $750 SilverplaqueGuardian $1,000 Goldplaque
Contributions
! Allcontributionsaretax-deductible.Everycheckormoneyorder($5ormore)receivedisacknowledgedbyofficialreceipt,whichshouldbeheldfortaxpurposes.
! AllcontributionsgodirectlyintoCWF.Alloverheadexpensesarecoveredbyseparatefunding.! Allcashcontributionsareacknowledgedregardlessofamount.Donotsendcashthroughthemail.! ContributionscanbemadedirectlytoCWF.Theydonothavetogothroughdepartmentheadquarters.! Accuraterecordsarekeptofstates,organizationsandindividualssendingincontributions.
Correspondenceiskeptonfileforoneyear,butcomputerrecordsaremaintained.! YourdepartmentgetscreditforyoursupportonCWF’snationalreporttoCongress.
Suggestions! Whenamemberofthepostorunitpassesaway,suggestthatcontributionsbesenttoTheAmerican
LegionChildWelfareFoundationintheirmemorytoprovidemeaningfulgrantsthatwillhelpchildren.! MakeCWFaregularpartofannualpostactivitiesbyconductingafundraiser.! MentionCWFatpostandunitmeetingstomakeothersawareofwhatitisandhowithelpschildren.! Startacollectionofplaquestodisplayintheposthome.
TemporaryFinancialAssistance(TFA)TemporaryFinancialAssistanceisthelandmarkprogramoftheAmericanismCommission’sCommitteeon
Children&Youth.Startedin1925asaformofdirectaidtochildren,TFAisstilluniqueinthefieldofsocialworktoday.ThroughTFA,apostcancalluponthenationalorganizationtoprovidecashassistancetohelpmeetthebasicneedsofveterans’childrenwhenitisevidenttherearenootherresourcesavailabletoprovidetherequiredassistance.Thesepayments,asindicatedbytheprogram’sname,aretemporary,andthiscashassistanceisintheformofagrant.
Thepostanddepartmentareexpectedtomakeeveryefforttosecureassistanceforneedyveterans’childrenfromitsownresources,orthoseofotherorganizationsoragencieswithinthecommunitywhosepurposeitistomeettheneed.Paymentsfromtheprogrammaybemadeto,oronbehalfof,thefamilyforavarietyofexpensesnecessarytomaintainthehealthandwelfareofthechildreninvolved.
Amaintenancegrantmaybeusedforfood,shelter(rentormortgagepayment,utilitiesandeducationalexpense.ItcannotbeusedfordebtsincurredpriortothedateofapplicationforTFA.Credit-cardpayments,banknotes(otherthanhomemortgageloans),autoloansandotherinstallment-typepaymentsareconsideredtobe“priordebts.”Theonlyexceptionstothispolicyareutilitiesandshelterpayments.
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Amedicalgrantrequiresawrittenstatementfromadoctoroutliningtheprogram,thetreatmentandtheestimatedcosts.Itmaybeusedformedicalcare,surgery,dentalcare,pharmaceuticals,dietaryneeds,hospitalization,nursingandconvalescentcare,andotherneedsasspecified.
Amedicalgrantcannotcoverpreviousexpensesorcare.Afamilymustmeettwocriteriatobeeligible:
! Theveteranmusthaveservedaportionofactivedutyduringoneoftheseperiods:August2,1990,topresent(orthecessationofhostilitiesasdeterminedbytheU.S.government);December20,1989,toJanuary31,1990;August24,1982,toJuly31,1984;February28,1961,toMay7,1975;June25,1950,toJanuary31,1955;orDecember7,1941toDecember31,1946.
! Theremustbechildreninthehomeyoungerthan18(youngerthan21ifstillinhighschoolorphysically
handicapped).Thesechildrenmaybelegitimate,stepchildren,legallyadoptedorillegitimatewithnecessaryproofofrelationshipprovided.
Note:TheveterandoesnotneedtobeamemberofTheAmericanLegiontoreceiveassistance.
Requestsforassistancemustbesubmittedonanofficialapplicationform,availablefromdepartmentheadquarters.Eachapplicationhasinstructionstoguidethelocalinvestigatorthroughtheprocedureoffiling.FormoreinformationaboutTFA,requestabrochurefromyourdepartmentadjutantortheNationalAmericanismandChildren&YouthDivisionbycalling(317)[email protected].
NationalEmergencyFund(NEF)TheNationalEmergencyFundprogramisoneofthebestexamplesof“veteranshelpingveterans”through
TheAmericanLegion.SincetheNEFwasre-establishedin1989,theno-strings-attacheddisasterreliefprogramhasprovidedmorethan$9millionindirectfinancialassistancetothousandsofLegionnairesandtheirfamiliesrecoveringfromdeclarednaturaldisasters.
Everypostofficershouldunderstandhowtopreparefordisasterssothatyourpostcanprovideimmediateandresponsivecaretomembersaffected.
EligibilityTherearenopremiumstopayintotheNEFprogram.Rather,grantsaremadetoLegionnaires,SALmembers
andpostsinneed.Theonlyrequirementsontheirbehalfare:
! Mustbeacurrent-yearpaidmemberofTheAmericanLegionorSAL! Mustbeamemberingoodstandingwiththeirpostorsquadron! Musthavebeenacurrentmemberpriortothedateofdisaster
Onlyonegrantperhouseholdcanbeconsidered.TheNEFdoesnotcoverdamagestoautomobiles,outbuildings(suchasshedsandbarns),andapartmentsorbusinesses.NorareNEFgrantstotaketheplaceof,orsupplement,insurancecompensation.Theyareintendedsolelytoassistmembersiftheylose,oraredisplacedfrom,theirprimaryhomesduetoadeclarednaturaldisaster.Subsequently,incidentsstemmingfromaccidentalfiresinthehomeorfaultystructuraldamagesdonotfallwithintheconfinesoftheNEF.
Postsareeligibletoreceivegrantsfromthisfund,ifdamagedbydeclarednaturaldisaster.Theapplicationmustbesupportedbysubstantiatingdocumentationthatthepostwillceasetoperformprogramsandactivitiesinthecommunityduetolossessustained.
HowtoapplyNEFgrantapplicationsmaybeobtainedfromdepartmentheadquartersorNationalHeadquartersat(317)630-1330,oronlineatwww.legion.org/emergency.TheturnaroundtimeforagrantdependsonhowsoonthecompletedapplicationisreceivedatNationalHeadquartersinIndianapolis.
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Attheveryminimum,theNEFapplicationshouldinclude:
! Copiesoflodging,food,gas,clothingreceipts! Copiesofestimatesofdamage! Photographsofthedamage! Descriptionofloss! Listofout-of-pocketexpensesincurredasaresultofdisplacementfromprimaryresidence
Failuretoincludethisinformationcoulddelaythegrant.Supportingdocumentationcannotbereturned.Oncethegrantapplicationiscompleted,itmustbeforwardedtodepartmentheadquarters,whereitis
reviewedanddamagesareassessed.Thedepartmentcommanderandadjutantdeterminethegrantamount,whichisnottoexceed$3,000forindividualsand$10,000forposts.TheysigntheapplicationandforwardittoNationalHeadquarters,whichmakesfinalapproval.NationalHeadquartersissuesachecktothememberorpostandforwardsittodepartmentheadquartersfordistribution.
AllcontributionsmadetotheNEFaredistributeddirectlytotheLegionnaireorSALmemberinneed.Therearenoadministrativeorfulfillmentcosts.Tolearnhowtodonate,visitwww.legion.org/emergency.SonsofTheAmericanLegion(SAL)
Allmaledescendants,adoptedsonsandstepsonsofmembersofTheAmericanLegion,alongwithmaledescendantsofveteranswhodiedinserviceduringWorldWarl,WorldWarII,theKoreanWar,theVietnamWar,Lebanon/Grenada,Panama,theGulfWarorthewaronterrorismduringthedelimitingperiodssetforthinArticleIV,Sectionl,oftheNationalConstitutionofTheAmericanLegion,orwhodiedsubsequenttotheirhonorabledischargefromsuchservice,areeligibleformembershipinSonsofTheAmericanLegion.
SinceSALeligibilitybeginsatdateofbirth,asquadron’sactivitiesandprogramsshouldbedeterminedbyagegroupingsofeligiblemembers,theapparentneedsofyoungeligibles,thecommunity’sneedforprogramsandactivitiesthatcouldbeprovidedbySAL,andthecapabilitiesofthoseservingasSALleadersandadvisers.
Newmembersshouldbeinitiatedwithfullceremony.Amember’sfirstimpressionisoftenthemostlasting.Also,distributecopiesoftheSALSquadronHandbookavailablewheninitiatingnewcandidates.Twocopiespersquadron–oneforthesquadroncommander,oneforthesquadronadjutant–areavailablefromthedepartment.PurchaseadditionalcopiesfromEmblemSalesat888-453-4466oronlineatemblem.legion.org.AmericanLegionAuxiliaryThemissionoftheAmericanLegionAuxiliaryistosupportTheAmericanLegionandtohonorthesacrificeofthosewhoservebyenhancingthelivesofveterans,themilitaryandtheirfamilies.Throughvariousprograms,theAuxiliaryalsoeducatescitizens,mentorsyouth,andpromotespatriotism,citizenship,peaceandsecurity.Membershipisopentowives,mothers,daughters,sisters,grandmothers,granddaughtersandgreat-granddaughtersofveteranswhoservedduringwartime;someAuxiliarymembersareveteransthemselves.
! Ifanapplicantisjoiningonherownservicerecord,theAuxiliaryunittowhichsheisapplyingformembershipwillberesponsibleforverificationofhereligibilityformembership.
! IfapplicantisjoiningonthebasisofherrelationshiptoamemberofTheAmericanLegion,anofficeroftheposttowhichthatrelativebelongsmustcertifytheLegionnaire’smembershipinthatpost.
! IfanapplicantwishestojoinaunitorapostotherthantheonetowhichherLegionnairerelativebelongs,theunittowhichsheisapplyingformembershipshouldchecktheeligibilitywiththepostofherrelative.
! Undernocircumstances,wheneligibilityistobebasedonrelationshiptoadeceasedveteran,shouldanadjutantcertifyanapplicationformembershipwithoutcheckingtheveteran’sdischargepaperstodeterminethatthedatesofservicefallwithintheLegion’seligibilitytimeperiods.ThedeceasedveteranneednothavebeenaLegionnairefortheapplicanttoqualifyforAuxiliarymembership.
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SECTION2ManualofCeremonies
AdoptedbyTheAmericanLegionin1921
MuchoftheinformationprovidedintheManualofCeremonieshasitsrootsinlong-timetraditionandusage.ThepracticesadoptedbyTheAmericanLegionmaynotbethesameasthoseusedbyothergroupsororganizations,butitdoesnotmeantheLegionisrightandothersarewrong.
1.TheceremonialservicesofTheAmericanLegionmustbeconductedwiththesolemnitybefittingthedignityofthisorganization.
2.Nooneshallbeadmittedduringopening,initiationorclosingceremoniesofameeting.
3.Amemberenteringthehallafterthemeetinghasbegunshalladvancetothecenteroftheroom,salutethecolorsandbeseated.
4.Anymemberdesiringtobeexcusedfromthehallwhilethemeetingisinprogress–exceptduringaprayer,theobligationorperiodofsilence–shalladvancetothecenteroftheroom,salutethecolorsandleave.
5.Allofficersareinstructedtomemorizetheirpartsbetweenthedatesoftheirelectionandinstallation.Itshallbethedutyofeachofficertomemorizethatportionoftheritualassignedtothatparticularoffice,andtheprintedritualshouldnotbereadduringanyceremony.
6.Thenationalcolorsandpostflag,wheninposition,shouldbeinpositionateithersideandjustinadvanceofthecommander’sstation.Thenationalcolorsareontherightofthecommanderandthepostcolorsontheleftwhenfacingtheaudience,eventhoughthecommanderisonaplatformandtheflagsarepostedonthegroundlevel.
7.Eachofficershallbeequippedwiththeofficialoverseascapandproperofficialbadgeoftherespectiveoffice.BadgesmaybepurchasedinsetsbythepostorsinglybytheindividualofficerthroughEmblemSales.
8.LegionnairesstandinginsilenttributeinmemoryofdepartedcomradesduringmeetingsorceremonieswillfacetheU.S.flag.AccordingtoResolutionNo.33,passedbytheNationalExecutiveCommitteeinMay1971,TheAmericanLegion“shall,atfunctionswithinLegionbuildingsandatalllevels,ceaseallactivitieswhatsoever”foraperiodof60secondsasatributetocomradeswhohavepassedonandinhonorofthosenowserving.Theminuteofsilenceshallbeprecededbyanappropriateannouncementandmessage,ifdesired.
9.InaddressinganofficerofTheAmericanLegion,prefacethetitlewiththeword“Comrade.”
10.ThisManualofCeremoniesisdesignedwiththeideaofflexibilityandmaybeadaptedtoconformtorequirementscoveringalldivisionsofTheAmericanLegion.Therefore,whenevernecessary,thewords“post,”“county,”“district,”“division,”“department”or“national”maybeinsertedtofitaspecificoccasion.
11.PerResolutionNo.8,passedbytheNationalExecutiveCommitteeinOctober2016,everydepartment,district/countyandpostisstronglyurgedtoconductofficialmeetingsinEnglish–notonlybecauseitistheLegion’spositionthatEnglishshouldbetheofficiallanguageoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,butalsotoensurethateveryLegionnaireandveteranisaffordedtheopportunitytounderstand,participateinandbeinformedabouteverysubjectthatarisesinanAmericanLegionmeetingorispartofanyofficialcorrespondenceorpublishedmedia.
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PlanofpostmeetingroomThisarrangementofapostmeetingroomispracticalfortheconductofregularpostmeetings,permittingthepostagreatdealofflexibilityinarrangementtoitsparticularneedsand/orphysicallimitations.
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PlanofpostmeetingroomforspecialceremoniesForinitiationofnewmembersorinstallationofpostofficers,itissuggestedthatthepostmeetingroombearrangedasshownabove.TheAmericanLegionemblemshouldbeincolorsandabout20inchesindiameter.Ifmadeofglass,itshouldbeilluminatedfromwithin,orbyalightsetaboveitifmadeofwood,cardboardormetal.Theemblemshouldbeilluminatedatalltimesduringallmeetings.EmblemsmaybepurchasedthroughEmblemSales.
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WearingtheAmericanLegioncap,uniformandregalia1.TheLegioncap,uniformorregaliashouldbewornbyitsmembersonlywheninattendanceatofficialLegionmeetingsorceremonies,asofficialguestsatpatrioticorothercivilfunctions,orbyindividualswhenofficiallyrepresentingTheAmericanLegiononpublicoccasions.Forallceremonies,theuniformsadoptedbyadepartmentarerecommended.However,anofficialAmericanLegioncap,darkblueorblackciviliancoat,darktrousers,whiteshirt,blackfour-in-handtie,blackshoesandsocksmakeanattractiveuniform.ALegionnaireisconsideredtobeinuniformifwearinganofficialAmericanLegioncap.Therefore,itisnotpropertowearaLegioncapwhileeatingamealatanofficialAmericanLegionorcivicluncheonordinner.2.Thecapshouldbeworninaplaceofworshiponlybytheguardofhonor,colorguardandcommanderofthesamewhileinmarchingorderorstandingguard.Whenoneisseated,thecapshouldberemoved.3.Postsmarchinginformationintoaplaceofworshipshoulduncoveratthedoor,holdthecapwiththerighthandovertheheartuntilarrivinginthepewsandcommandedtotakeseats,andremainuncoveredduringtheentireservice.Atthecloseoftheservice,uponcommand,thepostshallrise,holdthecapwithrighthandoverthehearts,marchoutoftheplaceofworship,andrecoveraftermarchingthroughthedoor.Note:Thecapshouldbeheldovertheheartasoneapproachesthecasket,andisnotatanytimeworninaplaceofworshipexceptbytheguardofhonor,colorguardorcommanderofsamewhileinmarchingorderorstandingguard.4.Legionnairesnotinformationwilluncoveruponenteringtheplaceofworship,remainuncoveredduringtheentireserviceandre-coverafterleavingtheplaceofworship.5.Atthegraveside,thecapshouldbeheldintherighthandovertheheartduringtheentireservice.Incoldandinclementweather,thecapshouldnotbedoffed.6.Inmeetings,thecapshouldbewornexceptduringthePledgeofAllegiance,prayerandwhilestandinginsilentreverenceinmemoryofdepartedcomrades,whenitshouldbeheldwiththerighthandovertheheart.7.ALegionnairewearingacapshouldbehaveinproperaccordanceastosalutes,etc.,thesameasifwearingamilitaryuniform.Ifnotwearingacap,observeordinaryrulesofetiquetteforciviliandress.8.FemaleLegionnairesshouldweartheircapsinthemannerprescribedforwomeninthearmedforces.Thisissuitableformostsituations,buttasteandcommonsenseshouldprevail.ByAmericanLegiontradition,afemaleLegionnairemayleavehercaponduringthePledgeofAllegiance,thenationalanthem,prayerandmeals.9.Legionnaireswishingtoattachdecorationsand/orotherofficialinsigniatotheircapsareadvisedofaNationalExecutiveCommitteeresolutiononthesubject,excerptedbelow.
OfficialAmericanLegioncapsThefollowingregulationsstandardizetheuseoflettering,insignia,etc.,ontheofficialAmericanLegioncap,
asbasedonResolutionNo.58,adoptedbytheNationalExecutiveCommittee,April30-May1,1964.
Postcaps(membersandofficers)–Allblue,pipedingoldandletteredingoldwithoptionalbasiclettering(Style1orStyle2),andadditionalletteringandrestrictionsasindicatedbelow:
(a)Style1–Postnumeralsatrightfrontbetweenpipingandfrontcrease.Departmentnameinfullonleftsidebeneathemblem.Letteringonemblemsidetobeinstraightline.Example:“20”(atrightfront)–“Illinois”(onleftsidebeneathemblem).(b)Style2–Postnumeralsatrightfrontbetweenpipingandfrontcrease.Townnameinfullanddepartmentabbreviatedonleftsidebeneathemblem.Letteringonemblemsidetobeinstraightline.Example:“20”(atrightfront)–“Minneapolis,Minn.”(onleftsidebeneathemblem).(c)Style2–Shallnotbeusedwhentheposttownisnotphysicallylocatedwithintherecognizedgeographicand/orpostalboundariesofthedepartmentofwhichthepostisamember.Example:Stuttgart,Germany,apartoftheDepartmentofFrance.Suchapostmayplaceitslocationandcountryontherightsideofthecap,ifdesired.Example:“8”(atrightfront)–“France”(onleftsidebeneathemblem)–ifdesired,“Munich,Germany”(onrightside).
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(d)Whereadditionalletteringisdesired,itmustbeontherightsideofthecap.Letteringrestrictedtonameofpost,suchas“J.S.Jones,”orofficertitle,suchas“Commander”or“PastAdjutant.”Wherepresentorpastofficercapinsigniaorbadgesareusedinplaceofembroideredtitles,thesemustbeonrightsideofcap.(e)Consecutivemembershipinsignia,membershipstarsand/ordecorations(authorizedAmericanLegionormilitaryservices)mustbeattachedtotherightsideofcap.FraternalorcivilorganizationinsigniacannotbeusedonAmericanLegioncaps.(f)Namesornicknamesofindividualmemberscannotbeusedoncaps.(g)AnindividualmemberplacinganorderdirectlywithEmblemSalesmustprovidethememberIDnumber.
Restrictions(a)Theleftside(emblemside)ofanyAmericanLegioncapcannotcontainotherthantheofficialAmericanLegionemblem,andletteringassetforthpreviouslyinthisresolutionforpost,county,district,departmentornationalcaps.(b)Nomemberofanyorganization,suchasdrumandbuglecorps,bandsandsoforth,sponsoredbyanypostorintermediateorganizationsbetweenthedepartmentandpostlevels,orbyanydepartment,shallweartheoverseascapshavingthecolor,orcombinationofcolors,authorizedforthesoleuseofcounty,district,departmentornationalofficers,whenthemembersofuniformedgroupsarenotappearinginthefulluniformoftheirgroup.
OfficialbadgesCampaignribbons,medalsandofficialAmericanLegionbadgesshallbewornthreeinchesbelowthepoint
oftheshoulderandabovetheleftbreastpocket,centered.However,medalsandribbonsarenottobeworntogether.Badgesofotherfraternalorganizationsarenottobewornonuniformsexceptwhenattendingfunctionsofsuchorganizations.Nootherbadgesorinsigniaaretobeworn.
OfficialbadgesconsistoftheLegionemblemsuspendedbyanAmericanLegionribbonfromabarnamingtheofficeheld:commander,pastcommander,vicecommander,chaplain,adjutant,financeofficer,sergeant-at-arms,judgeadvocate,serviceofficer,athleticofficer,historianandexecutivecommittee.Themetalornamentsfortheribbonsshouldbepinbacksotheycanbepassedfromofficertoofficeratinstallation.
HowtoorganizearitualteamSTEP1Thepostcommanderappointsacaptaintoorganizeateam.Itwillbethecaptain’sdutytorecruit,trainandassumecompleteresponsibilityfororganizingandtrainingtheteam.Discretionshouldbeusedinselectingteammembers.TheyshouldmaketheManualofCeremoniestheirAmericanLegionbible.Muchoftheteam’ssuccessdependsuponselectionofacompetentcaptainandsergeant-at-arms.Theteamwilllooktotheseofficersforleadership.Theteamcaptainandmembersshouldbeofcommandingappearanceandpersonality,andabletoimpressuponcandidatesandaudiencetheimportanceandsolemnityoftheceremony.
STEP2Permanentpartsshouldbeassignedandmembersinstructedtomemorizetheseparts.Sixmemberswillberequiredfortheinitiationteam.Incallingatryoutorauditionmeeting,thebestqualifiedshouldbeselected.Eachcandidateshouldreadpartofthemanualtodenoteclarityofvoice,enunciation,expressionandmeaning.Additionalcandidatesshouldbeassignedrolesassubstitutesorstand-insforregularmembers.
STEP3Traintheteamthroughpractice.Teamsshouldpracticeanentireceremonyateachmeeting,includingmarchingintothehall,militarymovementsonthefloor,presentationandintroductionoftheteam,thepostingofmemberstotheirrespectivestations,andproperhandlingofinitiationcandidatesforinitiation.
STEP4Theteam’sfirstappearanceshouldbeonhomegrounds.Actualinitiationofnewmemberswillusuallygivethenewteamconfidencetopresenttheirworkatotherlocalposts.
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ColorguardprocedureAdvancingcolors
Acolorguardnumberingatleastfourformsattherearofthemeetingroominarankorfile,whicheverbestsuittheoccasion,facingthecommander’sstation.
Informingarank,thenationalcolorsaretotherightofthepostcolorsandthetwoguardsareontherespectiveflanks.Informingafile,thenationalcolorsaresecondinfile,precededbytherifleguardandfollowedrespectivelybythepostcolorsandrifleguard.
Toproperlyformtheguard,thefollowingsequenceofcommandsmaybeused:“Fallin–dressrightdress–readyfront”–“right(orleft)shoulderarms”–colorbearersshouldassumethepositionofcarryoranyothersuitablepositionatthiscommand–“forwardmarch.”Thesecommandsputtheguardinaforwardmotion.
Uponarrivingatapositionfromtwoto12feetinfrontofthecommander’sstation,thefollowingcommandsshouldbeissued:“Guardhalt–postcolors.”Thebearerofthenation’scolorsstepsinthedirectionoftheflagreceptacletotherightofthecommander’sstation,haltingandfacingfrontuponarrivinginfrontofsame.Thebearerofthepost’scolorsstepsinthedirectionoftheflagreceptacletotheleftofthecommander’sstation.Therifleguardsassumethepositionof“portarms,”whichisapositionofreadiness.Thenextcommandshouldbe“placecolors.”Colorsareplacedbysteppingforwardwithonefootandplacingthecolorsintheirreceptacles,makingsurethetopornamentoneachrespectiveflagisfacingtheassemblage.Thecolorbearersthenreturntothepositionofattention.Thenextcommandshouldbe“presentarms.”Rifleguardsshouldrendertheprescribedsalutewiththeirpieces,andcolorbearersshouldrenderaright-handsalute.(Thepost’scolorbearershouldeitherfacethenationalcolorsorturnhisorherheadtowardtheU.S.flagwhilesaluting.)
Thenextcommandsequenceshouldbe“rightshoulderarms”(colorbearersrecoveringfromhandsaluteonsame)and“assemblemarch”(colorbearersmayfacethecenterandstepoffrespectivelyinthedirectionfromwhichtheycameandassumetheirpositionsintheformationfacingtherearofthemeetingroom).Rifleguardsmayexecuteanabout-faceoncommandandbepreparedtomoveoutonthenextcommandwithguardintact.
Thenextcommandshouldbe“forwardmarch,”anduponarrivingatthestartingpoint,theguardshouldbehaltedwiththecommandof“guardhalt.”Thentheguardmaybecommandedto“fallout.”
Retrievingcolors
Retrievingthecolorsmaybeexecutedinnearlythesamemannerexceptsubstitutingthecommand“retrievecolors”for“postcolors,”andgivingthecommand“presentarms”uponthecolorbearers’arrivalinfrontoftheirrespectivecolors(colorbearerswillsaluteatthattime).
Thenextcommandsare“rightshoulderarms”(colorbearersassumethepositionofattention)and“takecolors”(colorbearersputonefootforwardtotakethecolorsandassumethepositionofattention,aftersecuringthesame).Thenextcommandshouldbe“assemble,march”(colorbearersexecutethesamemarchasinreturningfromposting).Rifleguardswillexecuteanabout-faceafterthecolorshavearrivedattheirrespectivepositions.Theguardmayberetiredinthesamemannerasinposting,withtheexceptionofthelastcommand,“Dismissed.”Theabovecommandsmaybeusedineitherrankorfileformation.
Consideraddingmorecolorandceremonytothepostingandretiringofthecolorsbyincludingabugler.Inposting,“TotheColors”maybesoundedimmediatelyafterthecolorguardcommanderorders“presentarms.”Inretrieving,“Retreat”maybesoundedimmediatelyafterthecommand“presentarms.”
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REGULARMEETINGOpeningceremony
Allofficersshouldbeinuniform,eachwearinganofficialLegioncapandtheofficialbadgeofoffice.Thecommandershallannouncethemeetingisabouttoopen.Officersshalltaketheirstations.Thecommandershallseatthosepresentwithonerapofthegavel,andthesergeant-at-armsshallclosethedoorsofthemeetinghall.Thecommandershallthengivethreerapsofthegavel,andallwhoarepresentshallstandatattention.Postcommander:“Thecolorbearerswilladvancethecolors.”Asthecolorbearersstarttoadvance,thecommandergivesthecommandtosalute.
Postcommander:“Handsalute.”Ifabuglerisavailable,sound“TotheColors.”Atitsconclusion,thecommandergivesthecommand,“Two.”Ifnobuglerispresent,thecommand“Two”isgivenimmediatelyafterthecolorshavebeenposted.Postcommander:“Thechaplainwillofferprayer.”
Postcommander:“Allmembers/guestsinattendanceshallremainstandingwiththeircapremovedandplacedovertheheartfromtheopeningprayer,throughthePOW/MIAceremony,andconcludingwiththePledgeofAllegiance.”
Inplaceofthefollowingprayer,thechaplainmaydeliveroneofthesamelengthandgeneraltenor.
Chaplain:“AlmightyGod,FatherofallmankindandJudgeovernations,weprayTheetoguideourworkinthismeetingandinallourdays.SendThypeacetoournationandtoallnations.HastenthefulfillmentofThypromiseofpeacethatshallhavenoend.
“Weprayforthosewhoservethepeopleandguardthepublicwelfare,thatbyThyblessingtheymaybeenabledtodischargetheirdutieshonestlyandwell.WeprayforourcomradesthatbyThyhelptheymayobservethestrictestjustice,keepalightthefiresoffreedom,striveearnestlyforthespiritofdemocracy,andpreserveuntarnishedourloyaltytoourcountryandtoThee.Finally,OGodofmercy,weaskThyblessingandcomfortforthosecomradeswhoaresufferingmentalandphysicaldisability.Cheerthemandbringthemtheblessingsofhealthandhappiness.Amen.”
POW/MIAEmptyChairThisceremonyisasuggestedoutlinethatcanbefollowedwhenanAmericanLegionorganizationwantstocallattentiontoAmericansstillunaccountedforfromWorldWarII,theKoreanWar,theVietnamWarandotherconflicts.ResolutionNo.288,adoptedattheLegion’s67thNationalConvention,callsfordesignatinganemptychairatallofficialAmericanLegionmeetingsasacontinualphysicalsymbolofPOW/MIAsandthecauseforwhichwestand,namelytheirreturnorfullaccounting.
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Postcommander:“APOW/MIAemptychairisplacedatallofficialmeetingsofTheAmericanLegionasaphysicalsymbolofthethousandsofAmericanPOW/MIAsstillunaccountedforfromallwarsandconflictsinvolvingtheUnitedStatesofAmerica.ThisisareminderforallofustosparenoefforttosecurethereleaseofanyAmericanprisonersfromcaptivity,therepatriationoftheremainsofthosewhodiedbravelyindefenseofliberty,andafullaccountingofthosemissing.Letusrededicateourselvestothisvitalendeavor!”Postcommander:“PlacethePOW/MIAflagontheemptychair.”Thefirstandsecondvicecommanders,orotherdesignatedindividuals,approachtheemptychaircarryingafoldedPOW/MIAflag.Uponreachingthechair,theyreverentlyunfoldtheflaganddrapeitoverthechairwiththecrestfacingthemembership.Afterthemeetingisconcluded,thePOW/MIAflagshouldberefoldedandstoredforfutureuse.
Thecommander(orappropriateofficial)leadstheassemblyinthePledgeofAllegiance.Legionnaireswillremovetheircaps.Thecommandermayalsodirectthesingingof“TheStarSpangledBanner.”
“IpledgeallegiancetotheFlagoftheUnitedStatesofAmericaandtotheRepublicforwhichitstands,oneNationunderGod,indivisible,withlibertyandjusticeforall.”RegularmeetingopeningresumesafterthePledgeofAllegiance.
Postcommander:“Everyonewillre-cover.”ThecommanderandmembershiprecitethepreambleoftheConstitutionofTheAmericanLegionslowlyandinunison,asfollows:
“ForGodandCountry,weassociateourselvestogetherforthefollowingpurposes:“ToupholdanddefendtheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica;“Tomaintainlawandorder;“TofosterandperpetuateaonehundredpercentAmericanism;“TopreservethememoriesandincidentsofourassociationsintheGreatWars;“Toinculcateasenseofindividualobligationtothecommunity,stateandnation;“Tocombattheautocracyofboththeclassesandthemasses;“Tomakerightthemasterofmight;“Topromotepeaceandgoodwillonearth;“Tosafeguardandtransmittoposteritytheprinciplesofjustice,freedomanddemocracy;“Toconsecrateandsanctifyourcomradeshipbyourdevotiontomutualhelpfulness.”Thecommanderseatsmemberswithonerapofthegavel.
Postcommander:“Inowdeclare__________________PostNo.________,Departmentof___________________,regularlyconvened.”
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Theorderofbusinessforpostmeetingsshallbe:a.Rollcalltodetermineifquorumispresentb.Readingofminutesofpreviousmeetingc.Introductionofguestsandprospectiveandnewmembersd.Committeereportse.Ballotingonapplicationsf.Sickcall,reliefandemploymentg.Postserviceofficer’sreporth.Unfinishedbusinessi.Initiationofcandidatesj.Newbusinessandcorrespondencek.Memorialtoadepartedpostmemberl.ThegoodofTheAmericanLegion
Themembershipshallbepermittedtomakesuggestionsofanykind,characterordescription,savereligionorpartisanpolitics.
POW/MIAremembranceserviceThefollowingisasuggestedserviceforAmericanLegionmeetings,banquets,luncheonsormemorialgatheringswithaPOW/MIAflagdrapedoveranemptychair.Thisservicecanbeadoptedormodifiedforyourownuse.Membersshouldremovetheircaps.
“Thosewhohaveserved,andthosecurrentlyservingintheuniformedservicesoftheUnitedStates,areevermindfulthatthesweetnessofenduringpeacehasalwaysbeentaintedbythebitternessofpersonalsacrifice.Wearecompelledtoneverforgetthatwhileweenjoyourdailypleasures,thereareotherswhohaveenduredandmaystillbeenduringtheagoniesofpain,deprivationandimprisonment.
“Beforewebeginouractivities,wepausetorecognizeourPOWsandMIAs.“Wecallyourattentiontothissmalltable,whichoccupiesaplaceofdignityand
honor.Itissetforone,symbolizingthefactthatmembersofourarmedforcesaremissingfromourranks.TheyarereferredtoasPOWsandMIAs.
“Wecallthemcomrades.Theyareunabletobewiththeirlovedonesandfamilies,sowejointogethertopayhumbletributetothem,andtobearwitnesstotheircontinuedabsence.
“Thetableissmall,symbolizingthefrailtyofoneprisoner,aloneagainsthisorhersuppressors.
“Thetableclothiswhite,symbolicofthepurityoftheirintentionstorespondtotheircountry’scalltoarms.
“ThesingleroseinthevasesignifiesthebloodtheymayhaveshedinsacrificetoensurethefreedomofourbelovedUnitedStatesofAmerica.Thisrosealsoremindsusofthefamilyandfriendsofourmissingcomradeswhokeepfaithwhileawaitingtheirreturn.
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“Theredribbononthevaserepresentsanunyieldingdeterminationforaproperaccountingofourcomradeswhoarenotamongus.
“Asliceoflemonontheplateremindsusoftheirbitterfate.“Thesaltsprinkledontheplateremindsusofthecountlessfallentearsoffamiliesas
theywait.“Theglassisinverted.Theycannottoastwithusatthistime.“Thechairisempty.TheyareNOThere.“Thecandleisreminiscentofthelightofhope,whichlivesinourheartstoilluminate
theirwayhome,awayfromtheircaptors,totheopenarmsofagratefulnation.“TheAmericanflagremindsusthatmanyofthemmayneverreturn—andhave
paidthesupremesacrificetoinsureourfreedom.“LetuspraytotheSupremeCommanderthatallofourcomradeswillsoonbeback
withinourranks.“Letusremember—andneverforgettheirsacrifice.MayGodforeverwatchover
themandprotectthemandtheirfamilies.”
Closingceremony
Postcommander:“Isthereanyfurtherbusinesstocomebeforethemeeting?Ifnot,thechaplainwillleadusinmemorialservice.”
Thecommandergivesthreerapsofthegavel,andthemembershiprises,uncoversandstandsinsilence.
Chaplain:“OurHeavenlyFather,wedeemthisafittingtimetopayourrespectstoourdepartedcomrades.Aswestandwithbowedheadsinreverencetothem,letusrememberthegooddeedstheyaccomplished.Letusreverethemasgoodsoldierswhofoughtthegoodfightinajustcause.Letussilentlyprayforpeace,thepeacethatpassesallunderstanding.AndletusinmindandsoulconsecrateourheartsandlivestotherealAmerica,thelandofthefreeandthehomeofthebrave,theAmericaworthfightingfor.Aswestandinsilencetoourdepartedcomrades,maywesincerelysay,‘Maytheirsoulsrestinpeace.’LetusalsorememberthePOWsandtheMIAsstillunaccountedforfromthewarsandconflicts.Amen.”
Postcommander:“Cover.”SoundingTapswilladdgreatlytothesolemnityoftheritual.Thefirststanzaof“America,”“MyCountry,’TisofThee”oranotherpatrioticselectionmaybesungbytheaudience.
Postcommander:“Sergeant-at-arms,recoverthePOW/MIAflag.”Thesergeant-at-armsstepsforward,picksupthePOW-MIAflagoffthechair,foldstheflag,stepsbackandplacesthePOW-MIAflagonthetableinfrontofthecommander.
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“Tillwemeetagainletusrememberourobligationtoourcountrycanbefulfilledonlybythefaithfulperformanceofalldutiesofcitizenship.Letservicetothecommunity,stateandnationbeeveramainobjectiveofTheAmericanLegionanditsmembers.Letusbeeverwatchfulofthehonorofourcountry,ourorganizationandourselves,thatnothingshallswerveusfromthepathofJustice,FreedomandDemocracy.Thecolorbearerswillretiretheflagofourcountry.”Asthecolorbearersretrievethecolors,thecommandershallgivethecommandtosalute.
Postcommander:“Handsalute.”Asthecolorbearersreachtherearofthemeetinghall,thecommandersays,“Two.”
Postcommander:“Inowdeclarethismeetingof___________________PostNo._____,TheAmericanLegion,Departmentof____________adjourned.”Thecommandergivesonerapofthegavel.
INITIATIONOFNEWMEMBERS
Regularform
Initiationofnewmembersisanimportantpostfunction.Theyneedtobeshown,officiallyandformally,thatthey’reindeedapartofTheAmericanLegion.Theydeservethecourtesyofbeingintroducedtothepostthathasacceptedtheirmembershipapplicationsandduespayments.
Whetherconductedbythepostofficersoranestablishedritualteam,aninitiationceremonyshouldhappenatleastonceayear.Eachofficershouldlearnhisorherpartoftheceremonytobeabletodeliveritwithoutreferencetotheprintedtext.EachinitiationofficershouldweartheregulationAmericanLegioncapandbadgeofoffice(seepages42-43).
Thesergeant-at-armsisresponsibleforpreparingthehallormeetingroomfortheinitiation,andshouldseetoitthatthefollowingitems,whicharepresentedtonewmembersduringtheceremony,areonhandinsufficientquantity:smallU.S.flags,AmericanLegionlapelpinsandflagetiquettebooklets.AllareavailablethroughEmblemSalesonlineatemblem.legion.org.Inaddition,thesergeant-at-arms,dependingontheformatyourpostchoosesforthisceremony,maysetupthefollowingitems:poppies(realorimitation)inaneatarrangementinavaseateitherthestationofthesecondvicecommanderornearthepodiumidentifyingthestationofthecommander;agavelbellatthestationofthepastcommanderornearthepodiumofthecommander;andaminiaturestandwiththeU.S.flagandtheLegioncolorsatthestationofthefirstvicecommanderornearthepodium.
Thisceremonyisdesignedtoconformtothefloorplanofapostmeetingroomasillustratedonpage39.Newmembersareescortedbythesergeant-at-armstothevariousofficers’stationsforinstruction.However,theceremonymaybealteredtoconformtothemeetingroomlayoutasillustrated,withnewmembersstandingintheareabetweenthestationsofthefirstandsecondvicecommanders.Theritualmaybemodifiedsothatinitiationofficersdelivertheirrespectiveinstructionstothenewmembersfromthepodium.
Thenewmembersforinitiationwillassembleatthebackofthemeetingroomor,preferably,inanearbyroomimmediatelypriortotheceremony.Thecommandershallcallthemeetingtoorderwithonerapofthegavel.
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Postcommander:“Weshallnowproceedtotheinitiationofnewmembers.InorderthatwemayimpressuponthesenewmemberstheseriousimportandsacredobligationsofAmericanLegionmembership,allpresentwillconductthemselvesinamannerbefittingsuchceremony.Thesergeant-at-armswillpresentthosereadyforinitiation.”Thesergeant-at-armsstandsatadesignatedstationandsalutestheU.S.flag.
Sergeant-at-arms:“Commander,thereare(number)veteranswhohavebeenacceptedformembershipinTheAmericanLegionandareawaitingtheobligation.”
Postcommander:“Asthesenewmembershavebeenacceptedformembership,weshallproceedwiththeinitiation.Sergeant-at-arms,escortthenewmembersintothehallandplacethemproperlybeforetheflag.”Thesergeant-at-armsescortsthenewmemberstotheappropriatelocation.
Sergeant-at-arms:“Commander,IpresentthesenewmembersforinitiationintoTheAmericanLegion.”Thecommandergivesthreerapsofthegavel.
Postcommander:“Thechaplainwillofferprayer.”ThechaplainstepstotherightoftheU.S.flagandfacesthenewmembers.
Chaplain:“Letuspray.OurHeavenlyFather,grantthatwemayapproachthisceremonywithcleanhearts.Keepusevermindfulofourobligationtothosewhohavemadethesupremesacrificeforourcountryandhernoblepurpose.Wehumblypraythatyourlovemayfinditswayintoallheartsandsoulsthattheyshallneveragainseekoccasionofconflict,butliveinpeaceandharmony,laboringforthebroaderbenefitsofhumankind.Youhaveblesseduswiththeopportunitytoserveourcountryinherhourofneed.Wepraythatyouwouldgrantuscontinuedopportunitiestoserveintimeofpeaceasweservedintimeofwar.BlessTheAmericanLegionandthoseherewhoawaititsobligation,thattogetherwemayadvancethesacredcauseofjustice,freedomanddemocracy–thattogetherwemayserveyouandourcountryinundividedloyalty.Amen.”Thechaplainreturnstothedesignatedstation.Membersareseatedbyonerapofthegavel,andthepostcommanderaddressesthenewmembers.
Postcommander:“TheAmericanLegioncherishesfourgreatprinciples:justice,freedom,democracyandloyalty.Itspledgeisservicetoveterans,especiallythedisabled,thedistressed,andtheirwidowsandorphans.Thecauseofservicetocommunity,stateandnationisjealouslyguarded,andtheopportunitytoserveisofferedtoallmembers.Beforeyouareaskedtoassumetheresponsibilityof
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membershipinTheAmericanLegionbyacceptingitsobligations,youwillhearanexplanationoftheprinciplesandsymbolsofourorganization.
“Sergeant-at-arms,conductthenewmemberstothesecondvicecommanderforinstructioninjustice.”Thesergeant-at-armsescortsthenewmemberstothedesignatedposition,facingthesecondvicecommander’sstation.Thesecondvicecommanderrises.
Secondvicecommander:“Justicemakesnodistinctionofpersons.Itfavorsneitherhighnorlow,neitherrichnorpoor,neithertheclassesnorthemasses.Justiceistheguidingstaroflife.Ittranscendsallboundariesofraceandcreed.Justiceforoursickanddisabledveteranshasalwaysbeen,andmustforeverbe,thefirstconcernofTheAmericanLegion.Therehabilitationofthosemenandwomenwhovaliantlyofferedtheirallinresponsetotheircountry’scall,thereliefofthosewhohavesufferedbythatsacrifice,isourhallowedduty.Legionnairesmustbeevervigilantthatnoneshallfeeltheinjusticeofworkundone.TheAmericanLegionisevermindfulofitsdutytothenation,andthenation’sdutytothosewhoanswereditscallintimeofwar.
“Thisdisplayofpoppies,theofficialflowerofTheAmericanLegion,servesasamemorialtothosewhogavetheirlivessothatjusticemightprevail.Remembertheirsacrifice!MayyouractionsforeverbringcredituponTheAmericanLegion,anorganizationwhichisalivingmemorialtothedeadheroeswhofoughtthatjustice,thedivinerightofman,mighteverendure.
“Sergeant-at-arms,conductthenewmemberstothepastcommanderforinstructioninfreedom.”Thesergeant-at-armsescortsthenewmemberstothedesignatedposition,facingthepastcommander’sstation.Thepastcommanderrises.
Pastcommander:“Freedomisanidealofsurpassingstrength;itisthepowerofself-determination.Forfreedom,Americansthroughouttheyearswillinglyhavefoughtanddied.IntheWaroftheRevolution,freedomwaswonforthepeopleoftheUnitedStates.Inthewarsofthe20thcentury,thetorchoffreedomledandinspiredtheAmericanforcesthroughthedarknessofconflict.
“TheAmericanLegionisdedicatedtotheconceptoffreedomfrominjusticetothechildrenandyouthofournation.Nonationcanlongendureifitfailstocareforitsfuturecitizens.TheAmericanLegionhasachievedrecognitionasanationalleaderinbehalfofthenation’schildrenandyouththattheymayknowthatfreedomfromwant,ignorance,andtyrannyareGod-givenrightstobepreservedatwhateverthecost.TheAmericanLegionstaunchlydefendstheprincipleofequalopportunityforallinacountrywhereallmayenjoytheblessingsoffreedom.
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“ThisbelltypifiesthefamousLibertyBell,whichinboldandclariontonesrangoutthenewsoffreedomandthebirthofanewnation.ItisheretoremindyouthatAmericawillremainthelandofthefreeonlyaslongasAmericaisthehomeofthebrave.IgiveyoutheAmericanflag,theemblemoffreedom,andaflagetiquettebooklet.”ThepastcommanderhandseachnewmemberasmallU.S.flagandflagetiquettebooklet.
Postcommander:“Sergeant-at-arms,conductthenewmemberstothefirstvicecommanderforinstructionindemocracyanditsmeaningtoAmerica.”Thesergeant-at-armsescortsthenewmemberstothedesignatedposition,facingthefirstvicecommander’sstation.Thefirstvicecommanderrises.
Firstvicecommander:“Democracyisgovernmentofthepeople,bythepeople,andforthepeople.DemocracyisAmericaninprincipleanduniversalinappeal.Itoffersavoiceingovernmenttoeachcitizen.Ofitsbenefits,eachcitizenmayshare.
“DemocracyfindsexpressionwithTheAmericanLegion.Withinourmeetinghalls,distinctionofrankisunknown.AllLegionnairesareequalinacommonservice.EachLegionnaireispermittedafreevoice,butnotavoicesofreeastotranscendthelimitsofliberty.
“Democracycanexistonlywherealldotheirshare,whereeachcitizenknowsandacceptstheresponsibilityofservicetocommunity,stateandnation.Legionnairesmustencouragetheexerciseoffranchiseamongourcitizensasameansofpreservingandperpetuatingourpreciousheritage.Yes,democracy,toTheAmericanLegion,isreal.ItcarriesaresponsibilitywhicheachLegionnaireshouldaccept.HerethefirstvicecommanderreferstoeitheraminiaturestandofcolorsconsistingoftheU.S.flagandAmericanLegioncolorsatthedesignatedstationorthepost’ssetofcolorsatthefrontoftheroom,dependingontheinitiationformatofused.
Firstvicecommander:“TheseflagssymbolizeAmerica,thehomeofdemocracyandTheAmericanLegion.Theredstripesofourcountry’sflagrepresentthevalor,thezealandthepassionofthosewhodefendedthenoblecauseofindividualdignity;thewhitestripessignifyhope,purityandintegrity.Thestarsofwhiteonafieldofblueproclaimthattheheightsofpuredemocracyreachtotheverystarsoftheheavens.ThisblueandgoldemblemagainstabackgroundofblueremindsusconstantlyofourgoldenopportunitiesasLegionnairestopromoteandprotecttheprincipleofdemocracyinagovernmentsodearlywonandsovaliantlymaintained.”
“Sergeant-at-arms,conductthenewmemberstothecommanderforinstructioninloyaltyanditsapplicationinTheAmericanLegion.”The sergeant-at-arms escorts the newmembers to the designated position, facing the commander’s station.Thecommanderrises.
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Postcommander:“LoyaltyisanattributeofTheAmericanLegion,asitisthefirstvirtueofthepersonservingintheuniformofourcountry.Itisasdearasjusticeisdesirable,asfreedomisglorious,asdemocracyispractical.Loyaltywillleadustodefendourorganizationinallthatisright,andtodoourutmostthatweshallberight.LoyaltytoourcountryisthebasisoftrueAmericanism.Disloyaltyandoppressionareforeigntoourideals;nordowetolerateanyformofradicalismorviolenceseekingtodestroyourformofgovernment.TheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,thebulwarkofourlibertiesandguarantorofourrights,issacredtotheLegionnaire.Beeverloyaltothatwhichhasestablishedyourfreedomsanddefinedyourresponsibilities.UnderstandTheAmericanLegionisinnosenseamilitaryorganization.Becauseitsmembershipisdrawnfromeveryrace,religion,occupationalpursuitandpoliticalpersuasion,TheAmericanLegionisobligatedtostrictneutralityonallquestionsconcerningreligion,politics,andindustrialstrife.YouhavereceivedinstructioninTheAmericanLegion’sfourbasicattributes–justice,freedom,democracyandloyalty–anditsgreatprinciplesofservice.AreyounowreadyandwillingtoobligateyourselfasexpressedinthePreambletotheConstitutionofTheAmericanLegion?Ifso,youwilleachanswer,‘Iam.’”
Candidates:“Iam.”Allnewmembersmustanswer,signifyingtheyarewillingtotaketheobligation.
Postcommander:“Allpresentwillstandatattentionduringtheobligation.”Thecommandergivesthreerapsofthegavel,stepstotherightandimmediatelynexttotheU.S.flag,raiseshisorherrighthand,andaddressesthenewmembers.
Postcommander:“Raiseyourrighthandandrepeatafterme:‘I,(heregiveyourname),dosolemnlypledgetoupholdanddefendtheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica;tomaintainlawandorder;tofosterandperpetuateaonehundredpercentAmericanism;topreservethememoriesandincidentsofourassociationsintheGreatWars;toinculcateasenseofindividualobligationtothecommunity,stateandnation;tocombattheautocracyofboththeclassesandthemasses;tomakerightthemasterofmight;topromotepeaceandgoodwillonearth;tosafeguardandtransmittoposteritytheprinciplesofjustice,freedomanddemocracy;toconsecrateandsanctifyourcomradeshipbyourdevotiontomutualhelpfulness;toallofwhichIpledgemyselfforGodandcountry.Iamnotamemberanddonotsubscribetotheprinciplesofanygroupopposedtoourformofgovernment.’Handsdown.”Thecommanderresumesstationandseatsmemberswithonerapofthegavel.ThechaplainrisesandstandsneartheemblemofTheAmericanLegion.
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Chaplain:“ThereshinestheemblemofTheAmericanLegion.Itisyourbadgeofdistinction,honorandservice.ItstandsforGodandcountry,andthehighestrightsofmenandwomen.Ofitsseveralparts,eachhasameaning.
“TheraysofthesunthatformthebackgroundstandfortheprinciplesofTheAmericanLegion–forloyalty,justice,freedomanddemocracywilldispelthedarknessofviolence,strifeandevil.
“Thetwogoldringsaroundthefieldofblue,bearingourname,typifytwoofourfourmainobjectives:rehabilitationofoursickanddisabledveterans,andcareforthechildrenandyouthofAmerica.Withintheringsisplacedawreathforremembranceofthosewhodiedthatlibertymightlive.UponthewreathissetastarreflectingthegloryofvictoryandpromisingtotheworldtheperpetuationofthecardinalprinciplesofTheAmericanLegion.
“Setuponthestararetwobronzeringswhichrepresenttheothertwoofourmainobjectives:adeepandabidingspiritofAmericanism,andservicetothecommunity,stateandnation.
“Theinscriptiondemandsthatthewearershalleverguardthesanctityofhome,ofcountry,offreeinstitutions.”Thechaplainreturnstostation.Thecommanderrisesandaddressesthenewmembers.
Postcommander:“TheemblemofTheAmericanLegionistheemblemofAmericanism.Americanismisunityoflove,singlenessofallegiance,practicalityofpurpose,careofthedistressed,theeducationofchildren,alldirectedtothepromotionofacommongood.Itisthatspiritofpatriotismwhichshalleverpreserveourlandfromstagnation,whichisthedeathofpeoples.AsLegionnaires,wepreachandteachthespiritofpatriotismthroughouttherepublic.Wemustbeevermindfulofourobligationsascitizens,strivingconstantlytoredeemthoseobligations.IntheemblemofTheAmericanLegionthereisgreatprophecy.Itisthepromiseofthedefendersoftherepublic,pledgingthefullestgoodforthebettermentofall.
“IwelcomeyoutoTheAmericanLegion,andpresentyouwiththeemblemofTheAmericanLegion,asymbolofservice.”Thecommanderstepsfromthestation,giveseachnewLegionnaireanemblemlapelbutton,andshakesthehandofeachnewmember.
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INITIATIONOFNEWMEMBERSShortform
Everynewmembershouldreceivesomeformofinitiation.Whereitisnotpracticaltoconductfullinitiationceremonies,thefollowingshortformhasbeenauthorizedsoallnewmembersmaytaketheobligationandreceiveproperintroductiontotheLegion.
Thepostcommanderoranappointedmember,assistedbythepostchaplain,whoshallbeseatedattherightofthecommander,shallconductthisceremony.
SmallU.S.flags,AmericanLegionemblems,Legionpublicationsandotherappropriateitemsusedintheregularinitiationceremonyshallbepresentedbytheofficiatingofficers.Certificatesofinitiationareavailablefromdepartmentheadquarters.TheTrophies,AwardsandCeremonialsCommitteestronglyrecommendspresentingsuchevidenceofinitiation.
Postcommander:“Wewillnowproceedwiththeinitiation.Thesergeant-at-armswillescortthefollowingnewmembersintothemeetinghallandplacethemproperlybeforetheflag.”Givethenamesofallthosewhoarewaiting.Thesergeant-at-armssalutestheflagand,turning,receivesthenewmemberswhosenamesshallberead.
Postcommander:“Youwereprivilegedtoserveyourcountryduringwartime.Becauseofthisservice,youaretodayprivilegedtojointhegreatserviceorganization,TheAmericanLegion.
“Unlikethearmedforcesinwhichyouserved,thereisnodistinctionofrankamongus.Wearecomposedofmembersofeveryrace,religion,occupationandpoliticalconviction.Wemaintainalsostrictneutralityonallquestionsconcerningreligion,politicsandindustrialstrife.
“TheAmericanLegioncherishesfourgreatprinciples:justice,freedom,democracyandloyalty.Wearepledgedtoservethedisabled,thedistressed,thewidowedandtheorphaned.Wearedevotedtothecauseofservicetothecommunity,stateandthenation.
“AreyounowreadyandwillingtoobligateyourselfasexpressedinthePreambletotheConstitutionofTheAmericanLegion?”
Candidates:“Iam.”
Postcommander:“Thememberswillstandatattentionwhilethenewmembersarebeingobligated.”Thecommandergivesthreerapsofthegavel,stepstotherightandimmediatelynexttotheU.S.flag,raiseshisorherrighthand,andaddressesthenewmembers.
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Postcommander:“Raiseyourrighthandandrepeatafterme:“I,(heregiveyourname),dosolemnlypledgetoupholdanddefendtheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica;tomaintainlawandorder;tofosterandperpetuateaonehundredpercentAmericanism;topreservethememoriesandincidentsofourassociationsintheGreatWars;toinculcateasenseofindividualobligationtothecommunity,stateandnation;tocombattheautocracyofboththeclassesandthemasses;tomakerightthemasterofmight;topromotepeaceandgoodwillonearth;tosafeguardandtransmittoposteritytheprinciplesofjustice,freedomanddemocracy;toconsecrateandsanctifyourcomradeshipbyourdevotiontomutualhelpfulness;toallofwhichIpledgemyselfforGodandcountry.Iamnotamemberanddonotsubscribetotheprinciplesofanygroupopposedtoourformofgovernment.Handsdown.”Attheconclusionoftheobligation,thecommanderresumesthedesignatedstationandseatsmemberswithonerap of the gavel. The chaplain arises and stands at a convenient location close to the emblem and calls theattentionofthenewmemberstoit.
Chaplain:“ThereshinestheemblemofTheAmericanLegion.Itisyourbadgeofdistinction,honorandservice.ItstandsforGodandcountry,andthehighestrightsofmenandwomen.Ofitsseveralparts,eachparthasameaning.TheraysofthesunthatformthebackgroundareemblematicoftheprinciplesofTheAmericanLegion–forloyalty,justice,freedomanddemocracywilldispelthedarknessofviolence,strifeandevil.
“Thetwogoldringsaroundthefieldofbluebearingournametypifytwoofourfourmainobjectives:rehabilitationofoursickanddisabledcomrades,andcareforthechildrenandyouthofAmerica.Withintheringsisplacedawreathforremembranceofthosewhodiedthatlibertymightlive.Uponthewreathissetastarreflectingthegloryofvictoryandpromisingtotheworldperpetuationofthosecardinalprinciplesofourorganization.Setuponthestararetwobronzeringswhichtypifytheothertwoofourmainobjectives:abetterandmoreloyalAmericanism,andservicetothecommunity,stateandnation.
“Theinscriptiondemandsthewearershalleverguardthesanctityofhomeandcountryandfreeinstitutions.”Thecommanderstepsfromthedesignatedstationandadvancestothenewlyobligatedmembers.
Postcommander:“IwelcomeyoutoTheAmericanLegion.ItismyprivilegetopresenttoyoutheAmericanflagwhichistheemblemoffreedom,aflagetiquettebookletandtheemblemofTheAmericanLegion,whichyoumaywearasabadgeofdemocracyandasymbolofyourdevotiontofurtherservice.”Thecommanderreturnstostationandintroduceseachnewlyobligatedmembertothemembershipandrequeststhesergeant-at-armstoseatthemwiththeircomrades.
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INSTALLATIONOFPOSTOFFICERSRegularform
Allofficersshall,aftertheirelectionandattheearliestopportunity,beinstalledinthefollowingmanner.Theinstallingofficershouldbeadepartmentofficerortheofficerofanotherpostactingasarepresentativeofthedepartmentcommanderisrecommended.Theinstallingofficershalltakecontrolofthemeetingfollowingtheopeningceremonyandispermittedtoinstallaloneorwithsuchassistantsasmaybeselected.
AlloutgoingofficersaretobeintheirrespectiveplacesasshownintheManualofCeremonies,andeachofficershallbegivenacardonwhichshouldbecopiedthe“charge”tothenewlyelectedofficer.Thepositionsofretiringofficerscanbefilledbyotherofficersatthediscretionoftheinstallingofficer.
Theinstallingofficerthencallsuponthesergeant-at-armstobringforwardtheofficerstobeinstalled.
Installingofficer:“Sergeant-at-arms,bringthenewlyelectedofficersofthispost.”Theactingsergeant-at-armsbringseachnewlyelectedofficertothefront,facingthecommander’sstation,inorderofrank,i.e.,commander,firstvicecommander,secondvicecommander,adjutant,financeofficer,chaplain,judgeadvocate,historian,serviceofficerandsergeant-at-arms.
Afterallarestandinginplace,withthenewcommandertotherightoftheinstallingofficer,theactingsergeant-at-armssalutesandaddressesthecommander.
Sergeant-at-arms:“IpresenttoyouthenewlyelectedofficersofthispostwhoseeligibilityrecordsformembershipinTheAmericanLegionhavebeendulycheckedandauthenticated.”
Installingofficer:“Mycomrades,youhavebeenchosenbyyourcomradestofillthevariousofficesof(postnameandnumber).Youwill,Iknow,vindicatethetrustthathasbeenreposedinyou,andfulfillineverywaytheobligationswhichthattrustentails.Youshallatoncefamiliarizeyourselveswiththedutiesofyourparticularoffices,andyoushallproceeduponthosedutiesinthesamespiritofdevotionandendeavorwhichcharacterizedthatserviceoutofwhicharoseTheAmericanLegion.Youmustknowthewelfareandsuccessofthispostdependslargelyonyou,andyoumustalsoknowuponyourshouldersequallyreststheburdenofpreservingtheintegrityofTheAmericanLegion.YoumustprotectitsgoodnamebeforethepeopleoftheUnitedStates.Youmustexaltitintheireyes.Youmustmakethemknowasweknowitspurposesanditspolicy.Everrememberthetolerantspiritthatanimatesitsmembers.Thereisnorankamongus,foreachservesasanequal;andallstrivetowardthesamegoal,whichistherealizationinthelifeoftherepublicoftheidealsofjustice,freedom,democracyandloyalty.EverrememberthecardinalpurposesofTheAmericanLegionaretherehabilitationofourdisabledcomrades;careofthedependentsofthosewhohaveansweredthefinalcallandofthosewhoarenowsufferingtheravagesofwounds,diseaseandwant;rightfuleducationofthechildrenofourcountry,anddevotedservicetothecommunity,stateandnation.
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“Youwillraiseyourrighthandsandrepeatafterme,givingyournames:‘I,__________________________,dosolemnlypledgemyselftoperformfaithfullyandimpartiallythedutiesoftheofficeinTheAmericanLegionIamabouttoassume,andIfurtherpledgeIamnotamemberof,anddonotsubscribetotheprinciplesof,anygroupsopposedtoourformofgovernment.’”Aftertheobligationofthenewofficers,theinstallingofficeraddressesthesergeant-at-arms.
Installingofficer:“Sergeant-at-arms,conductthenewofficerstotheirrespectivestations.”Theactingorretiringsergeant-at-armsescortseachofficer-electtotheirrespectivestation,startingwiththeelectedsergeant-at-armsandendingwiththecommander.Thesergeant-at-armswillconductthesergeant-at-arms-electtothestationofthesergeant-at-armsand,atthatstation,addressestheelectedsergeant-at-arms.
ActingSergeant-at-arms:“Youarethesentinelortiler,theouterguardofthispost.YouwillguardespeciallyagainstthelossofoneofTheAmericanLegion’sgreatestpossessions:ourdeepandabidingspiritofcomradeship.Youwilllearntheidentityof,andintroducetothecommander,allvisitingcomradesandguestsofthepost.Youareresponsiblethatnooneshallremainastrangerinourmidst.Bereadyatalltimestoassistyourcommander.Intoyourhandsisgivenchargeofthestandofcolors,whichyouwillproperlydisplayatallpostmeetingsandonceremonialoccasions.”Theactingorretiringsergeant-at-armsescortstheserviceofficertotheproperstation.Theactingserviceofficerthenchargesthenewserviceofficer.
Actingserviceofficer:“Youhavebeensinglyhonoredbythisposttoperformfundamental,unselfishwork,notonlyforthebenefitofmembers,butforthosewarveteransparticularlyinneedofyourservice.Yoursisthechoiceresponsibilityoflookingoutforthewelfareofallconcerned.Thedutiesofaserviceofficerarehighlyimportantandexacting,andwhileyouraccomplishmentwillbedeeplyappreciatedbythoseimmediatelyconcerned,theworkitselfwillnotbesufficientlyconspicuoustocatchtheheadlinesinthenewspapers.Dependinguponsatisfactoryperformanceofduty,therewillcometoyoutheheartfeltgratitudeofeachandeverymemberofthispost.Icongratulateyouupontheopportunitytoservesoconstructivelyandsounselfishly.”Thesergeant-at-armsbringsthehistoriantotheproperstation.Theactinghistorianchargesthenewhistorian.
Actinghistorian:“Yourofficeisanimportantone.Toyouisgiventheresponsibilityofpreservingandcompilingtherecordsofthispost.Thefuturecanonlybejudgedbythepast.Bemindfulthatthelampofrecordedexperiencemaydomuchinguidingthefootstepsofthosewhofollow.Everrememberthatwithouttherecordedhistoryofthispost,itspoliciesandaccomplishmentswillbeablanktotheoneswhocomeafterwearegone.”
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Thesergeant-at-armsconductsthejudgeadvocatetothepositionoftheactingorretiringjudgeadvocate,whogivesthefollowingcharge.
Actingjudgeadvocate:“Toyou,mycomrade,isassignedamostimportantdutyforwhichyourlegaltrainingand/orpastLegionexperiencesoaptlyprepareyou.Youaretheinterpreteroftheconstitutionandby-lawsofyourpost,andmayatanytimebecalleduponbythecommanderandotherofficersandmembersoftheposttoruleuponthelegalityoftheiractionsanddecisionsinsofarastheyaffectthegoodofTheAmericanLegion.YouarealsochargedwithprotectingtheintegrityofourorganizationandkeepingalightthetorchoftruthandfidelitythatsymbolizesthehighandennoblingidealsunderwhichourgreatAmericanLegionwasfounded.Protectthatheritage.”Thesergeant-at-armsescortsthechaplaintotherightofthecommander.Theactingchaplainthenchargesthenewchaplain.
Actingchaplain:“Toyouisgiventhespiritualleadershipofthispost.Youwill,Iknow,lenddignityandrespecttoyouroffice.Youshouldbeincloseconfidencewiththecommanderandtheotherofficersofthispost,andshouldattendallmeetingsofthepost.Youshouldbereadyuponoccasiontotakeyourpartintheinitiationofnewmembers;thededicationofhalls,monumentsorcolors;andthefuneralservicesforacomrade.Allsuchceremoniesaremademorecommemorativebytheuseofourritual.Intoyourkeepingweplacethespiritofcomradeshipofthispost.Mayharmonyandunityprevail.”Thesergeant-at-armsconductsthefinanceofficertotheadjutant’sdesk,wheretheactingfinanceofficergivesthefollowingcharge.
Actingfinanceofficer:“Youarethekeeperofthemoneys,andinyouisreposedthefinancialpolicyofthepost.Toyouisgivenchargeoftheyear’sbudget,andtoyouisgiventhedutyofthepaymentofallobligationswhenproperauthorizationhasbeengivenforsuchpayment.Yourpositionisanimportantone,demandingintegrityandhonesty.Yourelectiontothisofficesignifiesyourcomradeshaveimplicittrustinyou.Guardwellthattrust.”Thesergeant-at-armsconductstheadjutanttotherespectivestation,andtheactingadjutantgivesthefollowingcharge.
Actingadjutant:“Mycomrade,youhavebeenchosentoassistinthewiseandeffectiveadministrationofthecommander’soffice,andtoservenotonlyyourfellowLegionnairesbutalsothosewhoserelationshiptoourorganizationhasledthemtolooktousforguidanceandrelief.Youwillfindyourdutiesmany,variedand,attimes,taxingofyourcrowdedhoursandresources.Thesuccessfulaccomplishmentofourprogramdepends,toagreatextent,uponyouandyourperformanceofthedutiesofyouroffice.”
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Thesergeant-at-armsconductsthesecondvicecommandertotherespectivedesk,wheretheactingsecondvicecommandergivesthefollowingcharge.
Actingsecondvicecommander:“Intoyourhelpfulhandsareplacedtheimportantresponsibilitiesofassistingthecommander’sofficeinallduties.Particularlyshouldyoubeinterestedinpatrioticobservancesofallkinds,indevelopingpostactivities,andintheentertainmentfeatures,whichmarkallmeetings.Helptoobservestricttoleranceamongyourmembersonallpolitical,religiousandcivicmatters.Theapplicationofjusticewillbeyourparticularconcern.”Thesergeant-at-armsconductsthefirstvicecommandertotheproperposition,wherethefirstvicecommanderwillbechargedbytheactingfirstvicecommanderasfollows.
Actingfirstvicecommander:“Toyouisgiventheresponsibilityofanactivecooperationbetweenyourselfandthecommander.Particularlyshouldyouinterestyourselfinthemembershipofthepost.Youshouldbeassistedbythemostactiveanddevotedmembers.Nosinglefactorhassoimportantaninfluenceonthepost’ssuccessasmembership.Youwillbetheexponentofmeansofsafeguardingthehonoroftheflagofourcountry.Toyouarecommittedtheseendeavorswiththeexpectationyoushallfulfilleachandeveryoneofthem.Youaretheteacherofdemocracy.”Theinstallingofficerturnstotheretiringcommander.
Installingofficer:“Mycomrade,youhavejustcompletedayearofimpressiveservicetoTheAmericanLegionandto(postnameandnumber).Therecordofyourpostindicatesthequalityofthatservice.Throughyourearnestperformanceofthedutiesofleadership,youhavetrulyjustifiedthegreattrustwhichyourcomradesreposedinyou.
“Althoughthemantleofleadershipisnowbeingpassedtoanother,agreatresponsibilityremainswithyou.Youpossessagreatwealthofknowledgegainedthroughyourleadershipexperience.Placethiswisdomatthedisposalofyoursuccessorsinorderthatyourcomradesmaybenefittherefrom.Throughyourstationmaintaintheprincipleoffreedomwithinthispost.
“Onbehalfof(postnameandnumber),IthankyouforthesplendidserviceyouhaverenderedTheAmericanLegion.
“Sergeant-at-arms,conductPastCommander____________________tothestationoftheimmediatepastcommander.”Thesergeant-at-armsbringsthenewcommandertotheinstallingofficer,whointurnbringstheentireposttoitsfeetbythreerapsofthegavel,thenchargesthenewcommanderasfollows.
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Installingofficer:“Toyou,comrade,isentrustedaveryimportantdutyofteachingandprotectingthecardinalprinciplesofTheAmericanLegionthroughoutyourentirepost.Toyouisentrustedsupervisionofthedutiesofallotherofficersofthispost.Toyoumaycometheneedyandthedistressed,anditisyourdutytoseenoworthycomradeisturnedawaywithoutfulljustice.Itisyourdutytoseefreedomiseverthewatchwordofthosewithwhomyoumaycomeincontact.Loyaltytoyourpost,toitsmembership,tothestateandtothenationalorganizationareobligationswhichyounowassume.Youaremorethanthepresidingofficerformeetings.Youareguidedbytheconstitutionandbythedecisionsofthepostasabody,yettheresponsibilityforthesuccessoftheyear’sprogramislargelyonyourshoulders.Youmustinitiateandcarrythroughprogramstocompletion.YoumustthoroughlyfamiliarizeyourselfwiththepoliciesandtraditionsofyourpostandofTheAmericanLegion.Byyoursincereacceptanceandearnestperformanceoftheseduties,maythegreattrustwhichyourcomradeshavereposedinyoubejustified.Toyou,Iextendthecongratulationsofthedepartment,andIwishyouwellasyouassumetheresponsibilitiesofyouroffice.IpresenttoyouacopyoftheOfficer’sGuideandManualofCeremoniestoserveasyourguideduringthecomingyear.”
Pastcommander:“Thechaplainwillofferprayer.”
Chaplain:“OGodofmight,wisdomandjustice,throughWhomauthorityisrightlyadministered,assistwithThyspiritofcounselandfortitudethesenewlyinstalledofficers.Maytheyacceptthechallengeoftheiroath.Impressuponeachtheimportanceofthedutiesaswellasthehonorsoftheiroffice.MaytheyknowthevalueofworkingtogetherwithThee.Leadthemintheproblemsthatwillconfrontthem,keepingthemevermindfulofthegreatheritagepreservedbyourcomrades,livinganddeparted.Vouchsafeuntothemwisdomandprotectingcarethroughouttheyear.Amen.”Theinstallingofficerseatsmemberswithonerapofthegavel.Newlyelectedofficersrise.
Installingofficer:“Mycomrades,Ipresentyoutheofficersofyourchoice.Icongratulateyouontheselectionsyouhavemade.Youhavechosenthemtoguidethedestiniesofthispost.Nowitisyourdutytoaidthemineveryway.HelpthemkeepTheAmericanLegionafreeorganizationoffreemenandwomen,faithfultoitsprinciplesandideals.”Thegavelishandedtothenewcommanderandtheinstallingofficertakesaseat.
Thenewcommanderthenseatsthenewlyelectedofficerswithonerapofthegavel.
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INSTALLATIONOFPOSTOFFICERSShortform
Whereitisnotpracticaltoconductthefullceremonyfortheinstallationofofficers,thefollowingshortformmaybeconductedbyaninstallingofficer(adulyauthorizedrepresentativeofthedepartmentcommander)who,afterbeingintroducedbytheretiringpostcommander,proceedsasfollows:
Installingofficer:“Thesergeant-at-armswillbringbeforemethenewlyelectedofficersofthispost.”Thesergeant-at-armspresentsthenewlyelectedofficers,standinginonerowinfrontoftheinstallingofficer,withthenewpostcommandertotherightoftheinstallingofficerandtheretiringpostcommandertotheleftoftheinstallingofficer.
Sergeant-at-arms:“Ipresenttoyouthenewlyelectedofficersofthispost,whoseeligibilityrecordsformembershipinTheAmericanLegionhavebeendulycheckedandauthenticated.”
Installingofficer:“MyfellowLegionnaires,youhavebeenchosentofillthevariousofficesof(postnameandnumber).Iknowyouwillvindicatethetrustthathasbeenplacedinyou.Iknowyouwillfulfilleveryobligationrequiredofyou.FamiliarizeyourselveswiththedutiesofyourofficesandcarryoutthosedutieswiththesamespiritfromwhicharoseTheAmericanLegion.Thewelfareandsuccessofthispostdependonyou,asdoesthepreservationoftheintegrityofTheAmericanLegion.ProtectthegoodnameofTheAmericanLegionwiththepeopleofourgreatnation;helpthemtoknowtheLegion’spurposesandpolicies.Rememberthetolerancethatanimatesusasmembers;rememberthereisnorankamongusforweallserveasequals.Weallareaimingforthesamegoals–theidealsofjustice,freedom,democracyandloyalty.
“Remember,too,thecardinalprinciplesofTheAmericanLegionaretherehabilitationofalldisabledveterans;careofthedependentsofthosewhohaveansweredthefinalcall;careofthosewhonowaresufferingfromwounds,diseaseandwant;theeducationofourchildren;andservicetothecommunity,stateandnation.
“Raiseyourrighthand,say‘I’andgiveyournames,andrepeatafterme.‘I,_______________________,dosolemnlypledgemyself/toperformfaithfullyandimpartially/thedutiesoftheofficeofTheAmericanLegion/Iamabouttoassume,/andIfurtherpledge/Iamnotamemberof/anddonotsubscribeto/theprinciplesofanygroupopposedtoourformofgovernment.’Handsdown.”Theinstallingofficerwillmovetothelefttoaddresstheretiringpostcommander.
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Installingofficer:“Commander____________________,youhavejustcompletedayearofservicetoTheAmericanLegionandto(postnameandnumber).Therecordsofthepostindicatethequalityofyourservice.ItismyhopethethingsyoulearnedaboutTheAmericanLegionandtheexperienceyougainedwillalwaysbeavailabletothosewhofollowyou.Onbehalfofthedepartmentcommander,IthankyouforthesplendidserviceyouhaverenderedTheAmericanLegion.”Theinstallingofficermovestotherighttoaddressthenewlyelectedpostcommander.
Installingofficer:“Toyou,Commander_____________________,areentrustedwithveryimportantduties.YoumustteachandprotectthecardinalprinciplesofTheAmericanLegionthroughoutyourpost.Youareentrustedwiththesupervisionofthedutiesofallofficersofyourpost.Thepoorandtroubledwillcometoyou,andyoumustseenoveteranisturnedawaywithoutfulljustice.
“Loyaltytoyourpost–toitsmembership–tothestateandnationalorganizationsareobligationswhichyounowassume.Youaremorethanthepresidingofficerformeetings;youareguidedbytheconstitutionandthedecisionsofthepostbody.Yettheresponsibilityoftheyear’sprogramsisonyourshoulders.Youmustinitiateprogramsandcarrythemthroughtocompletion.YoumustfamiliarizeyourselfwiththetraditionsofyourpostandTheAmericanLegion.Byyoursincereacceptanceandearnestperformanceoftheseduties,maythetrustyourfellowLegionnaireshavereposedinyoubejustified.“IextendtoyouthecongratulationsoftheDepartmentof______________,andIwishyouwellasyouassumetheresponsibilitiesofyouroffice.”Theretiringpostchaplainmayofferaprayerfortheguidanceandsuccessofthenewlyinstalledpostofficers.Theinstallingofficermovestotheoriginalpositionandasksallnewlyinstalledofficerstofacethemembersandguestsinattendance.
Installingofficer:“MyfellowLegionnaires,Ipresenttoyoutheofficersofyourchoice.Icongratulateyouontheselectionsyouhavemade.Youhavechosenthem.Nowitisyourdutytoaidthemineveryway.HelpthemtokeepTheAmericanLegionfaithfultoitsprinciplesandideals.”
DEDICATIONSThemembersofthepostwillassembleatthedesignatedplaceinuniform,ifsuchareavailable,withall
officerswearingceremonialbadgesandmemberswearingAmericanLegioncaps.Theywillmarchtotheplaceofdedication.Thecommander,chaplainandthememberdesignatedtoreceivethegiftwilltaketheirplacesontheplatformwithpublicofficialsandotherguests.Thepostwillassemblewiththepublic.
Unlessthosewhoaretogivethegiftrequestotherwise,thecommanderwillpreside.Apastcommanderorothermemberappointedbythecommanderwillacceptthegiftonbehalfofthepost.
Theprogramasoutlinedbythecommitteewillbefolloweduntilthepostcommanderiscalledupontoaddressthemembersofthepost.
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Postcommander:“Membersof(postnameandnumber),Departmentof______________,TheAmericanLegion,andfriends.Wearegatheredtodayforagratefulandpatrioticduty,todedicate(thesecolors,theemblemsoftheUnitedStatesofAmericaandTheAmericanLegion–thisbuildingasahomeforTheAmericanLegion–thismonument,aperpetualmemorialtoourcomradeswhodiedintheircountry’sservice,andtothosewhoofferedtheirlivesduringtimeofwar–otherappropriatephraseexplainingthepurposeofthegathering).Mayweagaindedicateourorganizationandourselvestothesacredidealswhicharehererepresented,everrememberingthatTheAmericanLegion’sprincipalserviceisforGodandcountry.ThechaplainwillasktheblessingofGodupontheseceremonies.”Inplaceofthefollowingprayer,thechaplainmaydeliveroneofthesamelengthandgeneraltenor.
Chaplain:“AlmightyGod,Judgeoverpeopleandnations,westandbeforeTheetodayasloyalservantsofourcountry,gratefulforitssplendidheritage.WeaskThyblessinguponourgreatrepublic.MayAmericaeverremainfreeandmightyandtruetoherbestideals.BlessthepresidentoftheUnitedStatesandallpublicservants,thattheymaywalkinjusticebeforeTheeandalltheiractsmayreboundtothegreaterwelfareofourpeople.WeprayThyblessinguponourflag,theemblemoftherepublic.Mayitfloatforeveroverafreeland.Mayourancientwatchword,‘InGodWeTrust,’everlive,andmaythefaithofourfathersguide,protectandsustainourpeople.
“WeaskThyblessinguponTheAmericanLegionanditsmembers.Maywewhoservedourcountryinwarcontinueintimesofpeace,toserveandtoshieldAmericathroughoutallourdays.Maythisedificeserveforthegoodofthemany;inservicetothelivingmayitbeamemorialtothedead.Maywebeeagerandsteadfastinourdevotiontojustice,freedomanddemocracy.MaywebeeverloyaltoourcountryandtoourGod.Mayourservicetothesickanddisabled,tothecommunity,thestateandthenationmeritandhaveThyguidanceandThyblessing.
“Finally,werememberinlovebeforeTheeourdepartedcomrades,whoshowedtheirloyaltyintheirlivesandsealeditwiththeirdeaths.Weprayespeciallyforourcomradesinhospitalsandhomesandwherevertheymaybe,sickinmindandbody.Maytheirpainbeeasedandtheirburdenslifted,andmaytheirheroicexamplebeaneverlastinginspiration.MayThyspiritrestuponthisservice.MayitupliftusalltoconstantdevotiontoThyteachingsandtothewelfareofourcountry.Amen.”
Postcommander:“Inmemoryofthosewhohavegiventheiralltothiscountry,whohavemadethesupremesacrificeandhaveansweredthecallofthe‘GreatCommanderofallDivisions,’wewillstandinsilenceandwithbowedheads.”Allowforapproximately30secondsofsilence.Thecommanderwillintroducethepersonwhoistopresentthecolors,buildingoredificetothepost.Thepresentationaddressfollows.
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Thecommanderwillintroducethepastcommander(orotherofficerormemberdesignated)whowillacceptthegiftonbehalfofthepost.Theaddressofacceptancefollows.
Theprogramassetbythecommitteeshallproceed,afterwhichthecommanderwillclosethemeeting.
Dedicationofcolors
Commander:“Theassemblagewillrise.Sergeant-at-arms,youwillcalltheguardtodisplaythecolors.”Thecolorswilladvancetoapositioninfrontoftheplatformandhaltwithin10pacesofthecommander.Commander:“Thebuglerwillsound‘TotheColors’andtheaudiencewillstandatsalute.”Thepoststandardwillbedippedata45-degreeangleinsalute.After“TotheColors”hasbeensounded,thecommanderwilladdresstheassembly.
Commander:“Inthenameof(postnameand#),Departmentof_______________,TheAmericanLegion,Idedicatethesecolors.Maytheyflyperpetuallyastheemblemofthecauseforwhichwefoughtandwhichwenowgladlyserve.Hereistheflagofourcountry;safewithinitsfoldsisthefreedomandfealtyofournation.BesideitistheflagofTheAmericanLegion,onitsexpansetheemblemofourorganization–thestarofvictory,thelaurelwreathofremembrance,aboutitallthesun’srays,significantofthelightofanevenbrighterday.
“Idedicatethesecolorstothepurposesofourpost,community,stateandnation,andwiththemIdedicatethisposttothefaithfulserviceofournation,ourpeople,andourflag.Comrades,youwilljoinmeinsalutingtheflag.Handsalute!Two!”Attheconclusionofthededicationceremony,thecolorswillbeproperlyreturned.
DedicationofAmericanLegionbuildingorhall
Commander:“Inthenameof(postnameand#),Departmentof___________________,TheAmericanLegion,Idedicatethisstructure(hall),embodimentoftheidealsofjustice,freedomanddemocracyforwhichTheAmericanLegionexists.Asintimeofwar,wefightforourcountry,sointimeofpeacemayweservetherepublicfearlesslyandwell.Maywebearinmindthecomradeswhohavegonebefore,thattheirmemorymaydwellwithinthishomeandbeaconstantblessingamongus.Itisourhopeanddesirethisedificemaybeusedeverintheserviceofourdisabledcomrades;ofthewidowedandtheorphaned;andtothebenefitofourcommunity,stateandnation.Idedicatethisstructuretothepurposesofourpost,andwithitIdedicatethisposttothefaithfulserviceofournation,ofitspeople,andtothememoryofourheroicdead.”
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Dedicationofmonument,shaftorothermemorials
Commander:“Inthenameof(postnameand#),Departmentof____________,TheAmericanLegion,Idedicatethismemorial.Idedicateittothememoryofthosewhofellintheserviceofourcountry.Idedicateitinthenameofthosewhoofferedtheirlivessojustice,freedomanddemocracymightsurvivetobethevictoriousidealsofthepeoplesoftheworld.Thelivesofthosewhohavemadethesupremesacrificearegloriousbeforeus;theirdeedsareaninspiration.AstheyservedAmericaintimeofwar,yieldingtheirlastfullmeasureofdevotion,mayweserveAmericaintimeofpeace.Idedicatethismonumenttothem,andwithitIdedicatethisposttothefaithfulserviceofourcountryandtopreservationofthememoryofthosewhodiedthatlibertymightlive.”Attheendofalldedicationceremonies,thechaplainshallgiveabenediction.
MILITARYFUNERALHONORSFORVETERANS
In2000,Congresslegislatedthat,uponrequestofthenextofkin,alleligibleveteransmustreceivemilitaryfuneralhonorswhentheypasson.Ataminimum,thefuneralhonorswillconsistofatwo-personuniformedmilitarydetail,withatleastonememberrepresentingtheservicebranchofthedeceased.
Thelegislationalsoencouragesveteransserviceorganizations,includingTheAmericanLegion,toaugmentthehonorsdetailasanauthorizedproviderwithpallbearers,firingparty,buglerandcolorguard.
TheAmericanLegionhasperformedtensofthousandsofburialceremoniesforveterans’familiesthroughoutitshistory;thiswillnotchange.Asaresult,theLegionhasadoptedcertainwaysandmeansthatmaydifferfromothergroups.Thisdoesnotmeantheyarewrongorimproper–justdifferent.
WheneverTheAmericanLegionisassistingtheU.S.government,itshouldconformtoDoD’smethodsofconduct.Inworkingtogether,wehonor,inthehighesttraditionsofU.S.militaryservice,thosewhohavegonebefore.Indoingso,alltherequirementsforareverent,respectfulanddignifiedceremonyaremet.
Theindividualmilitaryserviceswillprovidetrainingtoanauthorizedproviderassistingwiththeceremony,includingpositioning,timing,safetyandproperfuneralhonorsprotocol.
ThefollowingrepresentsDoDguidanceontherenderingofmilitaryfuneralhonors.Bylaw,themilitaryfuneralhonorsdetailwillconsistofatleasttwouniformedmembersofthemilitary,withthedetailleaderfromtheparentserviceofthedeceased.Whenrequestedbythenextofkin,theceremonialpayingofrespectandgratitudetothosewhohavefaithfullydefendedournationmustincludethefollowing:
! ThesoundingofTaps! CeremonialfoldingandpresentationoftheU.S.flag(alwayspresentedbythedetailleader)
Thedetailleaderwillcoordinateallarrangementswiththefuneraldirector,othermember(s)ofthemilitaryhonorsdetail,andauthorizedproviders,suchasTheAmericanLegion.Heorshewillensurethefuneraldirectorexplainsmilitaryhonorstothefamily,andthattheyunderstandthehonorstobeperformed.Itisespeciallyimportantthefamilyknowaboutthefiringofthreevolleys,ifafiringpartyispresent.Additionalmilitaryfuneralhonorselementsshouldbeinaccordancewiththefamily’swishes.
Oncethedetailleaderhascoordinatedthearrangements,hisorherfinalpre-intermentresponsibilityistotrainandrehearsethedetail.Thedetailleaderisresponsibleforallaspectsofthemilitaryfuneralhonorsceremony,whetheractive-dutyservicemembersorauthorizedprovidersperformthem.
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Positioning/timingprotocol1. TheorderoftheceremonyisthesoundingofTaps,thefoldingoftheflag,andthepresentationoftheflagto
thefamily.Ifthereisafiringparty,thevolleysarefiredbeforethesoundingofTaps.Thedetailleaderisresponsibleforensuringeachstepintheceremonyisexecutedproperly,fromthearrivalofthefuneralcortegetoitsdeparture.
2. Thebuglerandcolorguardshouldbepositionedatthegravesitesotheyareinviewofthefamily,approximately30to40yardsfromthegrave.Thefiringpartyshouldalsobeinviewofthefamily,but45to75yardsfromthegrave,positionedtofireoverthegrave.
3. Thefiringpartymayincludethreetosevenriflebearersandonecommander,reflectingtheU.S.militarycustomoffiring“threevolleysofmusketry”overthegravesoffallencomrades.
4. Themilitaryhonorsdetailshouldbepositionednearwherethehearsewillstop.Afterthefuneralprocessionhasarrived,thefuneraldirectorwillopentherearofthehearseandthepallbearersshouldmoveintopositionsotheycanmoveeasilytothebackofthehearsewhenneeded.
5. Whenthefamilyisreadytoproceed,thefuneraldirectorwillsignalthepallbearerstowithdrawthecasketfromthehearseandcarryittothegrave.Thebugler,firingpartyandcolorguardarealreadyintheirgravesitepositions.
6. Alldetailparticipants(exceptforthepallbearers)willrespondto“attention”and“presentarms”asthecasketiscarriedtothegrave.Alldetailparticipantswill“orderarms”afterthecaskethasbeenplacedontheloweringdevice.Pallbearersmaybeinstructedtoholdtheflagoverthecasket,ortomoveoffasagroupandstandinformationfortheservice.
7. Duringthecommittalorreligiousservice,allthedetailparticipantsmaystandat“paraderest.”8. Whenthecommittalorreligiousserviceiscompleted,theservicerepresentativeandassistantwillassume
theclergy’spositionattheheadofthegrave,andalldetailparticipantswillcometothepositionof“attention.”Thefuneraldirectorwillaskthemournerstostandfortherenderingofhonors.
9. Oncethemournersarestanding,thedetailleaderandallelementswillexecute“presentarms,”volleyswillbefired,andTapssounded.UponcompletionofTaps”allwill“orderarms,”andthefuneraldirectorwillrequestthemournerstobeseated.
10. Theflagisfolded.Thetwo-personmilitarydetail,thepallbearers,oracombinationofthetwodothefolding.Oncetheflagisfolded,itmustendupinthehandsofthedetailassistant,whowillpassittothedetailleader.
11. Thedetailleaderwillpresenttheflagtothenextofkin.Thewordingaccompanyingthepresentationshouldbeinaccordancewitheachmilitaryservice’straditionofexpressingthethanksofagratefulnation.
12. Followingtheflagpresentation,thedetailleaderwilloffercondolencestotheremainderoftheimmediatefamilyandothermournersseatedinthefrontrow.Itisappropriateandencouragedforarepresentativeoftheauthorizedprovidertooffercondolencesafterthedetailleader.
13. Oncecondolenceshavebeenoffered,thedetailleaderandassistantwillreturntothecortegearrivalpointandawaitthecortege’sdeparture.Thebugler,firingpartyandcolorguardarereleasedwhenthedetailleaderdepartsthegravesite.Theymayremaininplaceuntilthefamilydepartsorquietlyreturntotheirvehicles.
ItisthesacredobligationofallAmericanstohonorourdeceasedveteransbyperformingthesetime-honoreddutiesinthebesttraditionofthedeceasedveteran’sservice.TheAmericanLegionhelpsfulfillthatobligationbysupplementingtheeffortofthemilitaryservices.
Authorizedprovidersmayreceivereimbursementforcertainexpensesincurredintherenderingofmilitaryfuneralhonors.Theassignedmilitaryunitwillassistinobtainingreimbursement.
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Asanauthorizedproviderofmilitaryfuneralhonors,TheAmericanLegionisthenation’srepresentativeforthismosthallowedevent.TheLegion’sdignifiedparticipationreflectstheprofessionalismofourownservicetothenation,andleavesalastingimpressiononeveryonepresent–asourceofprideandsupportfortheveteran’sfamily,friendsandagratefulnation. TheguidelinesaboveshouldbefollowedwhenTheAmericanLegionisassistingasanauthorizedprovider.IfTheAmericanLegionisconductingtheceremonywithoutthepresenceofamilitarydetail,establishedLegionprotocolandtraditionfoundintheManualofCeremoniesmaybefollowedinrenderinghonorstoaveteranwhoservedintheU.S.ArmedForces.
POSTEVERLASTINGTheAmericanLegionserviceisnonsectarian.Therefore,itmayvaryinaccordancewiththereligiousbeliefs
ofthedeceasedLegionnaire.Thewishesofthefamilyofthedeceased,andoftheofficiatingclergyman,shouldberespected.ThecasketiscoveredwithaU.S.flagwhenclosedorasitleavesthechapelorhome.Ifthedeceasedservedunderanalliedflag,thatflagshallalsobedisplayednearthecasket.
Thediagramaboveillustratestheproperpositionofflags,tablesorstandsusedbyofficersparticipatinginthisceremony.Thisequipment–withtheexceptionofthebrazierandstackedrifles,whicharepostedduringtheceremony–shouldbeputinplacebeforethemeetingopens.
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Commander:“ItismysaddutytoreportthatComrade___________________hasbeencalledfromourmidst,andgonetoreporttotheCommanderofall.”Allowforabriefpause.
Commander:“Beforeproceedingwithotherbusinessofthismeeting,wewillconductthePostEverlastingCeremonyforComrade_____________________.”Sergeant-at-arms,allownoonetoenterorleavethisroomuntiltheconclusionofthisceremony.Allpresentwillremainsilentuntiltheconclusionofthisceremony.”
Commander:“Sergeant-at-arms,youwillplacethebrazierandstacktheriflesbeforethisrostrum,properlyarrangedforourPostEverlastingceremony.”Thesergeant-at-armssalutesandgivesthenecessarycommandstothreeriflebearersandacomradewiththebrazier.Thecommanderreturnsthesalute.Sergeant-at-arms:“Theequipmentisproperlyarranged,comradecommander.”
Commander:“Sergeant-at-arms,youwillretirethedetail.”Allowforabriefpause.
Commander:“Thismomentissacredwiththealmostvisiblepresenceoftheonewhohasgonebefore.Wecometohonorthememoryofonewhoofferedhis(her)lifeintheserviceofourcountryandwhohasnowenrolledinthatgreatspiritarmy,whosefootfallscausenosound,butinthememoryofmankind,theirsoulsgomarchingon,sustainedbytheprideofserviceintimeofwar.Becauseofthemourlivesarefree;becauseofthemournationlives;becauseofthemtheworldisblessed.
“Maythisservicedeepenourreverenceforourdepartedcomrades.”Allowforabriefpause.
Commander:“TheadjutantwillplaceanAmericanLegioncapontheriflesinremembranceofComrade______________________’sservicetoourcountryinthe(Army/MarineCorps/Navy/AirForce/CoastGuard)oftheUnitedStates.”Theadjutantplacesacapontopofthestackedrifles.Thecommanderwaitsuntiltheadjutantreturns,thengivesthreerapsofthegavel.
Commander:“Sergeant-at-arms,lightsout.Ourcomradechaplainwillofferprayer.”
Chaplain:“OurHeavenlyFatherinHisinfinitewisdomhastransferredComrade________________________tothejurisdictionofPostEverlastingofTheAmericanLegion.Mayyoursoulrestinpeace.Amen.”
Commander:“Comradeadjutant,enterthenameofComrade___________intherecordofmembersof(postnameandnumber)whohavetransferredtoPostEverlasting.”Theadjutantentersthenameinabookprovidedforthispurpose.Thecommanderwaitsuntiltheadjutantrises.
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Commander:“Comradeadjutant,handmethelettercontainingtheserviceandLegionrecordsofComrade______________________,whichwewilltransmittoPostEverlastingofTheAmericanLegion.”Thecommanderthenreadsaletter.
Commander:“Comradechaplain,transmitthislettercontainingtheserviceandLegionrecordsofComrade________________totheadjutantofPostEverlasting.”Thecommanderhandsthelettertothechaplain,whoplacesitinthebrazier;therecordburns.NOTE:Therecordburnedbythechaplaincanbeeitherablankpieceofpaperoratypeddocument.Donotburnthedeceasedmember’spostrecords.
Commander:“Bugler,soundTapsinmemoryofComrade_________________andinmemoryofallthecomradesofPostEverlastingofTheAmericanLegion.”ThebuglersoundsTaps.
Commander:“Sergeant-at-arms,turnonthelights.”Thecommanderrapsthegaveloncetoseatmembers.
Commander:“Comradeadjutant,removethehat.Sergeant-at-arms,removethebrazierandrifles.”APostEverlastingcitationisavailablethroughEmblemSales,providingthenextofkinwithapermanentservicerecordandatributetothedepartedcomrade.
ServiceandAmericanLegionrecordsshouldcontainthemember’sfullnameinfull,dateofbirth,dateofenlistment,servicebranch,rank,thetheatreofwarinwhichthememberserved,battles(ifany),datedischarged,datejoinedTheAmericanLegion,Legionactivities(ifany),Legionofficesheld(ifany),anddateofdeath.Note:Addordeleteasthesituationrequiresandascircumstancesdictate.
Atfuneral,chapelorhomePostcommander:“AnotherLegionnairehasbeencalledtotheHighCommand,andhasgonetoreporttotheCommanderofusall.”
Chaplain:“Letuspray.EternalGod,SupremeCommanderofusall,Lordofthefar-flungbattleline,towhomtheranksoflifereport,webowbeforeYouwithreverentheartsandinsublimefaith,knowingYouleadusonindeathasYouhaveinlife.ForagainYouhaveorderedaLegionnairetothatrealmintheWest,beyondthetwilightandtheeveningstar,wherebeautyandvalorandgoodnessdwellforeverwiththeunnumberedmultitude.Mindfulofservicenoblydone,Youhavecalled(nameofdeceased)toeverlastingrest.Youhavesealed(hisorher)lips.Withthefadedblossomsofspringtimeandthewitheredleavesofautumn,Youhavecalledourcomradetoeternalpeace,tothelandofyoursilentmystery.
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“Hearnowthesorrowsofthosewhomourn.Touchtheirtiredheartswithhealing.ProtectthemwithYourholycare.Keepcleanandbrightinmemorythesplendidflamethatnowhasflickeredout,andshelteruswithYourcompassion.
“Lordofalllife,wholivesforever,againYouhavetaughtusthemeasureofourdays.WearestrangerswithYouandsojournersasourfatherswere.Ourdaysareasashadowandthereisnoneabiding.ButYouabide.Youryearsfailnot.Youneverchange.AthousandyearsinYoursightarebutasyesterdaywhenitispast,andasawatchinthenight.Thegrasswithers,theflowerfades,butYourwordenduresforever.Andthereinisourhelpandhope.
“Youhealthebrokeninheartandbinduptheirwounds.ComfortYourpeople.Intheirsorrowmaytherebenobitterness,nodoubtofYoureternalgoodness.Givethemtoknowyoudonotmockuswiththisstubbornhopeoflifeeternal–thathavingcreatedandcaredforus,Youwillnotdesertustothedust;thatYouholduswithaloveunfailing;thatourdeadareinYourkeeping;andthatYouareabletodofarmoreforthemthanallweaskorthink.
“Untilforusalsothedaybreaksandtheshadowsflee,grantussotolivesoourlivesmayhonortheLegionnaireswhohavegonebeforeus.TogetherwemaycometothecitywhichYouhavepreparedforthosewholoveYouandkeepYourcommandments.ForYourownname’ssakewepray.Amen.”AshorteulogyshouldbeofferedbysomeonewhoknewtheveteranandLegionnairewell.
Postcommander:“Thismomentissacredwiththealmostvisiblepresenceoftheonewhohasgonebefore.WecometohonorthememoryofonewhoofferedlifeandserviceforGodandcountry,onewhohasnowenrolledinthatgreatspiritarmywhosefootfallscausenosound.Butinourmemory,theirsoulsgomarchingon.Proudlyweremembertheirserviceintimeofwar.Becauseofthem,ourlivesarefree;becauseofthem,ournationlives;becauseofthem,theworldisblessed.Maytheceremoniesoftodaydeepenourreverenceforourhonoredcomradeandfriend.
“Letusnotenshroudtheirmemorywiththoughtsofsorrow.Tearsorwordsofsympathycannotbringbackthecomfortofthoselovinghandsorthemusicofvoicesstilled.Thesolemnprideofthatserviceistheirs,andforthelivingtoremember.
“Legionnairesandfriends,letusherepledgeourselvesanewtounitedservice,toconsecrateandsanctifyourcomradeshipbyadevotiontomutualhelpfulnessintheprotectionofthoseleftbehind.
“Werealizehowfutilearemerewordstoexpressourdeepandabidingsympathyinyourloss.Mayyoufeelourcomradeisatrest,andinendlesspeace.Generationaftergeneration,alltheshadowypeoplesofthepasthavelivedaswelive,perplexedand
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mystifiedbydeath.Theyhavegoneintothegreatbeyondwithheartsfilledwithwistfullonging,asallmustgo.
“Surelythereisanafterlifeforallwhohavebeenloyalandtrue,alifetowhichlightandpeaceshallcome,wheretheburdenshallbeliftedandtheheartacheshallcease,wherethelove,thehopeandthefulfillmentthatescapeushereshallbegiventous,tobeoursforever.”Thechaplainoffersaprayerinaccordancewiththefaithofthedeceased.
ProtestantprayerChaplain:“OGod,whohealsthebrokenheartedandbindsuptheirwounds,lookintenderpityandcompassionuponThyservantswhosejoyhasbeenturnedintomourning.Leavethemnotcomfortless,butgrantthattheymaybedrawnclosertoTheeandtooneanotherbytheircommonsorrow.FilltheirsoulswiththelightandcomfortofThypresence.Grantuntothemsuchavisionofthatlifewhereinallmysteriesshallberevealed,andalltearsbewipedaway,thattheymaybeabletoendure.SodwellwiththemandbetheirGod,untilthedaybreakandtheshadowsfleeaway,throughJesusChristourLord.Amen.”
JewishprayerChaplain:“OLord,whoartfullofcompassion,whodwellestonhigh–Godofforgiveness,whoartmerciful,slowtoangerandaboundinginlovingkindness–grantpardonoftransgressions,nearnessofsalvationandperfectrestbeneaththeshadowofThydivinepresence,intheexaltedplacesamongtheholyandpure,whoshineasthebrightnessofthefirmament,to(nameofdeceased)whohathgoneto(hisorher)eternalhome.Webeseechthee,OLordofcompassion;rememberunto(himorher)forgoodallthemeritoriousandpiousdeeds,which(heorshe)wroughtwhileonearth.Openunto(himorher)thegatesofrighteousnessandlight,thegatesofpityandgrace.Oshelter(himorher)forevermoreunderthecoverofThywings,andlet(hisorher)soulbeboundupinthebondofeternallife.TheLordis(hisorher)inheritance;may(heorshe)restinpeace.Andletussayamen.”
CatholicprayerChaplain:“Father,weentrustour(brotherorsister)toYourmercy.Youloved(himorher)greatlyinthislife;nowthat(heorshe)isfreedfromallitscares,give(himorher)happinessandpeaceforever.
“Theoldorderhaspassedaway;welcome(himorher)nowintoparadisewheretherewillbenomoresorrow,nomoreweepingorpain,butonlypeaceandjoywithJesus,yourSon,andtheHolySpiritforeverandever.
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“Eternalrestgrantunto(himorher),OLord,andletperpetuallightshineupon(himorher).May(hisorher)soulandallofthesoulsofthefaithfuldeparted,throughthemercyofGod,restinpeace.Amen.”Whenthereisaserviceatthechapelorhomeandthecasketisopen,thecommanderorchaplainmayplaceapoppyinsideattheendoftheservice.
“ThememorialpoppyisanationalsymboloftheflowersinFlandersFieldsthatembodiesthesacrificesofmenandwomenwhoservedanddiedfortheircountryinallwars.Wenowleavethispoppywithyouinyourhonor,andasaneternalreminderofthebindingcomradeshipwefeelforyou.”Thecommandersalutes.IfthecasketissealedanddrapedwiththeU.S.flag,donotusethepoppy,asnothingisplacedontopofanU.S.flag.Simplysalute.
Chaplain:“Farewell,ourfriend,Legionnaireandcomrade.”AllLegionnairespresentatthefuneralserviceshallpassthecasketandsalutethedeceasedLegionnaire.Afterthesalute,theLegionnairespresentshallleavethefuneralchapelinsinglefileandwithdignity.
NOTE:Wherevertheterm“commander”isusedinconnectionwithfuneralescort,procedureatcemeteryandgraveside,itreferstothecommanderofthefiringsquad.ThepostcommandershallbeattheheadoftheAmericanLegiondelegation,exceptwhenthefuneralserviceisconductedatthegrave.Thenthepostcommandershallbeontheleftofthechaplainandattheheadofthegrave.
FuneralescortTheescortisformedoutsidethechurch,chapelorresidence.Uponappearanceofthecasket,thecommandergivesthecalltopresentarms.
Firingsquadcommander:“Present…arms.”Afterthecasketisplacedinthehearse,thefinalcommandisgiven.
Firingsquadcommander:“Order…arms.”
ProcedureatcemeteryOncethecolumnisoppositethegrave,thefiringsquadandLegionnairesformalinefacingthegrave.Thechaplainorclergystandsattheheadofthegrave.Thecasketiscarriedalongthefrontofthelinetothegrave.
Firingsquadcommander:“Present…arms.”Thefiringsquadpresentsarms.Thecaskethavingbeenplacedoverthegrave,armsarebroughttotheorder.
Firingsquadcommander:“Paraderest.”Theofficerinchargeofthefiringsquadbringsthedetachmenttoparaderest.Allinclinetheirheads.
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AtgravesideIfnopreviousservicehasbeenconducted,theserviceforchurch,chapelorhomeshouldbereadatthegrave,priortothefollowingcommittal.
Chaplain:“Manisoffewdaysandfulloftrouble.Hecomethforthasaflowerandiscutdown.Hefleethalsoasashadowandcontinuethnot.ForasmuchasGodhathtakenoutoftheworldthesoulofourdepartedcomrade,wethereforecommit(hisorher)bodytothegroundtosleepand(hisorher)soultoendlesspeacetorest.Thedustreturnethtoearthasitwas,andthespiritreturnethuntoGodwhogaveit.”Thechaplainoffersabenediction(ifdesired).Attheconclusionofthechaplain’sservice,twopallbearersremovetheU.S.flagfromthecasket,folditinthetraditionalmanner(seepage75),andplaceitonthearmofthechaplain,whowillpresenttheflagtothenearestkin.
Firingsquadcommander:“Saluteourdepartedcomrade(s).”Theofficerinchargeofthefiringsquadgivesorderaccordingtoinfantrydrillregulationsinforceatthetime.Thesquadfiresthreeroundsofblankcartridges,themuzzlesofthepiecesbeingelevated.ThebuglerplaysTaps.
Theescortformsacolumn,marchesinquicktimetowhereitfirstassembled,anddismissed.
AmericanLegionmilitaryfuneralescortsAfullAmericanLegionmilitaryfuneralrequires21Legionnairesinuniform:onechaplain,twocolorguards,
eightfiringsquadmembers,onebugler,onecommander,sixpallbearers,andtwocolorbearersofthefiringsquad.Thefiringsquadcommanderisinchargeofalldetailsandmovements.Thefiringsquadshouldbecomposedofmemberswhoarefamiliarwithhandlingarifle.Thesquadshouldmeetpriortotheserviceandsimulatevolleyfiring.Theentireescortshouldbearrangedaccordingtoheightanduniformworn.
Insomeinstances,afamilycallsupontheposttotakechargeofthechurchorhomeserviceaswellasthegravesideservice.Asageneralrule,however,thechurchhaschargeofthechurchorhomeservices,afterwhichthepostchaplainconductsthefinalrites.Thepostconductingthefuneralshouldconferwiththeclergyandthefuneraldirectorbeforehandontheexactproceduretobefollowed.
Postserviceinplaceofworship,chapelorhomeTheentireescortshouldbeinside.Alluncoverexceptthosebearingarmsorcolors.Thepallbearersandfiringsquadshouldsitasseparategroups.
Postservicefollowingthoseatplaceofworship,chapelorhomePallbearersarecovered,evenwhencarryingthecasket.Whenthecasketcomesintoview,thefiringsquadcommandercallsmemberstoattention.
Firingsquadcommander:“Escort,attention.”
Firingsquadcommander:“Presentarms.”Thecommandersalutes.Asthechaplainleadsthebodythroughtheescort,thecommanderholdstherighthandsalute.Thechaplainsalutesonlytheflag.Thepostbannerisdippedasthecasketpasses.Thefiringsquadremainsat“presentarms”untilthecasketisinthehearseandthedoorsareclosed.
Firingsquadcommander:“Orderarms.”
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Escortleavingthechapelandheadingtowardthehearse
Unitsshouldbearrangedatthebuildingexitbeforethebodycomesoutoftheplaceofworshiporhome,inthefollowingorder:
! Theescortsentercarsasquicklyaspossible.! Thefiringsquad,colorbearers,guardsandcommandershouldgoaheadoftheprocessionandassume
theirplaces.! Thechaplain,buglerandpallbearersshouldgotothecemeteryaheadofthefuneralprocession.! Thefiringsquadcanbegivennecessarydrillatthegravebeforethehearsearrives.! Nodefinitearrangementatthegraveisadvisablebecausethesurroundingsateachdiffer.Thefollowing
plan,changedwhennecessary,issatisfactory.! Thepallbearersatthecemeteryawaittheopeningofthehearse.! Thechaplainleadsthecasketfromthehearsetothegrave.! Uponsightofthecasket,thecommandersays,“Presentarms,”holdspositionuntilthebodyissetover
grave, thensays,“Orderarms.”
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Whenthecasketisinposition,thefollowinggeneralplanissatisfactory:
Asthechaplainbeginsthegravesideservice,thecommanderbringsthefiringsquadandpallbearersto
paraderest,holdspositionuntilthechaplain’sservicesarecompleted,thensays,“Escort,attention.”Attheconclusionofthechaplain’sservice,twopallbearersremovetheflagfromthecasket,folditinthe
traditionalmannerandplaceitonthearmofchaplain,whowillgiveflagtothenearestkinfollowingtheservice.
Chaplain:“ThegovernmentoftheUnitedStatespresentstoyou,throughTheAmericanLegion,theflagunderwhichourcomradeserved.”
! Assoonastheflagispresented,thefiringsquadfiresthreevolleys.! Atthecommander’sorder,“Ready,”bringtheriflesothatthemuzzleofrifleislevelwithpointofchin.
Therightfootshouldbeplacedtotherearabout10inches.Therighthandshouldbeonsmallofstockandlefthandatrearofsight.
! Atthecommand“Load,”(riflesshouldbeloaded,noneinthechamberbeforethebodyistakenfromhearse)worktheboltandputthecartridgeinthechamber.
! Remainatpositionof“Ready”untilorder“Aim”isgiven.Anaimingpointshouldbedesignatedsoelevationofriflesisuniform.Thecommandofexecutionis“Fire.”
! Afterfiring,thefirstandsecondvolleyscometopositionof“Ready”andwaitforthecommand,“Ready,aim,fire.”Uponcompletionofthethirdvolley,cometo“Presentarms”withoutcommand.
! Iftheriflejams,don’tattempttofixit;simulatefiring.! ThebuglertakespositionattheheadofthegraveandsoundsTaps.EchoTaps,ifpossible,isimpressive.! Thecommanderofthefiringsquadsays,“Orderarms.”! Thisconcludestheservice,andthecommandersays,“Rightorleftface,attrail,forward,march,”
followedbythecolorsandthenbypallbearers.
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TraditionalmethodoffoldingU.S.flag1. Duringmilitaryfunerals,theflagisfoldedimmediatelyattheconclusionofchaplain’sservice.2. Thetwopallbearersremovetheflagfromthecasket,holdittautandfoldthelowerstripedsectionof
theflagoverthebluefield.3. Thefoldededgeisfoldedovertomeettheopenedge.4. Atriangularfoldisstartedbybringingthestripedcornerofthefoldededgetotheopenedge.5. Theouterpointisturnedinward,parallelwiththeopenedge,toformasecondtriangle.6. Thetriangularfoldingcontinuesuntiltheentirelengthoftheflagisfolded.Whencompletelyfolded,
onlythebluefieldshouldbevisible,anditshouldbefoldedinthetriangularshapeofacockedhat.
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Funeral/cemeteryprocedure
AmericanLegionpractice MilitaryFieldManual22-51.Flagisremovedfromthecasket 1.Secureflagandholditwaist-highoffcasket2.Flagisfoldedandgiventothechaplain 2.Firevolleybyfiringsquad3.Flagispresentedtothefamily 3.Tapsissounded4.Firevolleybyfiringsquad 4.Flagisfolded5.Tapsissounded 5.Flagispresentedtothefamily
Themainconcernisthatanappropriateceremonyisconductedtohonorthedeceasedveteran.
Thefuneralservicemayvaryinaccordancewiththereligiousbeliefsofthedeceasedcomrade.TherearesubtledifferencesbetweenAmericanLegionprotocolandmilitaryprotocolonthestepsfollowed
atthegravesiteofadeceasedveteran.ApostmaychoosetousepracticesadoptedovertheyearsbytheLegion,oritmayutilizecemeterypracticesasoutlinedintheMilitaryFieldManual22-5.Thesamecommandsarecompleted,buttheorderofsequenceisdifferent.Thefollowingillustratesthisvariation.
CeremonyfordrapingAmericanLegioncharterThepostmaychoosethechoiceofdrapeandlengthofdrapingperiod.
Commander:“ItismysaddutytoreportthatComrade(orComrades)________________has(have)beencalledfromourmidst.(He/she/theyhas/have)gonetotheCommanderofusallinPostEverlasting.Beforeproceedingwithotherbusinessofthismeeting,wewilldrapethecharterinmemoryofComrade(Comrades)____________________.Sergeant-at-arms,obtainthedrapeinpreparationfordrapingthecharter.”Thecommanderrapsthegavelthreetimes.
Commander:“Membersriseandfacethecharter.Attention.”
Commander:“Sergeant-at-arms,youwillnowdrapeourcharterinmemoryofourbelovedComrade(Comrades)__________________whohas(have)passedon.Thesergeant-at-armsdrapesthecharter.
Commander:“Bythisactwe,asmembersof(postnameandnumber),(state),proclaimsolemntributetoourdepartedComrade(Comrades).Handsalute!Two!”After“Two,”thesergeant-at-armsreturnstohisorherstation.
Chaplain:“AlmightyGodandHeavenlyFather,whohasdominionoverlifeanddeath,granttousthegracetorememberwithloveandreverenceourvaliantandhonoreddepartedcomrade(comrades).Grantpeaceandeternalresttothosewhohavegonebeforeus,andmakeusreadyforthatlasthour.StrengthenandconsolethoseinsorrowandbestowuponusThyeverlastingblessing.Amen.”Thecommanderrapsthegavelonceandannouncesthatthemeetingwillcontinue.
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GoldStarBannerceremonyThissuggestedprogrammaybeperformedaspartofaregularmeetingorothereventsponsoredbythepost.Theprogrammaybemodifiedtofittheoccasion.NotifytheaudiencethatapplauseisnevergivenwhenapersonisintroducedasaGoldStarMotherorfamilymember.
Commander:“WewillnowconductaGoldStarBannerpresentationtothefamilymember(s)ofaveterankilledincombat(oronewhowaswoundedanddiedofhis/herwoundsordiseaseduringwartime).Thisisasolemnceremonyduringwhichduereverenceisrequested.Pleasedonotapplaudduringorafterthepresentation.TheGoldStarreplacestheBlueStar,signifyingthatafamilymemberwhowasservingduringwartimeisnowdeceased.Pleasestand.”Thecommandermakesthreerapswiththegavel.
Commander:“Sergeant-at-arms,pleaseescorttherecipient(s)tothepositionofhonor.”Therecipientsareescortedtoapositioninfrontoftheheadtable/podium,facingtheaudience.Thesergeant-at-armstakesapositiontotherightofandfacestherecipients.Thecommanderthengoestoapositioninfrontofandfacestherecipients.Thechaplainfollows,standingtotherightandfacingthecommander.
Adjutant:“TheGoldStarBannerwillbepresentedto_____________________,the(relation)of_______________.______________enteredthe(branchofservice)in(year).(Heorshe)wasassignedto(unit/station)anddiedwhileservingourcountryin(location).NOTE:Additionalinformationcitingtheserviceandcircumstancesofdeathmaybeadded.
Afterconclusionofthereading,thechaplaingivesthebannerandtacktothecommanderforpresentation.
ThecommanderapproachestherecipientandofferscondolencesandcommentsappropriateforpresentationoftheGoldStarBannerandtack.Thesepersonalcommentstotherecipientshouldexpressgratitudeforservicerenderedonbehalfoftheveterans,citizensandthepresidentoftheUnitedStates.Theyneednotbespokenloudlyforallpresenttohear.ThecommanderthenpresentstheGoldStarBannerandtacktotherecipient.
Thescriptisrepeatedwithappropriatechangesforeachrecipientuntilallbannersandtacksarepresented.
Commander:“Thechaplainwillofferprayer.Pleaseuncover.”
Chaplain:“Letuspray.AlmightyGod,OurheavenlyFather,weaskthatYourblessingbebestowedonthosewhonowreceivethesemementos.WethankYouforthisopportunitytosharewiththemthisspecialoccasiontohonor____________________,ourdepartedveteraninthisceremony.Letusalwayshonorthememoryofthosebravesoldierswhogavethesupremesacrifice,sothatwemayexperiencefreedominacountrythatisfree.HeavenlyFather,keepthisfamilyinyourkindcare.Blessthemandcomfortthemintheirtimesofsorrow.Andletusberemindedoflife,liberty,justice,freedomanddemocracy,sothatwemaybeevergratefultoYouforthosecomradeswhogavesomuchfortheircountry.WeaskYourblessinguponthisserviceandgrantuntousyourcontinuedfellowshipthatmakesabidingpeace.Amen.”
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Commander:“Pleaserecover.”AbuglermayplayTaps.Membersshouldrenderahandsaluteasthecommandergivestheappropriatecommands.
Commander:“Pleasebeseated.”Thecommandermakesonerapwiththegavelandmembersareseated.
Commander:“ItiswithafeelingofhonorandsadnessthatwehavepresentedtheGoldStarBannerandtackto___________________________.Althoughwemaynothaveexperiencedthepersonallossthat(he/she/theyhas/have),we,asveterans,appreciatethesacrificegiventhroughthelossofourfellowveteran.Inthissimpleceremony,weseektoexpressourappreciation.Thearmsofagratefulnationarewrappedaroundthisfamilytocomfortthemintheirloss.”
“Atthistimeweoffer(her/him/them)theopportunitytomakeanyremarksif(he/she/they)desire.”Allowapauseforremarksbytherecipient.
Commander(totherecipients):“Wethankyouforyourattendancetoacceptthesemementos.Thisconcludesourceremony.Youmayleavenoworreturntoyourseatsasyouwish.Sergeant-at-arms,escortourhonoredrecipients.”
Commander:“Pleasestand.”Thecommandermakesthreerapswiththegavel.Aftertherecipientsleaveorreturntotheirseats,thecommanderandchaplainreturntotheirpositions.Thecommandermakesonerapwiththegavel.
Commander:“Pleasebeseated.Weshallnowcontinuewithourregularbusiness.”Thecommandermayalsoconcludetheprogramwithachaplain’sbenedictionand“TotheColors.”
PATRIOTICHOLIDAYSMemorialDay
MemorialDayoriginatedatthecloseoftheCivilWar,andtherefore,AmericanLegionpostsshouldgiveduerecognitiontotheveteransofearlierwars.
Aftertheaudienceisseated,thepostenters,eitherinuniformorwearingceremonialbadges,andfilesintoreservedspaceorseats.Thecommanderstandsbeforethepostorupontheplatformwheretheguests,speakersandchaplainareseated.
Commander:“Comrades,thisdayissacredwiththealmostvisiblepresenceofthosewhohavegonebeforeus.Wehonorthememoryofthosewhogavetheirlivesintheserviceofourcountry,andofthoseotherswhohavedroppedtheirburdensbythewaysideoflife,andaregonetotheireternalrest.Maytheceremoniesoftodaydeepen
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ourreverenceforourdepartedfriendsandcomrades.Letusrenewourpledgeofloyaltytoourcountryanditsflag.Letusresolvebywordanddeedtoemphasizetheprivilegeanddutyofpatriotism.”Inplaceofthefollowingprayer,thechaplainmaydeliveroneofthesamelengthandgeneraltenor.
Chaplain:“Letuspray.AlmightyGod,Giverofallvictories,wethankTheefortheopportunitieswhichabideinourland,forThyguidanceinthehourofperilandThytenderloveintimesofneed.Helpustorememberwithreverencethevaloranddevotionofourdepartedcomrades;notonlythosewhosebodiesconsecrateourcountry’ssoil,butalsothosewhosleepbeyondtheseas,andotherswhoserestingplaceswillnotbeknownuntilthatlastdaywhenthedeepwillhavegivenupitsdead.OGod,teachustohonorthembyevercherishingtheidealsforwhichtheyfought.Keepussteadfastinthecauseofhumanrightsandliberties,oflawandorder,andtrueAmericanism.Giveusthepowertoseeandthewilltodoright.GrantthatTheAmericanLegionmaypreservethehighidealsforwhichourcomradesdied.MayThymercifulblessingrestuponthosetheyleftbehind.Keepusforeverfirminrighteousness,humbleofheart,andunselfishinpurpose.Amen.”Musicorreadingsareappropriateatthispoint,suchasKipling’s“Recessional,”AlanSeeger’s“MemorialDayOde,”orJohnMcCrae’s“InFlandersFields.”
Thecommanderintroducesthespeakerorspeakersoftheday.
Tributetoveteransofallwars
Speechesshouldbestrictlyinthenatureofatributeto,oreulogyof,thedeadinallourwars,andspeakersshouldbeadvisedaccordingly.Intheabsenceofaspeaker,orifdesiredforanyotherreason,thefollowingaddressmaybegiven.
Commander:“Againournationhasassembledtohonoritsheroicdead.Athousandbattlesofland,seaandairechothegloryoftheirvaliantdeeds.Underthequietsod,orbeneaththemurmuringwaves,theirbodiessleepinpeace.Butinthedestiniesofveterans,theirsoulsgomarchingon.Becauseofthem,ourlivesarefree.Becauseofthem,ournationlives.
“Whenwerecallthethingstheydid,theherohostsseemmightyinourmidst.Whenperilthreatenedandtheircountrycalled,withwhatdivineself-sacrificetheylefttheirpathsofpeacetospringtoarms,tomaketheirbreastsabarricadeagainstthenation’sfoes.Nosorrowforthelovedonesleftbehindcoulddimthepurposeintheirsouls.Nowearinessofmarchandwatchcouldkeepthemfromtheirhearts’desire.Nohorrorofthefieldorseaoraircouldbeattheircouragedown.
“Theyfoughtforus;forustheyfell.Nowwithoneaccord,indeepestreverence,wedothemhonor.Letusnotremembertheminanguish;theywouldnotwishourpity.For
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theirsakesalsoletusnotforgetthelovedonesleftbehind.Ourtearsorwordsofsympathycannotbringbackthecomfortofthoselovinghandsorthemusicofthosevoicesstilled.Onlythesolemnprideofhavinggivenmorethanalltherestistheirswholivetoweep.Butalltheworld,becauseofwhattheygave,isdebtortothem.
“Comrades,onthisMemorialDayletuspledgeourselvesanewtopatrioticservice.Letusmakeourselvesthefriendandbrother,sonandfather,ofthosewhowillnotseetheirownagaininmortalflesh.Letusgraspwithfearlesshandstheflagsonoblybornebefore,and,likethoseothers,plantitalwaysonthebattlementsofrighteousness.
“Allwhostandwithustoday,willyounotconsecrateyourselveswithustoemulatetheirsacredservicethatthosewhorestinheroes’gravesmaynothavediedinvain?
“Letusstandwithbowedheadsinsolemnmemoryofourheroicdead.”Allowfor30secondsofsilence.Theaudiencemaythensing“TheStar-SpangledBanner.”
Commander:“Thechaplainwillnowpronouncethebenediction,afterwhichtheaudiencewillpleaseremainuntiltheposthasmarchedoutofthehall.”Thechaplainsaysthebenediction,andthepostfilesoutofthehall.
CemeteryceremonyIftherearenoexerciseselsewhere,thoseatthecemeterymaybelengthenedtoincludetheMemorialDayservice.Theorderofmarchisasfollows:1)colors,2)music),3)firingsquad,4)AmericanLegionand5)others.
Uponarrivalatthecemetery,theprocessionisdrawnupinhollowsquareoranothersuitableformation.
Commander:“Paraderest.”Thecolorguardexecutesparaderest,incliningtheirheads.
Commander:“Comrades,attendthememorialprayer.”
Chaplain:“EternalGod,wethankTheeforthishallowedsoil.Makeusworthy;weprayTheetoguardourheritageofpridethroughalltheyearstocome.Inmemoryofthese,ourdead,maywepledgetoourbelovedlandthesameserviceandthesamedevotion.And,OLord,securetousevermorethepeaceforwhichourcomradesdied.Amen.”Thefollowingfloralceremonymaybeomitted.
Commander:“Sergeant-at-arms(orothercomradedesignated),youwilldeposituponthemonument(orgraves)ofourcomradesatokenofourenduringmemory.”Thesergeant-at-armslaysflowers.
Commander:“Theflowersmaywither,butthespiritofwhichtheyarethesymbolwillendureuntiltheendoftime.”
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Inthecaseofnavalposts,itmaybepreferredtoscatterflowersontheseaorastreaminstead.
Commander(totheofficerinchargeoffiringsquad):“Salutethedead!”Theofficerinchargeofthefiringsquadshallcausethesalutetobefiredinthemannerprescribedbyinfantrydrillregulationsinforceatthetime.
ThebuglersoundsTaps.Thepostreturnsinthesameorderofmarchasbefore.
IndependenceDayTheaudienceisseated.Afterthepreliminaryparade,thepostenters,inuniformorwearingceremonialbadges,andfilesintothereservedspaceorseats.Thecommandertakesadesignatedplaceupontheplatformwiththechaplain,guestsandspeaker.
Commander:“(Postnameandnumber),Departmentof___________________,TheAmericanLegion,attentiontoorders.”Theadjutantshallreadorders.Afterthereading,memberswillbeseated.
Commander:“Comradesandfriends,wemeettocelebratetheanniversaryofourcountry’sindependence.ThevicecommanderwillreadportionsfromthedeclarationmadebyourforefathersonJuly4,1776.”
Firstvicecommander:“When,inthecourseofhumanevents,itbecomesnecessaryforonepeopletodissolvethepoliticalbandswhichhaveconnectedthemwithanother,andtoassumeamongthepowersoftheearththeseparateandequalstationtowhichthelawsofnatureandofnature’sGodentitlethem,adecentrespecttotheopinionsofmankindrequiresthattheyshoulddeclarethecauseswhichimpelthemtotheseparation.
“Weholdthesetruthstobeself-evident,thatallmenarecreatedequal,thattheyareendowedbytheirCreatorwithcertainunalienablerights;thatamongthesearelife,liberty,andthepursuitofhappiness.Thattosecuretheserights,governmentsareinstitutedamongmen,derivingtheirjustpowersfromtheconsentofthegovernedandthatwheneveranyformofgovernmentbecomesdestructiveoftheseends,itistherightofthepeopletoalterortoabolishit,andtoinstituteanewgovernment,layingitsfoundationonsuchprinciples,andorganizingitspowersinsuchform,astothemshallseemmostlikelytoaffecttheirsafetyandhappiness.Prudence,indeed,willdictatethatgovernmentslongestablishedshouldnotbechangedforlightandtransientcauses;andaccordinglyallexperiencehathshownthatmankindaremoredisposedtosuffer,whileevilsaresufferable,thantorightthemselvesbyabolishingtheformstowhichtheyareaccustomed.Butwhenalongtrainofabusesandusurpations,pursinginvariablythesameobjectevincesadesigntoreducethemunderabsolutedespotism,itistheirright,itistheirduty,tothrowoffsuchgovernment,andtoprovidenewguardsfortheirfuture
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security.Suchhasbeenthepatientsufferanceofthesecolonies;andsuchisnowthenecessity,whichconstrainsthemtoaltertheirformersystemsofgovernment.ThehistoryofthepresentKingofGreatBritainisahistoryofrepeatedinjuriesandusurpations,allhavingindirectobjecttheestablishmentofanabsolutetyrannyoverthestates.Toprovethis,letfactsbesubmittedtoacandidworld.
“We,therefore,therepresentativesoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,inGeneralCongress,assembled,appealingtotheSupremeJudgeoftheworldfortherectitudeofourintentions,do,inthename,andbytheauthorityofthegoodpeopleofthesecolonies,solemnlypublishanddeclare,thattheseunitedcoloniesare,andofrightoughttobefreeandindependentstates;thattheyareabsolvedfromallallegiancetotheBritishCrown,andthatallpoliticalconnectionbetweenthemandthestateofGreatBritain,isandoughttobetotallydissolved;andthatasfreeandindependentstates,theyhavefullpowertolevywar,concludepeace,contractalliances,establishcommerce,andtodoallotheractsandthingswhichindependentstatesmayofrightdo.Andforthesupportofthisdeclaration,withafirmrelianceontheprotectionofDivineProvidence,wemutuallypledgetoeachotherourlives,ourfortunesandoursacredhonor.”
Commander:“Thisdeclarationwasfollowedbyyearsofstruggles.Therefromournationwasborn,andonSeptember17,1787,itadoptedtheConstitution,thecharterofourrightsandliberties,whosepreambleInowrequestoursecondvicecommandertoread.”
Secondvicecommander:“We,thepeopleoftheUnitedStates,inordertoformamoreperfectunion,establishjustice,insuredomestictranquility,provideforthecommondefense,promotethegeneralwelfareandsecuretheblessingsoflibertytoourselvesandourposterity,doordainandestablishthisconstitutionfortheUnitedStatesofAmerica.”
Commander:“Thisgovernmentguaranteedbythesegreatdocumentshasbeenpreservedtothepresentday.Wenowpaytributetothosewhofoughtforitsestablishmentandpreservation.Thesamespirit,whichanimatedthem,promotedtheheroesoftheWorldWarof1917and1918tofighttopreservethefreedomofcivilizationoftheworld.OutofthatstrugglegrewTheAmericanLegion,whosepreambleInowrequestthechaplaintoread.”
Chaplain:“ForGodandcountry,weassociateourselvestogetherforthefollowingpurposes:toupholdanddefendtheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica:tomaintainlawandorder;tofosterandperpetuateaonehundredpercentAmericanism;topreservethememoriesandincidentsofourassociationsintheGreatWars;
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toinculcateasenseofindividualobligationtothecommunity,stateandnation;tocombattheautocracyofboththeclassesandthemasses;tomakerightthemasterofmight;topromotepeaceandgoodwillonearth;tosafeguardandtransmittoposteritytheprinciplesofjustice,freedomanddemocracy;toconsecrateandsanctifyourcomradeshipbyourdevotiontomutualhelpfulness.”Thecommanderwillintroducethespeakeroftheday.Thepostmayinvitechildreninpatrioticdresstosing“America,”“Columbia,theGemoftheOcean,”orotherpatrioticmusicatthispoint.
Chaplain:“LetusstandinsilenceinmemoryandinhonorofthesoldiersoftheRevolutionaryWarandthoseafterthemwhohavefoughtthatlibertymightendure.”
Sing“TheStar-SpangledBanner.”Thepostfilesoutandisdismissed.
VeteransDayThepostfilesinandisseatedinreservedspaceorseats.Thecommander,chaplainandotherofficersormemberswithspeakingpartstaketheirplacesontheplatform.Theactivepartsaregivenbyfourofficersorothermembersdesignatedbythecommander.
Commander:“Thechaplainwillofferprayer.”Thefollowingprayerisoptional.Initsplacethechaplainmaydeliverapersonaloneofthesamelengthandtenor.Ifanymembershallobjecttoprayeronconscientiousgrounds,observe30secondsofsilenceinmemoryofthedead,providedthesameissoorderedbyamajorityofmemberspresent.
Chaplain:“OGodofHosts,webowourheadsinthankfulnessforthevictoriesThouhastgrantedus–tousandtothosepeopleswhohaveunitedwithustostampouttheevilsofaggression,intoleranceandgreed.
“WebeseechTheetobringtheblessingsofunderstandingtothefamiliesandfriends,inthisandotherlands,ofthosewhohavegiventheirlivesthatmenmaybefree.Grant,OGod,thatthoseclosesttothefallenmayminglethepainoftheirlosseswiththeennoblinglightofsacrificeforcivilization–sacrificeforabetterworldforthisandothergenerationsyetunborn.
“Grantustoo,OGod,thecouragetosolivewiththefamilyofnationsaroundtheworldthattheendofstrifewillbethebeginningofenduringpeace.Grantuspatienceinplanningwithourfellowmenandwomenaworldinwhichnationsmayresolvetheirdifferencesbypeacefulmeans.
“TouchThouthesoulsofpeopleineverylandwiththeenduringlightofwisdomsotheymayformabrotherhoodwhichwillstrivetofurthertheartsofpeaceunderlawsandethicsblessedbyThylove.
“GrantusnowThycontinuedblessinguponunityandstrengththatmakesvictoriespossibleinwar,thatwemaywingreatervictoriesofpeace.Amen.”
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Musicorsingingwouldbeappropriateatthistime.
Commander:“Onthisday,VeteransDay,wearecommemoratingtheserviceofveteransofallwars.
“Werememberhowmenandwomensetasidetheircivilianpursuitstoservetheirnation’scause,defendingthefreedomofmankindandpreservingourpreciousAmericanheritage.
“Webelieveourstrengthonthefieldofbattle,onthesupplylineswhichnourishedourarmedmight,layinthejusticeofourcauseagainsttheforcesofevil.Webelieveourdeterminationmadeusbetterwarriorsbecausewefoughtwithourmindsandourheartsaswellasourbodies.
“Werecognizeservicetoourcountryandhercausedoesnotendwiththeterminationofmilitaryservice.WecontinueourendeavorsinbehalfofanhonorableworldpeacewithafeelingofprofoundgratitudetoGod,andtothemenandwomenwhogavetheirlivesastheirpartofthecostofthisnoblestofcauses.
“Outofbloodandsweatwelearnedofpurpose,sacrifice,tolerance,braveryanddiscipline.Thesearesolidfoundationstonesuponwhichagreatnationisbuilt.Inourcontinuingquestforanhonorableworldpeacewemustcultivatethesevirtues.”
Auxiliarypresidentorrepresentative:“Thewagingofwarinvolvesmorethanjustthecombatantswhofighttothedeathonthefieldofbattle.Thefightingforcesbeginatthefiresideandinthehometowns.Therepercussionsofwar’sterriblebrutalityhavechilledtheheartanddimmedthehopesanddreamsofmanyalovedoneleftbehindonthehomefront.Whilethehorrorsofthebattlefieldmaynothavebeenourexperience,wehavelivedwiththeterrifyinglonelinesscreatedtoansweranaggressor’schallenge.
“Inwagingwar,wehavemovedforwardwithaunityofpurposewhichmadeusstrong,forgettingpettiness,egotismandpride.Ourheartsbeatintunewiththoseinothernationsfightingforfreedomandthedignityandopportunityofmankind.Inourconstantquestforanhonorableworldpeace,thereisneedforunityofpurposeifwetrulyaretomovetowardabrightertomorrow.”
Firstofficer:“Iftherebegloryinwar,itisthealmostincrediblespiritwhichitengenders.Thosewhoofferedtheirlivessacrificetheirallwithmagnificentabandon.Heroismbecomescontagious.Yet,too,inwarfare,greedandbrutalityareepidemic.Toooftenitistheselaterwhichpersistinthepeacethatfollows.Letusstrivetoseethesamespiritofself-sacrificeiscultivatedinpeaceashasbeenexhibitedinwar.
“Itbehoovesustorearnewstandardsofsuccess,toinspireyouthinpeaceasyouthwasinspiredinwar.Publichonormustbegivenwherepublichonorisdue–nottothemanipulatorofamarket,theseekerafterprofit,powerorposition,butrather,letus
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honortheheroesofsciencewhoalleviatehumansufferingandcarrytogreaterheightsthestandardsofcivilization.
“Letushonorthosewhoinpublicserviceseeknothowmuchtheymaysecurefromthenationbuthowmuchtheycangive.Letushonorthosewhodevotetheirlivestothateducation,whichwillleadourchildrenontoliveandlaughandlearnandlove,aswehaveonlydreamedofdoing.Letushonorthoseveteranswhocarryintoordinaryaffairsoflifeanobleidealismandsincerecapacityforself-devotion.Letustranslatethedevotionofwarintoadevotionofpeace.Letuswilltoliveaswellasdieforourcountry.”Womanveteran:“Thehurtsofwarfallalikeuponthosewhowearthesameuniform,nomatterhowtheymaydifferinrace,creedorculture.Thosewhofighttogethersuffertogethertoachieveacommonaim.
“Inthesimilarityofbattledress,thereisacommondenominator:thecommonpurpose,thesharingofdangerandsuffering,whichbringsintimeofwaratolerancewhichaddsstrengthtothecause.
“Asweputasidethebrownandblueandgreenfabricsthatmadeusonepeopleonthebattlefields,wecanholdinourmindsthattolerancewehaveachieved.Intolerancethereisprogress–progresstowardabetterandahappierworld.”
Secondofficer:“Courageisoneofthevirtuesbornofwar–thecourageofindividualsinthefaceofdangerandthecourageofnationstoprotecttheweakandpunishtheaggressor.Thereisbraverytobeshowninpeaceaswell.Maywerecapturethecouragewhichturnedthewildernessintocitiesthatboundmentogetherundergovernment.
“Wecanturnslumsintocomfortablehomes,turnuncertaintyintocertainty.Wecanreachnewheightsofcivilizationandopportunityforthemenandwomenofthisnationifwehavethecouragetoexpectandworkforabetterwayoflife.
“Therecanberomanceinthischallengealso.Thebraverythatfightsforpolitical,social,economicandspiritualgainsmaybemoredifficulttopractice–maybeunsungwhenachieved–butitisallthemoreworthstrivingfor.”
Thirdofficer:“Warhastaughtusthelessonofobediencetocommand.‘Thegameismorethantheplayer…Andtheshipismorethanthecrew.’
“Thereisagreaterdisciplinewemustnowpursueifwearetopreservethisvirtueofobedienceinourquestforanhonorableworldpeace.Thatisobediencetothelawswe,ourselves,make–thevoluntarydisciplineofcitizenship.
“Underoursystemofgovernmentwemaychangethelawsbymajorityrule.Wemaypersuadeourneighborstonewtheoriesornewcourses.Wemayadvocateinfreeelectionsthechoiceofveteransorplans.Asgoodcitizenswefollowthechoiceofthemajority,whetherthatchoicebetheindividual’sornot.
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“Thisisthevirtueofdisciplinewhichmustbeoursinpeace.Thisisthelessonwemustlearnathome,inschool,ontheplayingfields,inorganizations,inthecommunityandthenation.Itisthelessonofvoluntaryobediencetothedecisionsofthemajority.
“Wemustnotbeunmindfuleitheroftheconclusionsofotherpeopleswithwhomwehavejoinedinthequestforanhonorableworldpeace.Thisisthehigherorderofdisciplines.”
Commander:“Intimeofpeacewecanusetheennoblingvirtuesofwarandputbehindusitsuglinessandsuffering.Inpeaceweshallgoforwardtogethertoscalenewheightsofachievementinunityofpurpose,insacrificeforthecommongood,intoleranceforthoseofdifferentfaithsandcreeds,inbraverytofightforsocialandeconomicgains,andinthedisciplineofgoodcitizenship.WeshallmoveforwardinthesightofGodasastrongnationinapeacefulworld.”
Otherspeakersmaybeintroducedbythecommander.Sing“TheStar-SpangledBanner.”Postmembersfileout.
FLAGCEREMONIES
RetirementofoldcolorsThisceremonyissuggestedforoccasionswhenanAmericanLegionpostmaywishtoretire,notdisposeof,colorsthathavebecomeunserviceable.
Commander:“Ithasbeenrecommendedourwornsetofoldcolorsbefittinglyretired.Astheyhaveservedourpostformanyyearsandonagreatvarietyofoccasions,weshallretirethemwiththerespecttheydeserve.
“Sergeant-at-arms,youwillhavethecolorguardadvanceandpresentthecolorsforfinalinspection.”
Thecolorsarebroughttothecommander’srostruminproperform.
Sergeant-at-arms:“Wehavethehonortopresentforinspectionandretirementthecolorswhichhaveservedourpostfor(number)years.”
Thesergeant-at-armsstepstooneside.
Commander:“Themembersoftheinspectionteamwillexaminethecolors.”Thetwoinspectorscanbepostofficers.
Firstinspector:“Thecolorshavebecomefadedandwornasaresultofuseinpostfunctions.Irecommendtheyberetired.”
Secondinspector:“Thesecolorshavebecomeunserviceableinaworthycauseandtheyshouldbehonorablyretiredfromfurtherservice.”
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Commander:“Sergeant-at-arms,preparethecolorsforretirement.”Thesergeant-at-armsinstructsthecolorguardtopreparetoretirethecolors.Thecommandergivesthreerapsofthegavel.
Commander:“Thechaplainwillofferprayer.”
Chaplain:“AlmightyGod,Captainofallhostsandcommanderoverall,blessandconsecratethisgathering.WethankYouforourcountryanditsflag,andforthelibertyforwhichitstands.WethankYouforTheAmericanLegionanditsbanner,andtheprivilegeYouhavegivenustoserveourcountryinitshoursofneedandtocontinuetoserveourcountryintimeofpeace.Amen.”
Commander:“Sergeant-at-arms,retirethecolors.”Mostpostskeepoldcolorsinatrophycaseorotherlocationwheretheycanbeproperlydisplayedorstored.
Dignifieddisposalofunserviceableflags
ThisceremonyissuggestedaspartofaFlagDayobservance.Thepostassemblesoutdoorsatnight.Membersformtwoparallelrowsabout20feetapart,facingeachother.Officerstakeupstationsasshowninthegraphiconpage89.Asmallfireisburningoppositethecommanderandbeyondtherowsofmembers.
Sergeant-at-arms:“Comradecommander,wewishtopresentanumberofunserviceableflagsofourcountryforinspectionanddisposal.”
Commander:“Comradesergeant-at-arms,advancewithyourdetailandpresenttheflagsfordisposalandinspection.”Thesergeant-at-armscallsthedetailtoattention.Thedetailformsatthepostofthesergeant-at-arms,takestheflagstobeinspected,marchesabreastdowncenteruntiloppositethesecondvicecommander,turnsrightandhaltstwopacesinfrontofthesecondvicecommander.Thesergeant-at-armsstepsforwardandsalutes.
Sergeant-at-arms:“Comradevicecommander,wepresenttheseunserviceableflagsforyourinspection.”
Secondvicecommander:“Isthepresentconditionoftheseflagstheresultoftheirusualserviceastheemblemofourcountry?”
Sergeant-at-arms:“Theseflagshavebecomefadedandwornoverthegravesofourdepartedcomradesandthedeadsoldiers,sailors,andairmenofallournation’swars.”
Secondvicecommander:“Presenttheseflagstothefirstvicecommanderforinspection.”Thesergeant-at-armssalutes,doesanabout-face,commandsthedetail“Aboutface,”crossesbehindthedetailandtakespostatitsleft,andcommands“Forwardmarch.”Thedetailmarchestowithintwopacesofthefirstvicecommander,haltsandproceedsasbefore.
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Sergeant-at-arms:“Comradevicecommander,wepresenttheseflagswhichhavebeeninspectedbythesecondvicecommander,foryourfurtherinspection.”
Firstvicecommander:“Haveanyoftheseflagsservedanyotherpurpose?”
Sergeant-at-arms:“Someoftheseflagshavebeendisplayedinvariouspublicplaces.”
Firstvicecommander:“Presentthemforfinalinspectionanddignifieddisposal.”Thesergeant-at-armssalutes,aboutfaces,commandsthedetail“Aboutface,”crossesbehindthedetailandtakespositiononitsleft,commands“Forwardmarch.”Thedetailmarchestocenter,turnsleft,haltswithintwopacesofthecommander,sergeant-at-armsstepsonepaceforwardandsalutes.
Sergeant-at-arms:“Comradecommander,wehavethehonortopresentforfinalinspectionandproperdisposaltheseflagsofourcountry.”
Commander:“Havetheseflagsbeeninspectedbythefirstandsecondvicecommanders?”
Sergeant-at-arms:“Theyhave.”
Commander:“Comradesecondvicecommander,whatdoesyourinspectionshowandwhatdoyourecommend?”
Secondvicecommander:“Comradecommander,theseflagsbecameunserviceableinaworthycause,Irecommendtheybehonorablyretiredfromfurtherservice.”
Commander:“Comradefirstvicecommander,whatdoesyourinspectionshowandwhatdoyourecommend?”
Firstvicecommander:“Comradecommander,sincetheseflagshavebecomefadedandworninatributeofserviceandlove,Ialsorecommendtheybefittinglydestroyed.”
Commander:“Comrades,wehavepresentedheretheseflagsofourcountrywhichhavebeeninspectedandjudgedasunserviceable.Theyhavereachedtheirpresentstateinaproperserviceoftribute,memoryandlove.
“Aflagmaybeaflimsybitofprintedgauzeorabeautifulbanneroffinestsilk.Itsintrinsicvaluemaybetriflingorgreat;butitsrealvalueisbeyondprice,foritisaprecioussymbolofallthatweandourcomradeshaveworkedforandlivedfor,anddiedfor—afreenationoffreemenandwomen,truetothefaithofthepast,devotedtotheidealsandpracticeofjustice,freedomanddemocracy.
“Letthesefadedflagsofourcountryberetiredanddestroyedwithrespectfulandhonorableritesandtheirplacesbetakenbybrightnewflagsofthesamesizeandkind,andletnograveofoursoldier,sailor,Marineorairmandeadbeunhonoredandunmarked.Sergeant-at-arms,assemblethecolorguard,escortthedetailbearingtheflagsanddestroytheseflagsbyburning.Themembersshallstandatattention.”
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Thecolorguardforms.Thedetaildoesanabout-face.Precededbythecolorguard,thedetailmarchesdowncentertothefire.Nationalcolorscrossoverandtakepositionontherightofthefire,facingthecommander.Poststandardtakespositionontheleftofthefire.Thedetaillinesupbehindthefire,whichisburninglow.
Commander:“Thechaplainwillofferprayer.”
Chaplain:“AlmightyGod,CaptainofallhostsandCommanderoverall,blessandconsecratethispresenthour.WethankYouforourcountryanditsflag,andforthelibertyforwhichitstands.Toacleanandpurgingflamewecommittheseflags,wornoutinworthyservice.Astheyyieldtheirsubstancetothefire,mayYourholylightspreadoverusandbringourheartsreneweddevotiontoGodandcountry.Amen.”
Commander:“Presentarms.”Thecolorguardpresentsarms.Thepoststandardisdipped.Allofficersandmembers,excepttheflagdetail,salute.Membersoftheflagdetaildiptheunserviceableflagsinkeroseneandplacethemonarackoverthefire.Thebuglersounds“TotheColors.”
Commander:“Orderarms.”Thecolorguardresumesitsstationandthedetailisdismissed.Thecolorguardadvancesdownthecenterandplacescolors.Membersofthedetailresumetheirplacesamongthemembers.
Dignifieddisposalofunserviceableflags
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Flagpresentation1.Opentheceremonywithachairmanormasterofceremoniescallingthegatheringtoorderandbrieflyoutliningthepurposeofthemeeting.
2.“Letusstandas(postchaplainorlocalminister)pronouncestheinvocation.”
3.AreadingofWilburD.Nesbit’s“YourFlagandMyFlag.”Thechairmanintroducesthepersonwhowillgivethereading.Note:ChecktheInternetorapubliclibraryforotherappropriateversescelebratingtheflag.
4.Thechairmanordesignatedpersonexplainsthepurposeofthepresentation,andintroducestheorganizationorpersonpresentingtheflagaswellastheorganizationorindividualtowhomtheflagistobepresented.
5.Thepersonpresentingtheflagshouldhaveitready.Besuretheflaghasbeenproperlyfoldedintheformofacolonialhatwithonlythebluefieldandstarsshowing(seepage77).Thepersonwhoistoreceivetheflagiscalledfromthefrontoftheaudience,andafterafewwordsbythepresenter,receivestheflag.
6.Thepersonreceivingtheflagmakesanacceptancespeech.
7.ThePledgeofAllegianceshouldberecitedbyeveryonepresent.(Legionnaireswillremovetheircaps.)
8.Masssingingof“TheStar-SpangledBanner,”“America,”orotherappropriatepatrioticsong.
9.Benediction.
NOTE:Shouldamoreelaborateprogrambedesired,suchasraisingtheflagonaflagpole,conductpresentationceremoniesasindicatedaboveandextendtheprogramfollowingNo.6andbeforemasssingingandthebenediction.Ifaflagraisingisincluded,it’srecommendedanhonorguardconsistingofatleastsevenriflemen,twocolorbearerscarryingtheU.S.flagandAmericanLegioncolors,andtwoLegionnairestoraisetheflagbemarchedtotheflagpole.(A150-footdistanceisrecommended.)Aftertheflagisraisedand/orthenationalanthemisplayed,thehonorguardshouldfireonevolleyasasalutetotheflag.Ifabandisnotavailable,abuglercouldbesubstitutedtoplay“TotheColors.”
PrayersforspecialoccasionsForchaplainsaskedtoprayatmeetingsotherthanpostmeetings,theseprayershavebeenprintedfortheiruse:
Jointmeeting“MostgraciousFatherofusall,fromWhomcomesallhelpandblessings,lookuponusgatheredhere,andwithThyfavor,directusinallouractions.Granttousvigilanthearts;giveusmindstoknowThee,diligencetoseekThee,andwisdomtofindThee.SanctifyuswithThypresence,blessuswithThymight,andassistuswithThycounsel,thatallourendeavorsmaybeginwithTheeandthroughTheemaybehappilyended.Amen.”
Benediction“MaythestrengthofGodsustainus;maythepowerofGodpreserveus;maythehandofGodprotectus;maythewayofGoddirectus;maytheloveofGodgowithus.Amen.”
Memorialservice
“AlmightyGod,ourHeavenlyFather,whohastdominionoverlifeanddeath,granttousthegracetorememberwithloveandreverenceourvaliantandhonoreddepartedcomrade.Grantpeaceandeternalresttothosewhohavegonebeforeus,andmakeusreadyforthatlasthour.StrengthenandconsolethoseinsorrowandbestowuponusThyeverlastingblessing.Amen.”
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APPENDIX
MeaningofthePreambletoTheAmericanLegionConstitution
ForGodandCountry,weassociateourselvestogetherforthefollowingpurposes…TheAmericanLegionrecognizestheinfluenceofAlmightyGodinallworthwhileendeavorsanddeclarestheallegianceofLegionnairestobothGodandnation.ToupholdanddefendtheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesofAmericaTheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesisthewrittenbulwarkofourfreewayoflifeandrepresentativegovernment.Itisourguaranteeofliberty,freedom,justiceanddemocracy.MembersofTheAmericanLegionborearmsandwenttowartodefendandupholdthisdocumentoffreedom.
TomaintainlawandorderWithoutlawandorder,libertywouldbecomelicense.Lawandorderprotectourpursuitofhappiness,oneofourGod-givenrights.MembersofTheAmericanLegionservedinwarstoupholdlawandorderamongnations.Itisjustasimportanttomaintainthedueprocessesoflawinourdomesticaffairs.ItbindsLegionnairestoobeythelawsofthelandandtosupporttheconstitutedauthoritiesinenforcingthoselaws.
Tofosterandperpetuatea100percentAmericanismAmericanismisthegistoftheAmericanidealsoffreedom,justice,individualrightsandunlimitedopportunities.Itembracesallthefreedomswecherishandalltherightsthatareguaranteedtous.Itistheveryoppositeofhatred,bigotryandintolerance.Americanismisthecreedthathasblazedtheworld-widetrailforjustice,fairplay,decency,beliefinGod,privateenterprise,universaleducation,andprogressinallhumanendeavors.Itputsapremiumonthevirtuesofloyalty,patriotism,hardworkandthrift.
TopreservethememoriesandincidentsofourassociationsinthegreatwarsServiceindefenseofAmericaisthegreatestexperienceinthelifetimesofallveterans.Recallingthehighlightsofthatservicemeansmorethanflashbackstotensemomentsofexcitementanddangerinbattle:thegrimeofmuddytrenches,theperilsofsub-infestedoceansandthecombatinthewildblueyonder.Itmeansalsotheinerasablerecollectionofthecomradeships,thebraveryofpals,theteamwork,thesacrifices,themiseriesandhardshipsofmilitarycampaignssharedincommon.Itmeansthebondthatbindsallex-servicemenandwomentogetherinmutualaffection,respectandgratitude.ItalsomeanskeepinggreenforeverthememoriesofthesupremesacrificesofgallantAmericanpatriots,sacrificesnecessarytothewinningsofwars.ItmeansfaithfulannualobservanceofMemorialDayandVeteransDay.
Toinculcateasenseofindividualobligationtothecommunity,stateandnationAlwaysinterestedinbuildingabetternation,thefoundersofTheAmericanLegionbelievedthatsuchbuildingmuststartfirstwiththeindividualintheirowncommunity.SotheymadeitoneofthecardinalprinciplesofTheAmericanLegiontoinculcatethatsenseofpersonalobligationtothecommunity,stateandnationintotheindividualcitizen.Thatmeanseducatingthecitizen–young,oldandfuture–inhisandherresponsibilitytobeactiveinmakingthehometownabetterplaceinwhichtolive,indischargingthedutyofvotinginelections,inpayingtaxespromptly,incontributingtocommunitychestfundsandtobloodbanks.Theword“inculcate”means“toimpressbyfrequentadmonitions”and“toenforcebyfrequentrepetitions.”Likethedutiesthemselves,theremindersthattheyremaintobecarriedforwardareneverfinished.
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TocombattheautocracyofboththeclassesandthemassesThisclauseplacestheLegionnaireonthesideofrightinopposingautocracybyeitherclassormasswhenthisthreatens.Inademocracysuchasours,composedasitisofallnationalities,races,creedsandeconomicgroups,thereareboundtobebothclassesandmasses.Indeed,themassesarecomposedofclasses–butallgroupswithinthemassmustfeelassuredthatinthisnation,reasonandfairnesswillprevailinallhumanactivitiesandrelations.
TomakerightthemasterofmightManywarshavebeenstartedbydictatorswhowantedtheirmighttobetheright.Ifhumanfreedomisnottoperishfromtheearth,rightmustalwaysbemasterofmight.Therightsofsmallnationsmustbeprotectedagainstthetyrannythatpowerfulneighborsmayseektoimposeonthem,justastherightsofminoritiesinoursocietymustbeprotectedandrespected.Legionnairesarepledgedbythisclausealwaystostandwiththeright,protecttheweakandpreservethelibertiesoftheindividual.ThisconceptisthebasisofTheAmericanLegion’scontinuedadvocacyofastrongnationalpreparednesssoastoachievetheidealsituationthatrightwillbebackedbyadequatemight.
TopromotepeaceandgoodwillonearthUntiltheentireworldbecomesagoodneighborhood,Legionnairesmustcontinuetheefforttopromotepeaceandgoodwillonearth.ItisinpursuanceofthisfoundingidealthatTheAmericanLegionhassupportedfromthebeginningandseekstostrengthentheUnitedNationsorganization.Obliquely,TheAmericanLegionalsocontributestothisidealbyfirmlysupportingastrongnationaldefensetodiscouragebreakingofthepeacebyaggressors.
Tosafeguardandtransmittoposteritytheprinciplesofjustice,freedomanddemocracyOnthisidealofsafeguardingandtransmittingtheprinciplesofjustice,freedomanddemocracy,alloftheyouth-trainingprogramsofTheAmericanLegionarebuilt.AllAmericanscanbeproudthatinourinternationalrelationswehavetriedtolivebythegoldenrule,themarkofjustice.Wehavegrantedtoothers,asweprizeitourselves,thegreatboonoffreedom.ThroughtheMonroeDoctrine,wecalledahalttoforeignimperialisminthewesternhemisphere.WegavefreedomtothePhilippines.TheseprinciplesarepartoftheAmericanheritage.Legionnairesarepledgedtoprotectandpreservethatheritage.
ToconsecrateandsanctifyourcomradeshipbyourdevotiontomutualhelpfulnessThisisthemostimportantidealexpressedinourpreamble.WecanhailTheAmericanLegiontodayasanunparalleledforceintheseUnitedStatesforsocialbetterment.AmericanLegionconceptsanditsidealofdevotiontomutualhelpfulnesswarmedtheentiresocialclimateofAmerica.TodayAmericaisextendingitshelpfulhandsallovertheworldthroughourassistanceprogramsofforeignaid.ThisallcameaboutbecausetheveteransofWorldWarIcamehomeenrichedwithwonderfultiesoffriendshipandgavethosetiesmeaningbyconsecratingthemtotheidealofmutualhelpfulness.
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U.S.CODEANNOTATEDTITLE36CHAPTER21701-21708
THEAMERICANLEGIONCreatedbyActofCongress
Washington,DConSeptember16,1919
§21701.Organization(a)Federalcharter.–TheAmericanLegion(inthischapter[36U.S.C.A.§21701etseq.],the“corporation”)isafederallycharteredcorporation.(b)Perpetualexistence.–Exceptasotherwiseprovided,thecorporationhasperpetualexistence.--
§21702.PurposesThepurposesofthecorporationare–(1)toupholdanddefendtheConstitutionoftheUnitedStates;(2)topromotepeaceandgoodwillamongthepeoplesoftheUnitedStatesandallthenationsoftheEarth;(3)topreservethememoriesandtheincidentsofthe2WorldWarsandtheothergreathostilitiesfoughttoupholddemocracy;(4)tocementthetiesandcomradeshipbornofservice;and(5)toconsecratetheeffortsofitsmemberstomutualhelpfulnessandservicetotheircountry.
§21703.MembershipAnindividualiseligibleformembershipinthecorporationonlyiftheindividual–
(1)hasservedintheArmedForcesof–(A)theUnitedStatesatanytimeduringanyperiodfrom–(i)April6,1917,throughNovember11,1918;(ii)December7,1941,throughDecember31,1946(iii)June25,1950,throughJanuary31,1955;(iv)February28,1961,throughMay7,1975;(v)August24,1982,throughJuly31,1984;(vi)December20,1989,throughJanuary31,1990;or(vii)August2,1990,throughthedateofcessationofhostilities,asdecidedbytheUnitedStatesGovernment;or
(B)agovernmentassociatedwiththeUnitedStatesduringaperiodreferredtoinsubclause(A)ofthisclauseandwasacitizenoftheUnitedStateswhentheindividualenteredthatservice;and
(2)washonorablydischargedorseparatedfromthatserviceorcontinuestoservehonorablyduringorafterthatperiod.
§21704.PowersThecorporationmay–
(1)adoptaconstitution,bylaws,andregulationstocarryouthepurposesofthecorporation;(2)adoptandalteracorporateseal;(3)establishandmaintainofficestoconductitsactivities;(4)establishStateandterritorialorganizationsandlocalchapterorpostorganizations;(5)provideguidanceandleadershiptoorganizationsandlocalchaptersestablishedunderparagraph(4),butmaynotcontrolsuchorganizationsandlocalchapters;1(6)acquire,own,lease,encumber,andtransferpropertyasnecessarytocarryoutthepurposesofthecorporation;(7)publishamagazineandotherpublications;(8)sueandbesued;and(9)doanyotheractnecessaryandpropertocarryouttheprposesofthecorporation.
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§21705.Exclusiverighttoname,emblems,andbadges
ThecorporationanditsStateandlocalsubdivisionshavetheexclusiverighttousethename“TheAmericanLegion”or“AmericanLegion.”Thecorporationhastheexclusiverighttouse,manufacture,andcontroltherighttomanufacture,emblemsandbadgesthecorporationadopts.
§21706.PoliticalactivitiesThecorporationshallbenonpoliticalandmaynotpromotethecandidacyofanindividualseekingpublicoffice.
§21707.ServiceofprocessAsaconditiontotheexerciseofanypowerorprivilegegrantedbythischapter[36U.S.C.A.§21701etseq.],thecorporationshallfile,withthesecretaryofstateorotherdesignatedofficialofeachState,thenameandaddressofanagentinthatStateonwhomlegalprocessordemandsagainstthecorporationmaybeserved.
§21708.AnnualreportNotlaterthanJanuary1ofeachyear,thecorporationshallsubmitareporttoCongressontheactivitiesofthecorporationduringthepriorcalendaryear.Thereportmaynotbeprintedasapublicdocument.1AddedDecember13,2011.Title36U.S.Coderewrittenin1998.Thelanguageaboveisthecurrentversionasamended.
CONSTITUTIONOFTHEAMERICANLEGION
ASOFFEBRUARY2016
PREAMBLEForGodandCountry,weassociateourselvestogetherforthefollowingpurposes:ToupholdanddefendtheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica;tomaintainlawandorder;tofosterandperpetuateaonehundredpercentAmericanism;topreservethememoriesandincidentsofourassociationsintheGreatWars;toinculcateasenseofindividualobligationtothecommunity,stateandnation;tocombattheautocracyofboththeclassesandthemasses;tomakerightthemasterofmight;topromotepeaceandgoodwillonearth;tosafeguardandtransmittoPosteritytheprinciplesofjustice,freedomanddemocracy;toconsecrateandsanctifyourcomradeshipbyourdevotiontomutualhelpfulness.
ARTICLEINAME
Section1.ThenameofthisorganizationshallbeTHEAMERICANLEGION.Section2.TheNationalHeadquartersofTHEAMERICANLEGIONshallbelocatedatthesiteoftheIndianaWorldWar
MemorialinthecityofIndianapolis,Indiana.
ARTICLEIINATURE
Section1.THEAMERICANLEGIONisacivilianorganization;membershipthereindoesnotaffectnorincreaseliabilityformilitaryorpoliceservice.RankdoesnotexistintheLegion;nomembershallbeaddressedbyhismilitaryornavaltitleinanyconventionormeetingoftheLegion.
Section2.THEAMERICANLEGIONshallbeabsolutelynonpoliticalandshallnotbeusedforthedisseminationofpartisanprinciplesnorforthepromotionofthecandidacyofanypersonseekingpublicofficeorpreferment.
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ARTICLEIIIORGANIZATION
Section1.THEAMERICANLEGIONshallbeorganizedinDepartmentsandtheseinturninPosts.ThereshallbeoneDepartmentineachstate,intheDistrictofColumbia,andtheremaybeoneDepartmentineachterritoryandinsularpossessionsoftheUnitedStates.TheNationalExecutiveCommitteemayestablishPostsintheterritorialandinsularpossessionsoftheUnitedStatesandforeigncountries,andshalldesignatetheDepartmentunderwhosejurisdictiontheyshallfunction,butthisshallinnowayaffectthestatusofDepartmentsalreadyestablished.
ARTICLEIVELIGIBILITY
Section1.AnypersonshallbeeligibleformembershipinTHEAMERICANLEGIONwhowasamemberoftheArmy,Navy,MarineCorps,CoastGuardorAirForceoftheUnitedStatesandassignedtoactivedutyatsometimeduringanyofthefollowingperiods:April6,1917,toNovember11,1918;December7,1941,toDecember31,1946;June25,1950,toJanuary31,1955;February28,1961,toMay7,1975;August24,1982,toJuly31,1984;December20,1989,toJanuary31,1990;August2,1990,tothedateofcessationofhostilitiesasdeterminedbytheGovernmentoftheUnitedStates;alldatesinclusive,orwho,beingacitizenoftheUnitedStatesatthetimeofhisentrytherein,servedonactivedutyinthearmedforcesofanyoftheGovernmentsassociatedwiththeUnitedStatesduringanyofsaidperiods;provided,however,thatsuchserviceshallhavebeenterminatedbyhonorabledischargeorhonorableseparation,orcontinuedhonorablyduringorafteranyofsaidperiods;provided,further,thatnopersonshallbeentitledtomembershipwho,beinginsuchserviceduringanyofsaidperiods,refusedonconscientious,politicalorothergroundstosubjecthimselftomilitarydisciplineorunqualifiedservice.Section2.Thereshallbenoformorclassofmembershipexceptanactivemembership,andduesshallbepaidannuallyorforlife.Section3.NopersonmaybeamemberatanyonetimeofmorethanonePost.Section4.Noperson,whohasbeenexpelledbyaPost,shallbeadmittedtomembershipinanotherPostwithouttheconsentoftheexpellingPost,exceptthatwheresuchconsenthasbeenaskedforanddeniedbysuchPost,hemaythenappealtotheExecutiveCommitteeoftheDepartmentoftheexpellingPostforpermissiontobeadmittedtomembershipinanotherPost,andshallbeineligibleformembershipuntilsuchpermissionisgranted.
ARTICLEVNATIONALCONVENTION
Section1.ThelegislativebodyofTHEAMERICANLEGIONshallbetheNationalConvention,exceptasotherwiseprovidedintheConstitutionandBy-Laws.Section2.ThetimeandplaceoftheNationalConventionsshallbedeterminedbytheNationalExecutiveCommittee,whichshallhaveauthoritytochangesuchtimeandplaceforsufficientreasonstoitappearing.Section3.IntheNationalConventioneachDepartmentshallbeentitledtofivedelegatesandoneadditionaldelegateforeachonethousandmembers,ormajorfractionthereof,whosecurrentdueshavebeenreceivedbytheNationalTreasurer30dayspriortothemeetingofsaidconvention,andwhoseregistrationfees,asfixedbytheNationalExecutiveCommittee,foritstotalauthorizeddelegatestrength,havebeenpaid;andtoonealternateforeachdelegate.ThedelegatesshallbechosennotlessthantwoweeksbeforetheNationalConventionatDepartmentConventionsorinanyothermannerspecifiedbyanyDepartmentConstitution.Section4.Eachdulyregistereddelegateshallbeentitledtoonevote.ThevoteofanyregistereddelegateabsentandnotrepresentedbyanalternateshallbecastbythemajorityoftheregistereddelegatespresentfromhisDepartment.Alternatesforregistereddelegatesshallhavealltheprivilegesofregistereddelegates,exceptthatofvoting.Aregistereddelegateisonewhohasreceivedhiscredentialsafterhisregistrationfeehasbeenpaid.Section5.AquorumshallexistataNationalConventionwhensixtypercentoftheDepartmentsarerepresentedasprovidedabove.
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Section6.TheNationalExecutiveCommitteeshallprovideaUniformCodeofProcedurefortheorderlyorganizationandoperationofNationalConventionswithcontinuingpowerofrevision,andsaidCodeshallbeapplicableatallNationalConventionsunlessitisamended,suspended,orrepealedbyamajorityvoteofthetotalauthorizedrepresentationataNationalConvention.
ARTICLEVINATIONALOFFICERS
Section1.TheNationalConventionshallelectaNationalCommander,andfiveNationalViceCommanders,whoshallservewithoutseniority.NotwoViceCommandersshallbechosenfromthesameDepartment.Nopersonsshallbeeligibleforre-electiontotheofficeofNationalCommanderorNationalViceCommander.Section2.SuchofficersshallserveuntiltheadjournmentofthesucceedingNationalConventionfollowingtheirelectionandthereafteruntiltheirsuccessorsarechosen.VacanciesintheseofficesoccurringbetweenNationalConventionsshallbefilledbyelectionbytheNationalExecutiveCommittee,andanymemberofTHEAMERICANLEGION,ingoodstanding,shallbeeligibleforelectiontosuchvacancy.Provided,however,thatnoPastNationalCommander,orPastNationalViceCommandershallbeelectedtofillanyvacancyintheserespectiveoffices.Section3.TheNationalExecutiveCommitteeatitsfirstmeetingfollowingtheNationalConventionshallappointtheNationalAdjutant,NationalTreasurer,NationalJudgeAdvocate,NationalChaplain,andNationalHistorian,suchofficerstoholdofficeatthepleasureoftheappointingpower.Allpersonshavingthecustodyoffundsshallgiveadequatebonds,whichshallbeapprovedbytheNationalExecutiveCommittee.Section4.AllPastNationalCommanders,whileingoodstandingintheirrespectivePosts,shallbemembersforlifeoftheNationalExecutiveCommittee,withoutvote,andshallalsobelifedelegatestoallNationalConventionsofTHEAMERICANLEGION,withvote,tobeexercisedbythemwiththeirrespectiveDepartments.
ARTICLEVIINATIONALEXECUTIVECOMMITTEE
Section1.BetweenNationalConventions,theadministrativepowershallbevestedintheNationalExecutiveCommittee,whichshallbecomposedoftheNationalCommander,theNationalViceCommanders,andoneNationalExecutiveCommitteemanandonealternatefromeachDepartmenttobeelectedassuchDepartmentshalldetermine,thealternatetoactonlyintheabsenceoftheNationalExecutiveCommitteeman.Section2.ThetermofofficeofsuchNationalExecutiveCommitteemenandalternatesshallbetwoyears.ThetermofofficeofeachNationalExecutiveCommitteemanandalternateshallcommenceimmediatelyupontheadjournmentoftheNationalConventionnextensuingaftertheirelectionandshallendattheadjournmentofthesecondnextsucceedingannualNationalConvention.Section3.MembersoftheNationalExecutiveCommitteeshallbedelegatestotheNationalConventionwithvote,whichvoteshallbeexercisedwiththeirrespectiveDepartments,exceptthatthevoteoftheNationalCommandershallbeexercisedonlyinhiscapacityaschairmanoftheNationalConvention.
ARTICLEVIIIDEPARTMENTORGANIZATION
Section1.DepartmentsshallbecharteredbytheNationalExecutiveCommitteeandshallbecomposedofthePostswithintheirrespectiveareas,andsuchotherPostsastheNationalExecutiveCommitteemayapprove.EachDepartmentchartershallbesignedbytheNationalCommanderandNationalAdjutant.Section2.EachDepartmentshallhaveaDepartmentCommander,oneormoreDepartmentViceCommanders,aDepartmentAdjutantandaDepartmentExecutiveCommittee,andmayhaveaChaplainandsuchotherofficersastheDepartmentshalldetermine.Section3.DepartmentsshallhaveauthoritytocreateandcharterintermediatebodiesbetweenthePostsandDepartmenttoactasaliaisonbetweensuchorganizationsandforthepurposeofpromotingtheprogramsofTHEAMERICANLEGION.Section4.TheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteeshalldefinethepowersofsuchintermediategroups,butinnoeventshallsuchpowersinvadetheprerogativesnowvestedeitherinthePostorDepartmentorNationalOrganization.
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Section5.SuchintermediatebodiesnowexistingwithintheDepartmentsandheretoforeauthorizedorrecognizedbysuchDepartmentareherebyofficiallyrecognizedtotheextentofthepowershereingranted.
ARTICLEIXPOSTORGANIZATION
Section1.ThosewhodesiretoformaPostshallmakeapplicationforatemporarychartertotheCommanderoftheDepartmentinwhichtheyreside.ThetemporarychartershallbeissuedbytheNationalCommanderandNationalAdjutantuponreceiptoftheapplicationproperlyexecutedbythechartermembersoftheprojectedPost,butonlywhensuchapplicationisapprovedbytheCommanderoftheDepartmentorbytheDepartmentExecutiveCommittee.Section2.TheminimummembershipofaPostshallbedeterminedbytheExecutiveCommitteeoftheDepartmentinwhoseareaitlies.Section3.NoPostshallbenamedafteranylivingperson.Section4.AtemporarychartershallbegrantedandshallstatethatitisgrantedontherecommendationoftheDepartmentandonthefollowingtermsandconditions: 1.AllactsheretoforedulyandproperlytakenfortheformationoftheabovenamedPostarerecognizedandconfirmedbytheNationalExecutiveCommittee. 2.TheabovenamedPostshallupholdthedeclaredprinciplesofTHEAMERICANLEGIONandshallconformtoandabidebytheregulationsanddecisionsoftheDepartmentandoftheNationalExecutiveCommittee,orotherdulyconstitutednationalgoverningbodyofTHEAMERICANLEGION. 3. This charter is subject to revocation by the National Executive Committee on the recommendation of theDepartment,orbysuchauthoritythatmayhereafterbeestablishedbytheNationalConvention.Section5.Afteratemporarycharterhasbeenineffectforaprobationaryperiodofatleastninetydays,applicationforapermanentchartermaybemade.SuchprobationaryperiodshallnotexceedoneyearupontheterminationofwhichtheDepartment shall determine whether or not a permanent charter shall be issued or denied and the action of theDepartmentshallbefinal.Section6.AllchartersshallbecountersignedbytheCommanderandtheAdjutantoftheDepartment.Section7.EachDepartmentmayprescribetheConstitutionofitsPosts.Permanentchartersmaybesuspended,cancelledorrevokedbytheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteeasprovidedintheBy-Laws.
ARTICLEXFINANCE
Section1.TherevenueofTHEAMERICANLEGIONshallbederivedfromannualmembershipduesandfromsuchothersourcesasmaybeapprovedbytheNationalExecutiveCommittee.Section2.TheamountofsuchannualduesshallbedeterminedbyeachNationalConventionfortheensuingyear.Section3.TheannualduesshallbecollectedbyeachPostandtransmittedpromptlythroughtheDepartmenttotheNationalTreasurer.DepartmentsaredesignatedagentsforcollectionforTHEAMERICANLEGIONwithrespecttosuchannualduesanduponthereceiptthereofshallremitthempromptlytoTHEAMERICANLEGION.InnoeventshalltheperiodtranspiringbetweenthereceiptofsuchannualduesbyaDepartmentandtheremittancethereoftoTHEAMERICANLEGIONexceedthirty(30)days.Section3.2.Theannualduesshallbecollectedinsuchalternatemethod(s)asdeterminedbytheNationalExecutiveCommitteefromtimetotimeandthereaftercommunicatedtotheDepartmentsforcommunicationstothePostsprovidedthat(a)innoinstanceshalltheNationalOrganizationortheDepartmentsbeempoweredtoretain,orwithhold,morethaneachonespublishedamountofpercapitadues;(b)innoeventshalltheperiodtranspiringbetweenthereceiptofsuchannualduesbytheNationalOrganizationandtheremittancethereoftotheDepartmentsexceedthirty(30)days;and(c)anysuchalternativemethodshallbeinadditiontoandnotinsubstitutionformethod3.1above.Section4.AnnualduesshallbepayableOctober20ofeachyear,forthesucceedingcalendaryear.
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ARTICLEXIDISCIPLINE
Section1.TheNationalExecutiveCommittee,afternoticeandahearingbeforeasubcommitteeashereinafterprovided,maycancel,suspendorrevokethecharterofaDepartmentforanygoodandsufficientcausetoitappearing.Section2.TheNationalExecutiveCommitteemaydesignate,appointandauthorizeasubcommitteetohearandtryandmakewrittenfindingsoffactandrecommendationswithreferencetothematterofthecancellation,suspensionorrevocationofthecharterofanyDepartmentofTHEAMERICANLEGIONaftersaidDepartmentshallhavereceiveddueandpropernoticeofsaidhearingandtrial.SaidsubcommitteeshallmakeitswrittenfindingsandrecommendationstotheNationalExecutiveCommitteeforitsapprovalorrejection,andtheactionofsaidNationalExecutiveCommitteeuponsuchfindingsandrecommendationsshallbefinalandconclusive.Section3.Thehearingandtrialofanycauseinvolvingthecancellation,suspension,orrevocationofthecharterofanyDepartmentinTHEAMERICANLEGIONshallbehadandheldunderrulesofproceduretobeadoptedbytheNationalExecutiveCommittee.Section4.UponsuspensionofthecharterofanyDepartmentofTHEAMERICANLEGION,theNationalExecutiveCommitteeisauthorized,empoweredanddirected,byandthroughitsdulyauthorizedagents,totakepossession,custodyandcontrolofalloftherecords,propertyandassetsofandbelongingtosuchDepartment,andtoprovideforthegovernmentandadministrationofsuchDepartmentduringsaidsuspension.Section5.UponcancellationorrevocationofthecharterofanyDepartmentofTHEAMERICANLEGION,theNationalExecutiveCommitteeisauthorized,empoweredanddirected,byandthroughitsdulyauthorizedagents,totakepossession,custodyandcontrolofalloftherecords,propertyandassetsofsuchDepartment,andtotakeallnecessaryandproperstepsandproceedingstoconcludeandclosetheaffairsofsuchDepartment,andsaidNationalExecutiveCommitteemayprovideforsuchcontinuedrecognitionandactivitiesofPostsinsaidDepartmentsasitmaydeemproper.
ARTICLEXIICHANGEOFRESIDENCE
Section1.AnymemberingoodstandinginaPostremovingfromhisDepartmentshallbeentitledtoacertificatefromhisPoststatinghismembershipandthedurationthereof.
ARTICLEXIIIAUXILIARIES
Section1.THEAMERICANLEGIONrecognizesanauxiliaryorganization,knownastheAmericanLegionAuxiliary.Section2.MembershipintheAmericanLegionAuxiliaryshallbelimitedtothegrandmothers,mothers,sisters,wives,anddirectandadoptedfemaledescendantsofmembersofTHEAMERICANLEGION,andtothegrandmothers,mothers,sisters,wives,anddirectedandadoptedfemaledescendantsofallmenandwomenwhowereintheArmedForcesoftheUnitedStatesduringanyofthefollowingperiods:April6,1917,toNovember11,1918;December7,1941,toDecember31,1946;June25,1950,toJanuary31,1955;February28,1961,toMay7,1975;August24,1982,toJuly31,1984;December20,1989,toJanuary31,1990;August2,1990,tothedateofcessationofhostilitiesasdeterminedbytheGovernmentoftheUnitedStates;alldatesinclusive,orwho,beingcitizensoftheUnitedStatesatthetimeoftheirentrytherein,servedonactivedutyintheArmedForcesofanyofthegovernmentsassociatedwiththeUnitedStatesduringanyofsaidperiods,anddiedinthelineofdutyorafterhonorabledischarge;andtothosewomenwhooftheirownrightareeligibleformembershipinTHEAMERICANLEGION.Section3.TheAuxiliaryshallbegovernedineachDepartmentofTHEAMERICANLEGIONbysuchrulesandregulationsasmaybeprescribedbytheNationalExecutiveCommitteeandthereafterapprovedbysuchDepartmentofTHEAMERICANLEGION.
ARTICLEXIVRATIFICATION
Section1.AllactsperformedandchartersheretoforegrantedbythetemporaryorganizationtoTHEAMERICANLEGIONareherebyratifiedandconfirmed.
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ARTICLEXVAMENDMENTS
Section1.TheConstitutionmaybeamendedatanyNationalConventionbyavoteoftwo-thirdsofthetotalauthorizedrepresentationthereat,providedthattheproposedamendmentshallhavebeensubmittedthroughtheNationalAdjutanttotheseveralDepartmentsandmembersoftheNationalExecutiveCommitteebymailingsametothematleasttwenty(20)dayspriortotheconveningofthenextNationalConvention;anysuchproposedamendmentmaybeamendedwithoutfurthernoticebyatwo-thirdsvoteofthetotalauthorizedrepresentationthereat,provideditdoesnotincreasethemodificationproposedbytheamendmentandithasreceivedtheapprovaloftheConventionCommitteeonConstitutionalAmendments;and,providedfurther,itmaybeamendedbyunanimousvoteatanyNationalConventionwithoutnotice.Section2.ThatnoproposedamendmentshallbesubmittedthroughtheNationalAdjutanttotheseveralDepartmentsandmembersoftheNationalExecutiveCommittee,asprovidedinSection1ofthisarticle,unlesssaidproposedamendmentshallhavebeenfirstsubmittedbyaDepartmentConvention,DepartmentExecutiveCommittee,ortheNationalExecutiveCommittee.
ARTICLEXVINATIONALINCORPORATION
ThisConstitutionisadoptedconformablytotheActofCongressoftheUnitedStatesofAmericaofSeptember16,1919,andallamendatoryactsthereto.
ARTICLEXVIIIntheeventtheCongressoftheUnitedStatesshallamendtheeligibilityclauseintheActcreatingTHEAMERICANLEGION,
thisConstitutionshallbedeemedamendedinconformancetherewith,butsubjecttoallconsistentlimitationsandrestrictionsinthisConstitutioncontained.
BY-LAWSOFTHEAMERICANLEGION
ARTICLEINATIONALEXECUTIVECOMMITTEE
Section1.Incaseofdeath,resignationorremovalbyhisrespectiveDepartmentofanyNationalExecutiveCommitteemanoralternatetotheNationalExecutiveCommittee,thesuccessorshallbeselectedassuchDepartmentshalldetermineandshallservefortheremainderofsuchunexpiredterm.Section2.TheNationalExecutiveCommitteeshallmeetwithintwenty-fourhoursbeforeandaftereachNationalConventionandwithinforty-fivedaysfollowingitsadjournment,providedhowever,thattheNationalCommandershallhaveauthoritytoextendsaidforty-five-dayperiodforsufficientreasonstohimappearing,uponapprovalbytheNationalExecutiveCommittee,andinMayofeachyear.SpecialmeetingsmaybehelduponreasonablenoticeatthecalloftheNationalCommander.TheNationalCommandershallcallameetingoftheNationalExecutiveCommitteeuponthewrittenrequestofNationalExecutiveCommitteemenfromfifteenormoreDepartments.Section3.Twenty-fivemembersshallconstituteaquorumoftheNationalExecutiveCommittee.Section4.TheNationalCommandershallnamesuchcommitteesasheshalldeemadvisable,subjecttoratificationbytheNationalExecutiveCommitteeatitsnextmeetingsucceedingtheappointment.Section5.TheNationalExecutiveCommitteeshallappoint,uponnominationbytheNationalCommander,aNationalFinanceCommissiontobecomposedofseven(7)members.OfthesevenmembersappointedfollowingtheNationalConvention(1945)atwhichthisamendmentisadopted,twoshallbeappointedtoserveforatermofoneyear,twoshallbeappointedtoserveforatermoftwoyears,andthreeshallbeappointedtoserveforatermofthreeyears;thereaftereachsucceedingappointeeshallserveforatermofthreeyearsoruntilremovedbythemajorityvoteoftheNationalExecutiveCommittee.TheNationalCommanderandtheNationalTreasurershallbeexofficiomembersofsaidcommissionandtheNationalAdjutantshallbeexofficiosecretaryofthesaidcommission.TheNationalFinanceCommissionshallbe
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chargedwiththepreparationoftheyearlybudgetandthehandlingoffundsunderthatbudget,andsuchotherdutiesasshallbeprescribedbytheNationalExecutiveCommittee,subjecttotheapprovaloftheNationalExecutiveCommittee.Section6.Thereshallbethefollowingstandingcommissions:AmericanismCommission,ConventionCommission,FinanceCommission,InternalAffairsCommission,LegislativeCommission,MarketingCommission,Media&CommunicationsCommission,NationalSecurityCommission,VeteransAffairs&RehabilitationCommission,VeteransEmployment&EducationCommission.ThecommissionsshallconsistofsuchnumberofmembersofTHEAMERICANLEGIONastheNationalExecutiveCommitteemayfromtimetotimedetermine.AppointmentstosuchcommissionsshallbemadebytheNationalExecutiveCommitteeuponnominationbytheNationalCommander.TheNationalExecutiveCommitteeisempoweredtoassigndutiesandresponsibilitiestoallstandingcommissionsandcommitteesandtogroupstandingcommitteeswithcommissionsforthepurposeofefficientsupervisionandcoordinationofactivities.Section7.TheNationalExecutiveCommitteeshallprovidefortheappointmentandemploymentofsuchsubordinateofficersandemployeesasmaybeneededfortheadministrationoftheaffairsofTHEAMERICANLEGION,andprescribetheirdutiesandemoluments.Section8.Allquestionsaffectingtheelection,eligibilityandconductofnationalofficersshallbereferredtoanddeterminedbytheNationalExecutiveCommittee.Allquestionsaffectingtheelection,eligibilityandconductoftheNationalExecutiveCommitteemanfromanyDepartment,orofDepartmentofficers,ormembersofDepartmentExecutiveCommittees,shallbereferredtoanddeterminedbytheExecutiveCommitteeoftheDepartmentinvolved,whichshallbethefinalauthoritythereon.
ARTICLEIIDUTIESOFOFFICERS
Section1.NATIONALCOMMANDER:TheNationalCommandershallbetheexecutiveheadofTHEAMERICANLEGIONwithfullpowertoenforcetheprovisionsoftheNationalConstitution,NationalBy-Laws,andthewilloftheNationalConvention.HeshallbethechairmanoftheNationalConventionandtheNationalExecutiveCommittee.Heshallperformsuchotherdutiesasareusuallyincidenttotheoffice.Section2.NATIONALVICECOMMANDERS:TheNationalViceCommandersshallactasrepresentativesoftheNationalCommanderonallmattersreferredtothembyhim,andshall,onhisrequest,presideoverthemeetingsoftheNationalConventionorNationalExecutiveCommittee,andperformsuchotherdutiesasareusuallyincidenttotheoffice.Section3.NATIONALADJUTANT:TheNationalAdjutantshallbechargedwiththeadministrationofthepoliciesandmandatesoftheNationalConvention,theNationalExecutiveCommittee,andoftheNationalCommander.Heshallperformsuchotherdutiesasareusuallyincidenttotheoffice.Heshallalsobeauthorized,ineventofthedeathorresignationoftheNationalCommander,tosummontheNationalExecutiveCommitteefortheelectionofasuccessor,andineventtheNationalAdjutantshallfail,refuseorneglect,withinfifteendaysaftersaiddeathorresignation,toissueacallforsaidmeetingoftheNationalExecutiveCommitteetobeheldwithinthirtydaysaftersaiddeathorresignation,thensaidmeetingforthepurposeofelectingasuccessormaybehelduponthewrittendemandthereforesignedbyrepresentativesfromfifteenormoreDepartments,givingfifteendays’noticethereof.Section4.NATIONALTREASURER:TheNationalTreasurershallbethecustodianofthefundsoftheNationalOrganization.HeshallsignallchecksdisbursingthefundsoftheNationalOrganization,andshallmakereportsupontheconditionofthenationaltreasurywhencalledforbytheNationalCommander.TheNationalTreasurershallfurnishasuretybondashereinafterprescribed.Heshallperformsuchotherdutiesasareusuallyincidenttotheoffice.Section5.NATIONALJUDGEADVOCATE:TheNationalJudgeAdvocateshalladvisethenationalofficersandtheNationalExecutiveCommitteeonalllegalmatters,includingtheconstructionandinterpretationoftheNationalConstitutionandBy-Laws,andshallperformsuchotherdutiesasareusuallyincidenttotheoffice.Section6.NATIONALCHAPLAIN:TheNationalChaplainshallperformsuchdivineandnonsectarianservicesasmaybenecessary,adheringtosuchceremonialritualsasmayberecommendedbyNationalHeadquartersfromtimetotime.Section7.NATIONALHISTORIAN:TheNationalHistorianshallcollectfromyeartoyearallrecordsanddataofvalueandinterestfortheNationalHeadquartersofTHEAMERICANLEGION,andshallcompileduringhistermofofficeacompletehistoryoftheyear’sactivities.HeshallalsoassistDepartmentandPosthistorianssoastocoordinateandunifytheworkoftheseofficials,andshallhavesuchotherdutiesastheNationalExecutiveCommitteeshallprescribe.
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ARTICLEIIICHARTERS
Section1.TheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteemaysuspend,cancelorrevokeaPostCharter.TheactiontakenbytheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteeshallbefinalandconclusiveunlessanappealistakentotheNationalExecutiveCommitteewithinthirtydaysfromthedateofsaidsuspension,cancellationorrevocation.TheactiontakenbytheNationalExecutiveCommitteeuponappealshallbefinal.Section2.AnyPostfailingtomeettheobligationsimposeduponitbytheConstitutionandBy-Laws,orceasingtofunctionforsixmonthsasanAmericanLegionPost,orvoluntarilyceasingtofunctionasaPost,ormergingwithoneormoreotherPosts,orrefusingtopaytheDepartmentandNationalpercapitadues,orundersuchotherconditionsasmightmakesuchactionnecessaryshall,uponorderoftheDepartmentExecutiveCommittee,surrenderitscharterforcancellation.Uponfailuretosurrendersuchcharter,immediatestepsmaybetakenforitsrevocation,suspensionorcancellation.Section3.Uponrevocation,cancellationorsuspensionofthecharterofaPostinanyDepartmentofTHEAMERICANLEGION,saidPostshallimmediatelyceaseoperationsanduponrevocationorcancellationshallturnoveritschartertoitsDepartmentCommanderorDepartmentExecutiveCommittee,andtheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteeisauthorized,empoweredanddirectedbyandthroughitsdulyauthorizedagenttotakepossession,custodyandcontrolofalltherecords,propertyandassetsofsaidPost;provided,however,thatnothinghereinshallbeconstruedasrequiringanyDepartmenttotakeoverorassumeanyfinancialresponsibilityastosuchproperty.SaidDepartmentExecutiveCommitteemayprovideforthetransferofthemembersinsaidPosttootherPostsoftheirchoice,subjecttotheapprovalofsuchotherPost.Section4. TheNationalExecutiveCommittee shallprovideauniformcodedefining theprocedure tobe followed in therevocation,cancellationorsuspensionofPostchartersandprovidingforamethodofappealandfurtherprovidingacodeofprocedure for therevocation,cancellationorsuspensionofDepartmentcharterswithcontinuingpowertorevisesaidcode,provided,however,thattheprocedurenowineffectshallcontinueuntilsuchcodeissoadopted.
ARTICLEIV
DISCIPLINEOFPOSTANDPOSTMEMBERSSection1.EachPostofTHEAMERICANLEGIONshallbethejudgeofitsownmembership,subjecttotherestrictionsoftheConstitutionandBy-Laws,exceptthatnopersonwhoisamemberofanorganizationwhichhasforitsaimtheoverthrowoftheUnitedStatesGovernmentbyforceorviolence,orwhosubscribestotheprinciplesofanygroupopposedtoourformofgovernment,shallbeeligibletobecomeorremainamemberofTHEAMERICANLEGION.Section2.MembersmaybesuspendedorexpelledfromtheLegiononlyuponapropershowingofcause.Chargesshallbebasedupondisloyalty,neglectofduty,dishonestyandconductunbecomingamemberofTHEAMERICANLEGION.Allchargesmustbemadeunderoathinwritingbytheaccusers,andnomemberingoodstandingshalllosehismembershipuntilgivenafairtrialbythePostorDepartmentinsuchmannerandformastheDepartmentBy-LawsandDepartmentExecutiveCommitteeshallprescribe.Section3.AnymemberwhohasbeensuspendedorexpelledhastherightofappealtohisDepartmentExecutiveCommittee,ortotheDepartmentConvention,accordingtotheprovisionsintheBy-LawsofsuchDepartment.ThedecisionoftheDepartmentshallbefinal.Section4.AmemberwhoseduesforthecurrentyearhavenotbeenpaidbyJanuaryfirstshallbeclassedasdelinquent.IfhisduesarepaidonorbeforeFebruaryfirst,heshallbeautomaticallyreinstated.IfheisstilldelinquentafterFebruaryfirst,heshallbesuspendedfromallprivileges.IfheisstillundersuchsuspensiononJunethirtiethofsuchyear,hismembershipinTHEAMERICANLEGIONshallbeforfeited.AmembersosuspendedorwhosemembershiphasbeensoforfeitedmaybereinstatedtoactivemembershipingoodstandingbyvoteofthePostandpaymentofcurrentduesfortheyearinwhichthereinstatementoccurs.Provided,however,thatthePosts,DepartmentsandtheNationalOrganizationmaywaivetheprovisionshereof,uponpaymentofduesfortheyearinwhichreinstatementoccurs,withreferencetoformermemberswhohavebeenpreventedfromthepaymentofduesbyreasonofactivemilitaryservice.
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ARTICLEVMEMBERSHIP
Section1.MembershipinTHEAMERICANLEGIONismembershipintheNationalOrganizationofTHEAMERICANLEGIONbyaffiliationwithPosts.
ARTICLEVI
MONIESANDCOLLECTIONSSection1.AllnationalemployeesandvolunteershandlingallAmericanLegionmoniesandnegotiableinstrumentsshallbecoveredbyfidelity/crimeinsuranceinanadequateamountasdesiredbytheFinanceCommissionandsaidfidelity/crimeinsurancepolicy(s)shallbeapprovedbytheNationalTreasurer,NationalJudgeAdvocate,andFinanceCommission.Section 2. National Headquarters shall, should it be deemed advisable, detail special auditors to investigate themembershiprollandfinancialstatementofanyDepartment,andshouldthatDepartmentsodesire,assistinasimilarauditofPostswithinthatDepartment.
ARTICLEVIITRANSFEROFPOSTS
Section1.PostsofTHEAMERICANLEGIONformedwithinunitsoftheArmy,Navy,MarineCorpsorotherorganizationsliabletotransferfromoneplacetoanother,andwhichareorganizedundertheDepartmentinwhichtheyarethenlocated,maytransfertoanotherDepartmentinamannersimilartothetransferofindividualsfromonePosttoanother.Section2.AnyexistingPostintheterritorialorinsularpossessionoftheUnitedStatesorinforeigncountries,whichisnotunderthejurisdictionofapresentexistingDepartment,shallwithinoneyearfollowingtheadoptionhereof,unlessextendedbytheNationalExecutiveCommittee,requesttheNationalExecutiveCommitteetoplaceitunderthejurisdictionofaDepartmenttobeselectedbysuchPost.SaidrequestshallhaveattachedtheretotheformalconsentofsuchDepartment.ShouldaPostfailorrefusetomakesuchrequestorbeunabletoobtaintheconsentofaDepartment,thentheNationalExecutiveCommitteeshalldesignatetheDepartment.
ARTICLEVIIIAMENDMENTS
Section1.TheseBy-LawsmaybeamendedatanyNationalConventionbyavoteoftwo-thirdsofthetotalauthorizedrepresentationthereat,providedthattheproposedamendmentshallhavebeensubmittedthroughtheNationalAdjutanttotheseveralDepartmentsandmembersoftheNationalExecutiveCommitteebymailingsametothematleasttwenty(20)dayspriortotheconveningofthenextNationalConvention;anysuchproposedamendmentmaybeamendedwithoutfurthernoticebyatwo-thirdsvoteofthetotalauthorizedrepresentationthereat,provideditdoesnotincreasethemodificationproposedbytheamendmentandithasreceivedtheapprovaloftheConventionCommitteeonConstitutionalAmendments;and,providedfurther,itmaybeamendedbyunanimousvoteatanyNationalConventionwithoutnotice.Section2.ThatnoproposedamendmentshallbesubmittedthroughtheNationalAdjutanttotheseveralDepartmentsandmembersoftheNationalExecutiveCommittee,asprovidedinSection1ofthisarticle,unlesssaidproposedamendmentshallhavebeenfirstsubmittedbyaDepartmentConvention,DepartmentExecutiveCommittee,ortheNationalExecutiveCommittee.
APPENDIXTOTHECONSTITUTIONANDBY-LAWS
AmendmentstotheCharterofTHEAMERICANLEGIONenactedbyCongress,October29,1942,PublicAct767;July9,1946,PublicAct
495;December28,1950,PublicAct895;June26,1953,PublicAct80;July26,1955,PublicAct178;September1,1966,PublicAct89-550;December27,1974,PublicAct93-557;August17,1978,PublicAct95-346;December21,1979,PublicAct96-155;October30,1990,
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PublicAct101-478;December3,1991,PublicAct102-179;November20,1997,PublicAct105-110;August12,1998,PublicAct105-225;November3,1998,PublicAct105-354;December2,2002,PublicAct107-309;December13,2011,PublicAct112-66.BeitenactedbytheSenateandHouseofRepresentativesoftheUnitedStatesofAmericainCongressassembled,ThatSection3oftheActentitled“AnActtoIncorporateTHEAMERICANLEGION,”approvedSeptember16,1919(41Stat.285,Title36,U.S.C.,Sec.43,amendedtoTitle36,U.S.C.,Sec.21702),isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
ORIGINALSECTIONSection3.Thatthepurposeofthecorporationshallbe:TopromotepeaceandgoodwillamongthepeoplesoftheUnitedStatesandallthenationsoftheearth;topreservethememoriesandincidentsoftheGreatWarof1917-1918;tocementthetiesofloveandcomradeshipbornofservice;andtoconsecratetheeffortsofitsmemberstomutualhelpfulnessandservicetotheircountry.
AMENDEDSECTION
“Sect.21702.Thatthepurposeofthiscorporationshallbe:ToupholdanddefendtheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica;topromotepeaceandgoodwillamongthepeoplesoftheUnitedStatesandallthenationsoftheearth;topreservethememoriesandincidentsofthetwoWorldWarsandtheothergreathostilitiesfoughttoupholddemocracy;tocementthetiesandcomradeshipbornofservice;andtoconsecratetheeffortsofitsmemberstomutualhelpfulnessandservicetotheircountry.”
ThatSection5ofsuchActofSeptember16,1919(41Stat.285,Title36,U.S.C.,Sec.45,amendedtoTitle36,U.S.C.,Sec.21703)isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
ORIGINALSECTIONSection5.ThatnopersonshallbeamemberofthiscorporationunlessheservedinthenavalormilitaryserviceoftheUnitedStatesatsometimeduringtheperiodbetweenApril6,1917,andNovember11,1918,bothdatesinclusive,orwho,beingcitizensoftheUnitedStatesatthetimeofenlistment,servedinthemilitaryornavalservicesofanyofthegovernmentsassociatedwiththeUnitedStatesduringtheGreatWar.
AMENDEDSECTION
“Sec.21703.ThatnopersonshallbeamemberofthiscorporationunlesssuchpersonhasservedinthenavalormilitaryservicesoftheUnitedStatesatsometimeduringanyofthefollowingperiods:April6,1917,toNovember11,1918;December7,1941,toDecember31,1946;June25,1950,toJanuary31,1955;February28,1961,toMay7,1975;August24,1982,toJuly31,1984;December20,1989,toJanuary31,1990;August2,1990,tothedateofcessationofhostilitiesasdeterminedbytheGovernmentoftheUnitedStates;alldatesinclusive,orwho,beingacitizenoftheUnitedStatesatthetimeofentrytherein,servedinthemilitaryornavalserviceofanyofthegovernmentsassociatedwiththeUnitedStatesduringsaidwarsorhostilities:Provided,however,thatsuchpersonshallhaveanhonorabledischargeorseparationfromsuchserviceorcontinuestoservehonorablyduringorafteranyoftheaforesaidterminaldates.”Thefollowingopinionofthenationaljudgeadvocateclarifiesapost’sauthoritytodeterminewhicheligiblememberstoacceptasmembers:RegardingArticleIV,Section1,a1937rulingbyNationalJudgeAdvocateRalphB.Greggstates,“Inotherwords,amembermaybeeligibletojoinTheAmericanLegion,butthisdoesnotmeanthathemustbeacceptedformembershipinaparticularpost.Eligibilityisnotsynonymouswithacceptability.IfamemberiseligibletojoinTheAmericanLegion,itisstilltheprerogativeoftheposttodeterminewhethertheywillacceptsuchmemberintheirpost.”Insummary,thepostsitsasjudgeofitsmembersindisciplinaryproceedings,andhastheprerogativetoaccept,ornot,whomeveriseligible,providedthatthepostdoesnotrefusemembershiptoaneligiblememberbasedonacriterionprohibitedbylaw,suchasethnicity,gender,age,etc.
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TheAmericanLegion’sBlueprintforthe21stCentury
Formoreinformation,refertothefulltextoftheresolutionsapprovedbytheNationalExecutiveCommitteeMeetingsinIndianapolisOctober17-18,2012.Onlythe“Resolved”clausesofeachresolutionfollow:ResolutionNo.49:Disenfranchising(21stCentury)RESOLVED,ThattheformationandrevitalizationofAmericanLegionpostsbearecommendedprioritywhichonlytheDepartmentCommanderortheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteecontrolsinaccordancewithArticleIXSection1oftheNationalConstitution;and,beitfurtherRESOLVED,Aslongasalloftherequiredobligationsaremetfortheestablishmentofapost,noindividualpost,county,ordistrictshallhavetheauthoritytodenyanyindividual(s)theopportunitytostartorrevitalizeapost,thatthefinaldecisiononallpostcharterapplicationswillbemadebytheDepartmentCommanderorDepartmentExecutiveCommittee;and,beitfurtherRESOLVED,ThatnopostcharterwillbecancelledwithoutthedepartmentattemptingtorevitalizethepostinquestionandattemptsmadebythedepartmenttostartanewpostwithinthesamecalendaryearforeverypostsubmittedforcancellationtotheNationalExecutiveCommittee;and,beitfurtherRESOLVED,Thatdepartmentsareurgedtoformnewpostsincommunitieswherethereexistsalargeveteranpopulationinordertoprovideveteransanopportunitytochoosewhichposttheydesiretobelongaswellasmakeitmoreconvenientfortheveteran;and,beitfinallyRESOLVED,ThatResolutionNo.28,oftheNationalExecutiveCommittee,October2006,titled“Disenfranchising”(21stCentury),isherebysupersededandrescinded.ResolutionNo.50:TrainingandEducation(21stCentury)RESOLVED,ThatalllevelsofTheAmericanLegionleadershipareurgedtodevelopastandardforitsleadershiptoincludeaknowledgeaboutprograms,activities,goalsandobjectivesoftheorganizationinordertodotheirbestandbemoreproactivetowardstheneedsofthosetheyserve;and,beitfurtherRESOLVED,Thatleadershipatalllevels(NationalthroughPost)areurgedtorecommendtoallcandidatesforofficetoconsidertakingandsuccessfullycompletingtheon-lineversionofTheAmericanLegionExtensionInstitutecourse;and,beitfurtherRESOLVED,ThateverydepartmentofTheAmericanLegionbeencouragedtostartandstaffacomprehensivetrainingseminar/college(alsoknownasLegionCollege)forthepurposeoftrainingitsleaders;and,beitfurtherRESOLVED,ThattheNationalOrganizationofTheAmericanLegiondevelopatrainingenvironment,seekingabetter-trainedcadreofleadershipthatmayincludetheuseofcomputertechnology/communications,writtenmaterials,teleconferencing,otherelectronicmedia,workshops,conferences,andseminars;and,beitfurtherRESOLVED,ThatalllevelsofTheAmericanLegionbestronglyandresolutelyurgedtodevelopandexecuteacontinuingeducationprogrampertainingtoTheAmericanLegionprogramsforleadershipandmembers;and,beitfinallyRESOLVED,ThatResolutionNo.30,oftheNationalExecutiveCommittee,October2006,titled“TrainingandEducation”(21stCentury),isherebysupersededandrescinded.
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ResolutionNo.51:VeteranOutreachProgram(21stCentury)RESOLVED,ThatalllevelsofTheAmericanLegionareurgedtodevelopacomprehensiveplantoeducateandprovideservicetoActive,ReserveComponentandNationalGuardeligiblemilitarypersonnelcurrentlyinuniform,recentlyretired,andseparatedaboutthevalueandbenefitsderivedfrommembershipinTheAmericanLegion;and,beitfurtherRESOLVED,ThatalllevelsofTheAmericanLegionareurgedtodeveloparecruitingcampaigntargetedateligiblemilitarypersonnelcurrentlyservingonActiveDuty,intheReserveComponentsandTheNationalGuard,and,aswelldevelopaworkingrelationshipwithTheAdjutantGeneralofthestate,reservecentercommandersandactivedutymilitaryinstallationcommanders;and,beitfinallyRESOLVED,ThatResolutionNo.29,oftheNationalExecutiveCommittee,October2006,titled“VeteranOutreachProgram”(21stCentury),isherebysupersededandrescinded.ResolutionNo.52:TheAmericanLegionPostOperations(21stCentury)RESOLVED,Thatalldepartment,district,countyandlocalAmericanLegionleadersareurgedtodevelopaleadershipplanthatstressestheneedofmentoringandtrainingofallpostofficialsinsuchareasas:
1.Developingandexecutingpostmissionstatements2.Developingandexecutingafive-yearplantoincludedescriptionineachofthefollowingareas:postactivities,programs,budgetstoincludefinancialprojections,membershipandpublicrelations/communications3.Developmentofaconstitutionandby-lawstoincludepropercharterfiling,incorporation,reportfilingtoincludeConsolidatedPostReport,maintainingapropercheckandbalancesystemtoincludeaudit,riskmanagement(liability,propertyandeventinsurance),andproperwritingofresolutions4.Formationandtrainingofcommitteesbasedonthesizeandmissionofthepostinthelocalcommunity5.DevelopprogramsinconjunctionwiththeAuxiliaryandtheSonsofTheAmericanLegiontowelcomenewveteransintothecommunitywithemphasisonwelcomingourwoundedwarriorshomethroughthe“OperationComfortWarriors”programtotheircommunities6.Reachingouttoallveteransinthecommunityandlisteningtotheirconcerns;and,beitfurther
RESOLVED,Thatdepartments,districts,andcountiesareurgedtodevelopanintegratedcoordinatedassistancevisitplan,orsometimesreferredtoasPostResponsibilityAudit,soeverypostisvisitedbyonelevelofleadershipatleastonceayeartoreviewtheaforementionedareaswiththepostleadership;and,beitfurtherRESOLVED,ThattheAmericanLegionbelievesthateachpostisacommunitybasedwartimeveteransorganizationknownforhelpingallveterans,familiesandchildreninthecommunityandwheresocialprogramswillnotsupersedethereasonTheAmericanLegionwasfoundedin1919andwheretheimageisassociatedwith“ServiceFirst”;and,beitfurtherRESOLVED,ThatwhenreferringtoanAmericanLegionpostinallofficialdocuments,publications,signage,andadvertisingthattheword“post”beusedinsteadofclub,hallorotherterm;and,beitfinallyRESOLVED,ThatResolutionNo.31,oftheNationalExecutiveCommittee,October2006,titled“TheAmericanLegionPostOperations”(21stCentury),isherebysupersededandrescinded.ResolutionNo.53:CooperationwithTheAmericanLegionAuxiliaryandSonsofTheAmericanLegion(21stCentury)RESOLVED,Thatalldepartment,district,countyandlocalAmericanLegionleadersareurgedtodevelopacooperativerelationshipwiththeAmericanLegionAuxiliaryandSonsofTheAmericanLegion;and,beitfinally
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RESOLVED,ThatResolutionNo.32,oftheNationalExecutiveCommittee,October2006,titled“CooperationwithTheAmericanLegionAuxiliaryandSonsofTheAmericanLegion”(21stCentury),isherebysupersededandrescinded.
SUGGESTEDFORMFORPOSTCONSTITUTIONSection7,ArticleIX,ofTheAmericanLegionConstitutionprovidesthateachdepartmentmayprescribethe
constitutionofitsposts.Consequently,postsshouldascertainwhetherornotthedepartmenthasadoptedauniformconstitutionforallpostsinthatdepartment.Ifsuchhasbeenapprovedbythedepartment,itshouldbefollowed.
PREAMBLEForGodandCountry,weassociateourselvestogetherforthefollowingpurposes:Toupholdanddefendthe
ConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica;tomaintainlawandorder;tofosterandperpetuateaonehundredpercentAmericanism;topreservethememoriesandincidentsofourassociationsintheGreatWars;toinculcateasenseofindividualobligationtothecommunity,stateandnation;tocombattheautocracyofboththeclassesandthemasses;tomakerightthemasterofmight;topromotepeaceandgoodwillonearth;tosafeguardandtransmittoposteritytheprinciplesofjustice,freedomanddemocracy;toconsecrateandsanctifyourcomradeshipbyourdevotiontomutualhelpfulness.
ARTICLEI
NAME
Section1.Thenameofthisorganizationshallbe(postnameandnumber),TheAmericanLegion,Departmentof__________________________.
ARTICLEIIOBJECTS
Section1.TheobjectivesandpurposesofthisPostshallbetopromotetheprinciplesandpoliciesassetforthintheforegoingpreamble,andtheNationalandDepartmentalConstitutionsofTheAmericanLegion.
ARTICLEIII
NATURE
Section1.ThisPostisacivilianorganizationandmembershipthereindoesnotaffectorincreaseliabilityformilitaryorpoliceservice.
Section2.Thisorganizationshallbeabsolutelynonpoliticalandshallnotbeusedforthedisseminationofpartisanprinciplesnorforthepromotionofthecandidacyofanypersonseekingpublicofficeorpreferment.
Section3.RankdoesnotexistinTheAmericanLegion;nomembershallbeaddressedbyhismilitaryornavaltitleinanymeetingofthisPost.
ARTICLEIVMEMBERSHIP
Section1.EligibilitytomembershipinthisPostshallbeasprescribedbytheNationalConstitutionofTheAmericanLegion.
Section.2.ApplicationformembershipshallbemadeinwritingundersuchregulationsasmayfromtimetotimebeprescribedbythePostExecutiveCommittee.
Section3.AllapplicationsformembershipshallbeacteduponatthenextPostmeetingfollowingthemakingofsuchapplication,andshallatsuchmeeting,beaccepted,rejectedorreferredforfurtherinvestigationandconsideration.Ifamajorityofthememberscasttheirvoteagainsttheacceptanceofsaidapplication,thensuchapplicationshallberecordedasrejected.
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Section4.AnymemberofthisPostmaybeexpelledforcausebyatwo-thirdsvoteoftheExecutiveCommitteeafterchargesarepreferredunderoathinwriting,andafairtrialhaduponthesame.*
Section5.AmemberwhohasbeenexpelledorsuspendedfromthisPostforanycausemaybereinstatedtomembershipbyatwo-thirdsvoteofthemembershippresentinPostmeeting,andthepaymentofcurrentduesfortheyearinwhichthereinstatementoccurs.
Section6.NopersonwhohasbeenexpelledbyaPostshallbeadmittedtomembershipinthisPost,withouttheconsentoftheexpellingPost,exceptthatwheresuchconsenthasbeenaskedforanddeniedbysuchPost,maythenappealtothestateExecutiveCommitteeoftheDepartmentoftheexpellingPostforpermissiontoapplyformembershipinthisPost,andshallbeineligibleformembershipuntilsuchpermissionisgranted.
*Beforeproceedingunderthissection,PostsshouldmakeinquiryastowhetherornottheDepartmentConstitutionandBy-Lawshasprovidedadifferentprocedure,whichshouldbefollowed.
ARTICLEVOFFICERS
Section1.TheadministrativeaffairsofthisPostofTheAmericanLegionshall,exceptasmaybeotherwiseprovidedbytheBy-Laws,beunderthesupervisionofanExecutiveCommitteewhichshallconsistof___________membersinadditiontotheofficersofthePost.ThetermofofficeofmembersoftheExecutiveCommitteeshallbeforoneyear.ThisPost,byitsBy-Laws,mayprovideforsuchotherstandingcommitteesasthebusinessoftheorganizationmayrequire.
Section2.TheofficersofthisPostshallbeacommander,avice-commander,anadjutant,afinanceofficer,aPosthistorian,aPostchaplain,Postserviceofficerandasergeant-at-arms,andsuchotherofficersasmaybedeemednecessarybythisorganization,whoshallbenominatedfromtheflooratthemeetingprecedingtheannualelection.
Section3.Allofficersandexecutivecommitteemenshallbeelectedannually,andtheyshallholdofficeuntiltheirsuccessorsaredulyinstalledorasotherwiseprovided.AnyofficerorexecutivecommitteemanmayberemovedforinefficiencybytheExecutiveCommittee,atwo-thirdsvoteofsaidcommitteebeingnecessarytoeffectsuchremoval.
Section4.EverymemberofthisPostingoodstandingshallbeeligibletoholdofficeinthisPost.Section5.Thedutiesofofficersandtheexecutivecommitteeshallbethoseusuallyappertainingtosuchofficersor
committeeandasfurtherprovidedintheBy-Laws.
ARTICLEVI
FINANCE
Section1.TherevenueofthisPostshallbederivedfrommembershiporinitiationfees,fromannualmembershipduesandfromsuchothersourcesasmaybeapprovedbythePostExecutiveCommittee.
Section2.TheamountofsuchmembershiporinitiationfeesandtheamountofsuchannualPostduesshallbefixedanddeterminedbythisPost.
Section3.ThePostshallpaytoDepartmentalheadquarterstheNationalandDepartmentalannualmembershipduesforeverymemberofthePost.
ARTICLEVII
CHARTERMEMBERS
Section1.MemberswhojoinedthisPostpriortoNovember11,1919(ormemberswhojoinedthisPostpriortotheissuanceofcharter)shallbeknownaschartermembers.
Note:ThematterofchartermembersforthepermanentcharterislefttothedecisionofthePostmembers.
ARTICLEVIII
AMERICANLEGIONAUXILIARY
Section1.ThisPostrecognizesanauxiliaryorganizationtobeknownastheAuxiliaryUnitof(postnameandnumber),TheAmericanLegion.
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Section2.MembershipintheAuxiliaryshallbeasprescribedbytheNationalConstitutionoftheAmericanLegionAuxiliary.
ARTICLEVIIIAMENDMENTS
Section1.ThisConstitutionisadoptedsubjecttotheprovisionsofthenationalConstitutionofTheAmericanLegionandoftheDepartmentConstitutionoftheDepartmentof___________________,TheAmericanLegion.AnyamendmenttosaidNationalConstitutionorDepartmentConstitutionwhichisinconflictwithanyprovisionshereofshallberegardedasautomaticallyrepealingormodifyingtheprovisionsofthisConstitutiontotheextentofsuchconflict.
Section2.ThisConstitutionmaybeamendedatanyregularPostmeetingbyvoteoftwo-thirdsofthemembersofsaidPostattendingsuchregularmeeting,providingtheproposedamendmentshallhavebeensubmittedinwritingandreadatthenextprecedingregularmeetingofsaidPost,andproviding,further,writtennoticeshallhavebeengiventoallmembersatleast_________daysinadvanceofthedatewhensuchamendmentistobevotedupon,notifyingsaidmembersthatatsuchmeetingaproposaltoamendtheConstitutionistobevotedupon.
SUGGESTEDFORMFORPOSTBY-LAWS
ARTICLEISection1.ThePostexistingundertheseBy-Lawsistobeknownas(postnameandnumber),TheAmericanLegion,
Departmentof___________________________.Section2.TheobjectivesofthisPostareassetforthintheConstitution.
ARTICLEII
MANAGEMENT
Section1.ThegovernmentandmanagementofthePostisentrustedtoanExecutiveCommitteeof______________members,tobeknownasthe“ExecutiveCommittee.”
Section2.TheExecutiveCommitteeshallconsistof____membersinadditiontotheofficersofthePostandtogetherwiththeotherofficersofthisPostshallbeelectedannuallyon___________andtakeofficeatthemeetingnextfollowingthatoftheelection.Allelectionsofofficersandexecutivecommitteemenshallbebyballotandthecandidateorcandidatesreceivingthehighestnumberofvotesshallbeelectedtotherespectiveofficeorofficesforwhichtheyarecandidates.
Section3.AllvacanciesexistingintheExecutiveCommittee,orinanyofficeofthePostfromanycauseotherthantheexpirationoftheterm,shallbefilledbyamajorityvoteoftheremainingmembersofthecommittee,andapersonsoappointedshallholdofficefortheunexpiredtermofthememberofthecommitteeorofficerwhosucceeded.AvacancyshallexistwhenamemberorofficerisabsentfromthePostforacontinuousperiodconsidereddetrimentaltotheinterestofthePostbytheExecutiveCommittee.
ARTICLEIII
POSTEXECUTIVECOMMITTEE
Section1.ThePostExecutiveCommitteeshallmeetfororganizationandsuchotherbusinessasmaycomebeforeitatthecallofthePostcommanderwithin10daysaftertheinstallationofthenewofficers.ThereafterthePostExecutiveCommitteeshallmeetatthecallofthecommanderatleastevery________________andasoftenassaidcommandermaydeemnecessary.ThecommandershallcallameetingofthePostExecutiveCommitteeuponthejointwrittenrequestofthreeormoremembersofsaidPostExecutiveCommittee,_________membersofthecommitteeshallconstituteaquorumthereof.
Section2.ThePostExecutiveCommitteeshallhiresuchemployeesasmaybenecessary;shallauthorizeandapproveallexpenditures;shallrequireadequatebondsfromallpersonshavingthecustodyofPostfunds;shallhearthereportsofPostcommitteechairs;andgenerallyshallhavechargeofandberesponsibleforthemanagementoftheaffairsofthisPost.
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ARTICLEIV
DUTIESOFOFFICERS
Section1.DutiesofPostCommander.ItshallbethedutyofthePostcommandertopresideatallmeetingsofthePostandtohavegeneralsupervisionoverthebusinessandaffairsofthePost,andsuchofficershallbethechiefexecutiveofficerofthePost.ThecommandershallapproveallordersdirectingthedisbursementoffundsandshallmakeanannualreportcoveringthebusinessofthePostfortheyear,andrecommendationsfortheensuingyear,whichshallbereadattheannualmeetingandacopythereofimmediatelyforwardedtotheDepartmentadjutant.ThecommandershallperformsuchotherdutiesasdirectedbythePost.
Section2.DutiesofVice-Commander.Thevice-commandershallassumeanddischargethedutiesoftheofficeofcommanderintheabsenceordisabilityof,orwhencalleduponbythePostcommander.
Section3.DutiesofPostAdjutant.Theadjutantshallhavechargeofandkeepafullandcorrectrecordofallproceedingsofallmeetings,keepsuchrecordsastheDepartmentandNationalOrganizationsmayrequire,renderreportsofmembershipannuallyorwhencalleduponatameeting,andunderdirectionofthecommanderhandleallcorrespondenceofthePost.
Section4.DutiesoftheFinanceOfficer/Treasurer.Thefinanceofficer/treasurerofthePostshallhavechargeofallfinancesandseethattheyaresafelydepositedinsomelocalbankorbanksandshallreportonceamonthtotheExecutiveCommitteetheconditionofthefinancesofthePost,withsuchrecommendationsasmaydeemexpedientornecessaryforraisingfundswithwhichtocarryontheactivitiesofthePost.Thefinanceofficer/treasurershallsignallchecksdisbursingthemoniesofthePost,andshallfurnishsuchsuretybondsinsuchsumasshallbefixedbythePostExecutiveCommittee.
Section5.DutiesofPostHistorian.ThePosthistorianshallbechargedwiththeindividualrecordsandincidentsofthePostandPostmembers,andshallperformsuchotherdutiesasmayproperlypertaintotheofficeasmaybedeterminedbythePostortheExecutiveCommittee.
Section6.DutiesofPostChaplain.ThePostchaplainshallbechargedwiththespiritualwelfareofthePostcomradesandwillofferdivinebutnonsectarianserviceintheeventofdedications,funerals,publicfunctions,etc.,adheretosuchceremonialritualsasarerecommendedbytheNationalorDepartmentheadquartersfromtimetotime.
Section7.DutiesofSergeant-at-Arms.Thesergeant-at-armsshallpreserveorderatmeetingsandshallperformsuchotherdutiesasmaybefromtimetotimeassignedbythePostExecutiveCommittee.
ARTICLEVDELEGATES
Section1.DelegatesandalternatestoaDepartmentconventionshallbeelectedbyballotbythePostataregularmeetingofthePosttobeheldatleast20dayspriortothedateofsuchconvention.
ARTICLEVI
APPOINTMENTS
Section1.ThePostcommander,immediatelyupontakingofficeeachyear,shallappointthefollowingstandingcommittees:Americanism,Ceremonials,ChildrenandYouth,Economic,Finance,ForeignRelations,GravesRegistrationandMemorial,HouseandEntertainment,Legislative,Membership,PublicRelations,VeteransAffairsandRehabilitation,NationalSecurity,SonsofTheAmericanLegionandVisitingorVAVS.Suchstandingcommitteesshallconsistofsuchmembers,andthechairthereof,asshallbedesignatedbythePostcommander.
Section2.AmericanismCommittee.TheAmericanismCommitteeshallbechargedwiththeinspirationofpatriotismandgoodcitizenshipbyarrangementsforproperobservanceofpatrioticoccasions;encouragementofpatrioticandcivicphasesofinstructioninschools;Americanizationofaliens;combatinganti-AmericanpropagandabyeducationofthegeneralpublicinAmericanidealsthroughpublicforums,etc.,andactivitiesforcommunityandcivicbetterment.
Section3.CeremonialsCommittee.TheprincipaldutyoftheCeremonialsCommitteeistoinsureallnewmembersareproperlyinitiated.ThecommitteealsoconcernsitselfwithproperpresentationofotherritualsoutlinedintheManualofCeremonies—burialdetailandthewearingofLegionregalia.
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Section4.ChildrenandYouthCommittee.Shallbechargedwithaidandservicetochildrenofveterans,cooperatingwithotherestablishedagenciesinthecommunity;laboringforthebettermentofchildconditionsandincoordinatingservicesandagenciesinthecommunityfortheabovepurposes.ToactasintermediaryfortheneedychildofaveteraninobtainingthefulfillmentoftheLegion’spledgethat“nochildofawarveteranshallbeinneedofthenecessitiesoflife”and“asquaredealforeverychild.”
Section5.EconomicCommittee.ThePostEconomicCommitteeisprimarilyconcernedwithlocalemploymentprograms,Veterans’preference,governmentemploymentandre-employmentrights.
Section6.FinanceCommittee.TheFinanceCommitteeshallbechargedwiththeadministrationofthefinancialpolicy,preparationofbudgetrecommendationsandsupervisionofreceiving,disbursingandaccountingofallPostfunds.
Section7.ForeignRelations.ThiscommitteehasbecomeactiveasAmericahasrecognizeditsresponsibilityasaworldleader.Maintainingandsecuringworldpeaceandfriendshipabroadthroughcommunityendeavorshavebecomeasessentialasanyaspectoftreatylaw.
Section8.GravesRegistrationandMemorialCommittee.Thedutiesofthiscommitteeinvolverecordingofgravesitesandcompleteinformationonveterans’burialincemeteriesassignedtothePost.Specialassistancecanbegiventheserviceofficerinprovidingflags,headstonesorproperintermentinnationalcemeteries.
Section9.HouseandEntertainmentCommittee.TheHouseandEntertainmentquarterspromotionofclubadvantagesandarrangementforsocialactivities.
Section10.LegislativeCommittee.TheLegislativeCommitteeneedstohaveaknowledgeofwhatisgoingoninCongress—whatwefavororoppose,andshouldbereadytoinitiateactioninsupportofourpositionwhenrequestedbythenationalorDepartmentorganization.
Section11.MembershipCommittee.TheMembershipCommitteeshallhavechargeofallmatterspertainingtothemembershipofthePost,includingtheprocuringofnewmembers,reinstatementsandeligibilityofmembers.
Section12.PublicRelationsCommittee.ThePublicRelationsCommitteeshallbechargedwiththepromotionofpublicsupportoftheLegion’sprogramsbytheestablishmentofpropercontactwithTheAmericanLegionMagazine,DepartmentandnationalLegionnewsserviceandbylocalpublicityofPostprogramsandactivities.
Section13.VeteransAffairsandRehabilitationCommittee.TheVeteransAffairsandRehabilitationcommitteeshallsuperviseallmatterspertainingtoservicetocomradesintheprosecutionofalljustclaimsagainsttheUnitedStatesorstategovernment,employment,relief,etc.
Section14.SecurityCommittee.TheSecurityCommitteeshallworkwithandcoordinateLegioneffortswiththelocal
CivilDefenseCouncilonmatterspertainingtonational,civilianandhomedefenses.ItshallassistthearmedforcesoftheUnitedStatesinrecruitingeffortsandineverywaybeactiveincommunityactivitiesforthedefenseofthenationandthesecurityoftheAmericanhome.
Section15.SonsofTheAmericanLegionCommittee.ThiscommitteeshallhavesupervisionovertheoperationsofthePost’ssquadronoftheSonsofTheAmericanLegion.
Section16.VisitingorVAVSCommittee.Thiscommitteeischargedwithvisitingandcomfortingmembersandtheirfamilieswhensickorbereaved,andwithvisitingex-servicepersonnelinhospitals.
ARTICLEVIIRESOLUTIONS
Section1.AllresolutionsofstateornationalscopepresentedtothisPostbyamemberorreportedtothisPostbyacommitteeshallmerelyembodytheopinionofthisPostonthesubjectandcopyofsameshallbeforwardedtotheDepartmentheadquartersforapprovalbeforeanypublicityisgivenoractionotherthanmerepassagebythePostistaken.
ARTICLEVIIIMEETINGS
Section1.TheregularmeetingofthePostshallbeheldattheclubroomson__________________,atwhichmaybetransactedsuchbusinessasmayproperlybebroughtupforaction;suchmeetingsmaybeconvertedintoentertainmentmeetings,asmaybedeemedadvisablebytheofficersofthePost.
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Section2.ThePostcommanderoramajorityoftheExecutiveCommitteeshallhavepowertocallaspecialmeetingofthePostatanytime.
Section3.Uponthewrittenrequestof_________members,thecommitteeshallcallaspecialmeetingofthePost.Section4.________membersshallconstituteaquorum.
ARTICLEIXNOTICES
Section1.EverymembershallfurnishthePostadjutantwithanaddressformailing.Section2.ThePostadjutantshallcausenoticeoftheannualelectiontobegivenatleasttwoweekspriorthereto.
ARTICLEX
RULESOFORDER
Section1.AllproceedingsofthisPostshallbeconductedunderandpursuanttoRoberts’RulesofOrder,exceptashereinotherwiseprovided.
ARTICLEXI
LIMITATIONSOFLIABILITIES
Section1.ThePostshallincur,orcausetobeincurred,noliabilitynorobligationwhateverwhichshallsubjecttoliabilityanyotherPost,subdivision,membersofTheAmericanLegion,orotherindividuals,corporationsororganizations.
ARTICLEXIIAMENDMENTS
Section1.TheseBy-LawsmaybeamendedatanyregularPostmeetingbyavoteoftwo-thirdsofthemembersofsaidPostattendingsuchregularmeeting;ProvidedthattheproposedamendmentshallhavebeensubmittedinwritingandreadatthenextprecedingregularmeetingofsaidPost;and,provided,further,thatwrittennoticeshallhavebeengiventoallmembersatleast_____________daysinadvanceofthedatewhensuchamendmentistobevotedupon,notifyingsaidmembersthatatsuchmeetingaproposaltoamendtheBy-Lawsistobevotedupon.
Delinquency,resignationandtransferAmericanLegionmembershipisannual,theLegionyearbeingfromJanuary1toDecember31.Duesarepayable
October20inadvance.IfduesarenotpaidbyJanuary1ofeachcalendaryear,thememberbecomesdelinquent.IfdueshavenotbeenpaidbyFebruary1,thememberissuspended,butneverthelessamemberwithnoprivilegeexceptthatofreinstatementbypostvoteandpaymentofdues.Duesnotbeingpaid,suchmembershipcontinuesforfivemonths,toJune30,atwhichtimethememberisdroppedfromtherollbyconstitutionalmandateandmembershipforfeited.
Amembermayresign fromthepostatany timewhileduesarepaidandcan thereafter joinanotherpostasanewmember,inwhicheventthecontinuityofmembershipisbroken,anduponresignationthepostisnotrequiredtorebateanypartorportionofthemember’sdues.
Apostmemberingoodstandingmaynotmovethemembershiptoanotherpostandretaincontinuousmembershipwithouttheformalityofatransfer.Beingamemberofmorethanonepostatonetimeisaviolationoftheconstitution.Therighttotransferdoesnotcarrytherighttobeacceptedbyanypost.Ontransferthereshallbenotransferoffundsderivedfromdues,etc.Theacceptingpostshallrecognizethatdueshavebeenpaidtothepostfromwhichthetransferiseffectedandshallmakenochargetherefore,exceptingonlyiftheduesofthepostacceptingthememberareinexcessofthosefromwhichthetransferissought;thentheacceptingpostmaycollectfromthetransferringmembertheexcessduespro-ratedfromthedateofacceptancetotheendofthecurrentyear.Inallinstanceswhereamemberduringacurrentyeartransfersfromoneposttoanotherafterpaymentofthecurrentyear’sdues,thetransferringpostshallretainsaidduesand
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shallhavecreditforsuchmembershipduringtheremainderofsuchyearforwhichsaiddueswerecollected,butsaidtransferredmembershallbeentitledtoallofthebenefitsandassumealloftheresponsibilitiesofmembershipintheposttowhichtransferismade,aftersuchtransferisaffected.
ELIGIBILITYNationalpolicyrequiresthateligibilityinquiriesbesubmittedthroughthedepartment.Thereisonlyoneclassofmembership;honorarymembershipsarenotauthorized.Inalldoubtfulcases,consultyourjudgeadvocate.
Constitutionaleligibilityrequirements
AllwhoservedintheArmy,Navy,MarineCorps,CoastGuardorAirForceoftheUnitedStatesareeligibleonlyiftheyhavethefollowingconstitutionalrequirements:“AnypersonshallbeeligibleformembershipinTheAmericanLegionwhowasamemberoftheArmy,Navy,MarineCorps,CoastGuardorAirForceoftheUnitedStatesandassignedtoactivedutyatsometimeduringanyofthefollowingperiods:April6,1917,toNovember11,1918;December7,1941,toDecember31,1946;June25,1950,toJanuary31,1955;February28,1961,toMay7,1975;August24,1982,toJuly31,1984;December20,1989,toJanuary31,1990;August2,1990,tothedateofcessationofhostilitiesasdeterminedbytheGovernmentoftheUnitedStates;alldatesinclusive…provided,however,thatsuchserviceshallhavebeenterminatedbyhonorabledischargeorhonorableseparation,orcontinuedhonorablyafteranyofsaidperiods;provided,further,thatnopersonshallbeentitledtomembershipwho,beinginsuchserviceduringanyofsaidperiods,refusedonconscientious,politicalorothergroundstosubjecthimselftomilitarydisciplineorunqualifiedservice.”
Thelanguage“orcontinuedhonorablyafteranyofsaidperiods”referstothoseremaininginserviceafterthedateterminalatwhichtimeeligibilitymaybeestablishedbyallveteranshavinghonorableactiveserviceduringsuchperiods,regardlessofwhethertheyhavebeendischargedorstayonintheservice.
Constitutionrequirementswithreferencetoalliedarmies“AnypersonshallbeeligibleformembershipinTheAmericanLegion…who,beingacitizenoftheUnited
Statesatthetimeofentrytherein,servedonactivedutyinthearmedforcesofanyofthegovernmentsassociatedwiththeUnitedStatesduringanysaidperiods…provided,however,suchserviceshallhavebeenterminatedbyhonorabledischargeorhonorableseparation,orcontinuedhonorablyafteranyofsaidperiods;provided,further,thatnopersonshallbeentitledtomembershipwho,beinginsuchserviceduringanyofsaidperiods,refusedonconscientious,politicalorothergroundstosubjecthimselftomilitarydisciplineorunqualifiedservice.”Theword“citizen”requiresfullcitizenship,andonewhohadonlymadeapplicationforcitizenshipandhadwhatiscommonlyknownas“firstpapers”wasnotadmittedtofullcitizenshipatthetimeofentryintotheserviceandthereforeisnoteligible.Onlyfullcitizenshippriortoservicewithanalliedarmyentitlesonetomembership.TheattainmentofU.S.citizenshipsubsequenttosuchservicedoesnotfulfilltherequirement.
DishonorabledischargeWhenaveteranhasproperwartimeservice,withhonorabledischarge,butreceivedadischargeotherthan
honorablebyreasonofasubsequentenlistment,ifthelaterenlistmentwasoutsideoftheendingdatesofeligibilitysetforthinArticleIVoftheNationalConstitutionofTheAmericanLegion,thepersoninquestionwouldbeeligible,basedonthefirstperiodofservicewhichmettheconstitutionalrequirement.(ThequestionofhisacceptabilitybeingamatterofthepostunderSection1,ArticleIV,NationalBy-Laws.)
IfthesubsequentenlistmentwasduringaperiodofeligibilitysetforthinArticleIVoftheNationalConstitutionofTheAmericanLegionandendedonotherthananhonorabledischarge,itwouldpermeatetheentireserviceforthatperiodandwouldnotbeeligibleformembershipbasedonserviceforthatperiod.
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DIGESTOFELIGIBILITYOPINIONS
SERVICE OPINION SERVICE OPINIONAcceptability(SeeMembership)…......DiscretionaryActiveduty(honorabledischarge,constitutionalperiod)………………………………………………………EligibleAirForceAcademy………………….………………...EligibleAliens(honorableactiveduty)…...................EligibleAllies,servicewith(U.S.citizenattimeofentry).............................................…........................EligibleAllies,servicewith(ifU.S.citizenshipacquiredsubsequenttoservice)...............................IneligibleAmericanFieldService(civilianstatus).....IneligibleAmericanVolunteerGroup,ChineseAirForces(civilian)……………………………………………….….IneligibleArmyReserve(unlessactiveduty)....…......IneligibleArmySpecialistCorps(uniformedcivilians,abolished)…………………….............................IneligibleArmyTransportService(unlessgrantedveteranstatus)………….……………………..........……...….IneligibleMastersandcrews,civilianemployees……………………………………………………..……......IneligibleAdministrativegroupcomprisedofmilitarypersonnelonactivedutyforpurposeofadministeringtroopsbeingcarriedthereon...…...…………....................................................EligibleArmy,U.S.(honorableactiveduty)...............EligibleAssociatemembership(SeeMembership)…………………………………………………………......ProhibitedAviationcadet(activeduty)……….................EligibleBadconductdischarge..................………....IneligibleCanadianForces,servicewith(activeduty,honorabletermination,constitutionalperiodandU.S.citizenshiptimeofentry)…………….........EligibleCertificateofService,Army(FormNo.280)…………………………………………………………………...EligibleChineseAirForces,AmericanVolunteerGroup(civilianstatus)..……….................................IneligibleCivilAirPatrol(civilianstatus)....…………....IneligibleCivilianTechnicalCorps(civilianstatus)....IneligibleCoastGuard(activeduty,honorabletermination,constitutionalperiod).....…………………….........EligibleCoastGuardAcademy(cadets)………............EligibleCoastGuardBeachPatrol(activeduty)........Eligible
CoastGuard,IndustrialGuards(reservetemporary)…………………………………………………………………IneligibleCoastGuardReserve(unlessactiveduty)…………………………………………………………………IneligibleCoastGuardReserve(temporary,unlessfull-timeactivedutywithpay)....……………................IneligibleCoastGuardReserve,VolunteerPortSecurityForce………….........................................................IneligibleCoastGuard,Women’sReserve(SPARs)(activeduty)………...………...............................EligibleConscientiousobjectors….........................IneligibleConstitutionalperiod,servicewithout......IneligibleContinuousservice,subsequentcessationhostilities……….…………...................................................EligibleDisability,discharged(activeduty,honorabletermination)…………..…..................................EligibleDischarge,badconduct.............................IneligibleBlue.........................................…………….…..IneligibleCertificateofService,Army,disability(ifhonorable)…………...........……………………....EligibleDishonorable..............................……………..IneligibleEmployment,dischargedtoaccept…….........EligibleEnlistedreserve(unlessactiveduty)………………………………………………………………...IneligibleGeneral………………………………………..…………….EligibleGood......................................…………..………...EligibleHonorable(activeduty,constitutionalperiod)........……………………………………………………….…..EligibleInaptitude(honorableconditions)……………..EligibleIndifferent..........................................………...EligibleOrdinary(underhonorableconditions……….EligibleOverage……...................................................EligibleSpecialOrder(underhonorableconditions)..................................................................…...EligibleTransfertoenlistedreserve..…………………....EligibleUndesirable........................................……...IneligibleUnfavorable.....................................…......IneligibleUnsuitability(underhonorableconditions)……………………………………………………………………EligibleEnemynations…………….............................IneligibleHonorarymembership...................……...Prohibited
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Indifferentdischarge............................…….EligibleIndustrialGuards..............................…......IneligibleLengthofservice(notaprerequisite)....…....EligibleMarineCorps,U.S...................…………………...Eligible
SERVICE OPINIONMarineCorpsReserve(unlessactiveduty)…………………………………………………………………IneligibleMarineCorps,Women’sReserve(activeduty).......................................................................EligibleMarineOfficers’TrainingSchool.……...........EligibleMaritimeService(non-military)..........…….IneligibleMembershipAcceptability….….................................DiscretionaryAssociate........................………..................ProhibitedHonorary....................................…………...ProhibitedPosthumous..........................……………....ProhibitedMerchantMarine(unlessgrantedveteranstatus)…….……………….............................................IneligibleIfservicebetweenDec.7,1941,andDec.31,1946,withdischargefromtheCoastGuard,NavyorArmyshowinghonorableservicewithinthedelimitingdates.....................…......................................EligibleMerchantMarineReserve(USNR)(unlessactivedutynavalservice).………….........................IneligibleMilitaryAcademycadets.…………………….......EligibleNationalGuard(unlessactiveduty).……....IneligibleNavalAcademymidshipmen…………………....EligibleNavalReserve,U.S.(unlessactiveduty)...IneligibleNavalTransportationService(unlessgrantedveteranstatus).…….….................................IneligibleNavy(activeduty).............………...................EligibleNavyArmedGuard(navalpersonnelmanningdefensiveordinance,merchantvessels).......EligibleNurses,ArmyandNavy………........................EligibleOfficers’CandidateSchools(memberofarmedforces)...........................................................EligibleOfficers’ReserveCorps(unlessactiveduty)………………………………………………………………...Ineligible
Ordinarydischarge(honorableconditions,activeduty)..….………...….........…...............................EligibleSERVICEOPINIONOverage,dischargedfor.……..............…........EligiblePhilippineScouts.....................…..........……...EligiblePolice,AuxiliaryMilitary(civilianstatus)..IneligiblePosthumousmembership…………………….ProhibitedPublicHealthService,U.S.(civilian)..........IneligibleIfassignedactivedutyinarmedforces.........EligibleReserveCorps,enlisted(unlessactiveduty)………………………………………………………………...IneligibleReserveofficers(unlessactiveduty)...…...IneligibleSeabees(activeduty)........................…..……..EligibleSeparation,honorable(activeduty)....…......EligibleServiceacademies(AirForce,CoastGuard,NavalandWestPointcadets)…..………………………….EligibleShipyardworkers(civilianstatus)........…...IneligibleSPARs,CoastGuardWomen’sReserve(activeduty)………............................…………........................EligibleSpecialorderdischarge(underhonorableconditions,ifactiveduty)…………............…....EligibleTransfer(dischargefor,toenlistedreserve)….....................…...……………………………….……...EligibleUndesirabledischarge............................…IneligibleUnfavorabledischarge.......................…....IneligibleUnsuitabilitydischarge(issuedunderhonorableconditions,activeduty…...……...….................EligibleWAAC(Women’sArmyAuxiliaryCorps,civilianstatus,abolished)…....................................IneligibleServedonorafterMay1942..…....................EligibleWAC(WomenArmyCorps,activeduty)….….EligibleWASP(WomenAirForceServicePilots,servicebetweenSept.10,1942,andDec.20,1944…………………………………………………………………...EligibleWAVES(WomenAcceptedforVolunteerEmergencyService,NavalReserve,activeduty)……………………………………………………………………EligibleWestPoint……...............................................Eligible
WorldWarIIThe24thNationalConventionofTheAmericanLegion,September19-21,1942,KansasCity,Missouri,andthe27thNationalConvention,November18-21,1945,Chicago,Illinois,authorizedtheamendmentofthenationalchartertoincludetheeligibilitydatescoveringWorldWarIIservice(December7,1941,toSeptember2,1945).PublicLaws767and495,approvedOctober29,1942,andJuly9,1946,respectively,effectedthechange.The56thNationalConvention,August16-22,1974,MiamiBeach,Florida,authorizedtheamendmentofthenational
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chartertochangetheterminaleligibilitydateforWorldWarIIservicetoDecember31,1946,andPublicLaw93-557,approvedDecember27,1974,effectedthechange.
MerchantMarineAJanuary19,1988,decisionoftheSecretaryoftheAirForcegrantedveteranstatus,notjustveteransbenefits,toitsmembersoftheMerchantMarineandcertainemployeesoftheArmyandNavyduringtheperiodofDecember7,1941,toDecember31,1946.Thefederalgovernmentconsiderssuchservicetobe“active-duty”service.Affectedindividualsmustapplyforadischargeorcertificateofrelease.ADD214recordofservicewillbeissuedshowingserviceintheArmy,NavyorCoastGuard,dependingontheindividual’sservice.Inthiscase,theindividualswouldbeeligibleandnoactionisneededbyTheAmericanLegion.Often,theseDD214swillalsoshowtheMerchantMarineasacomponentofoneofthearmedforces(e.g.Army,Navy,CoastGuard,ArmyAirCorpsorMarines).SinceTheAmericanLegionhasneverlookedbeyondactivedutyinoneofthearmedforces,theparticularcomponentdoesnotaffectmembershipeligibility.
KoreanWarThe32ndNationalConvention,October9-12,1950,LosAngeles,California,andthe36thNational
Convention,August30-September2,1954,Washington,D.C.,authorizedtheamendmentofthenationalchartertoincludetheeligibilitydatescoveringtheKoreanWar(June25,1950,toJuly27,1953).PublicLaws895and178,approvedDecember28,1950,andJuly26,1955,respectively,effectedthechange.The56thNationalConvention,August16-22,1974,MiamiBeach,Florida,authorizedtheamendmentofthenationalchartertochangetheterminaleligibilitydateforKoreanWarservicetoJanuary31,1955,andPublicLaw93-557,approvedDecember27,1974,effectedthechange.Areawhereserviceperformedisnotadeterminingfactor.
Two-weekannualtrainingperiodsdonotfulfilleligibilityrequirements,assuchtrainingperiodsrepresentnothingmorethansimilaractive-dutyexcursionsdemandedfromcomponentbranchesoftheArmyduringpeacetimeaswellasduringtheperiodofhostilities.
Anindividualorderedtoactivedutyforthepurposeofundergoingphysicalexamination,subsequentlyreturningtohishomeandrevertingtoinactivestatus,isnoteligible.
Dischargedata(November1951)FORMSFORARMY,NAVY,MARINECORPSANDAIRFORCEDD256(A)or(N)or(MC)or(AF)(White)Honorable………………………………………………………………………………Eligible*DD257(A)or(N)or(MC)or(AF)(White)General.....................................................................................Eligible*DD258(A)or(N)or(MC)or(AF)(White)Undesirable..........................................................................NotEligibleDD259(A)or(N)or(MC)or(AF)(Yellow)BadConduct........................................................................NotEligibleDD260(A)or(N)or(MC)or(AF)(Yellow)Dishonorable.......................................................................NotEligibleDD214ReportofSeparationfromtheArmedForcesoftheUnitedStates................................................Eligible*(ifreleasedtoacivilianstatus,althoughstillinthereserves).....................................................................Eligible*DD217CertificateofService(reserve)........................................................................................................Eligible*DD156AHonorableDischargeArmedForcesUSA(Reserve)(unlessactiveduty).................................NotEligible
*Honorableserviceduringperiodsofeligibility
VietnamWarThe48thNationalConventionofTheAmericanLegion,August30-September1,1966,Washington
D.C.,andthe56thNationalConvention,August20-22,1974,MiamiBeach,Fla.,andthe59thNationalConvention,August23-25,1977,Denver,Colorado,authorizedtheamendmentofthenationalchartertoincludetheeligibilitydatescoveringtheVietnamWar(August5,1964,toMay7,1975),andPublicLaw89-550,
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approvedSeptember1,1966,andPublicLaw93-557,approvedDecember27,1974,andPublicLaw95-346,approvedAugust18,1978,effectedthechange.
Duringthe61stNationalConvention,August21-23,1979,Houston,Texas,theNationalExecutiveCommitteepassedaresolutiontoamendtheVietnamWardatestobeginonDecember22,1961,pursuanttocongressionalapproval.
OnDecember21,1979,PresidentCartersignedS-1874,whichbecamePublicLaw96-155andchangedAmericanLegioneligibilitydatesfortheVietnamWartoDecember22,1961toMay7,1975.
ThenationalcharterofTheAmericanLegionwasamendedbydelegatesatthe79thNationalConvention,September2-4,1997,Orlando,Florida.ThisamendmentrequestedachangetothebeginningeligibilitydateforAmericanLegionmembershipfortheVietnamWarperiodtoFebruary28,1961.InNovember1997,PublicLaw105-110effectedthischange.
StatusofthoseinservicedefinedWiththeestablishmentofaterminaldateforVietnamWarservice,eligibilityforAmericanLegionmembershipisextendedtotheindividualwhoservedonactivedutyduringtheVietnamWar(February28,1961,toMay7,1975),andremainedonactivedutyaftertheterminaldate.(SeeArticleIV,Section1,NationalConstitution:“...orcontinuedhonorablyafteranyofsaidperiods...”)
ActiveDutyforTraining(ACDUTRA)Thesituationregardingpersonnelwhoenter“activedutyfortraining”–theso-called“six-monthenlistees”
–isoutlinedinaletterfromCol.A.S.Sadove,CommandingOfficer,U.S.ArmyReserveComponentsPersonnelCenter,FortBenjaminHarrison,Indiana,toNationalJudgeAdvocateB.G.Davis,datedNovember14,1966:
“AtthepresenttimeindividualswithnopriorservicemaybeenlistedtofillunitvacanciesintheUnitedStatesReserve.TheseenlistmentsareaccomplishedundertheReserveEnlistmentProgramannouncedin1963(PublicLaw88-110).Theenlistmentmustbeforaperiodofsixyears.ReservistsenlistedunderthisprogramarerequiredtoperformaninitialperiodofactivedutyfortrainingwiththeactiveArmyduringwhichtimetheyreceivebasiccombattrainingandoccupationalspecialtytraining…commonlyreferredtoasACDUTRA.Asaminimum,eachReservistmustperformatleastfourmonthsonactivedutyfortraining.ThemaximumperiodofactivedutyfortrainingdependsuponthetimerequiredtofullyqualifytheReservisttoperformtheoccupationalspecialtyandmayexceedsixmonths.TheperiodduringwhichaReservistperformsactivedutyfortrainingiscreditableasactiveFederalserviceinthesamemannerasforothersoldiers…”
ThematterofAmericanLegionmembershipeligibilityfortheindividualwhohascompletedaperiodof“activedutyfortraining”andbeenissuedaDD214toshowhonorableseparationfromservicerevolvesaroundthequestionofwhetherthe“activeduty,”asusedinSection1ofArticleIVoftheNationalConstitutionofTheAmericanLegion,included“activedutyfortraining.”
Title10,U.S.CodeAnnotatedSection101,Subparagraph(22)states,“‘Activeduty’meansfull-timedutyintheactivemilitaryserviceoftheUnitedStates.Itincludes…full-timetrainingduty…Inclause(22),thedefinitionof‘activeduty’isbasedonthedefinitionof‘activedutyforFederalservice’inthesourcestatute,sinceitisbelievedtobeclosertogeneralusagethaninthedefinitionin50U.S.CA.901(b).”
InageneralinformationmemorandumdatedSeptember9,1966,explainingtheeligibilitychangesresulting
fromtheactionofthe48thNationalConvention,TheAmericanLegion’snationaladjutantstated,“Upontheconclusionoftheperiodoftraining,thesix-monthenlisteesarenormallytransferredtotheActiveReserveandatthattimewillnormallyreceiveaFormDD214(ReportofSeparationfromtheArmyoftheUnitedStates).Thisform,ifshowingtheterminationofanyperiodofhonorableserviceonorafterAugust5,1964(nowFebruary28,1961),maybeacceptedasevidenceofeligibilityformembership.”
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Theweightofevidenceindicatesthat,forpurposesofeligibilityformembershipinTheAmericanLegion,theterm“activeduty,”asusedintheNationalConstitutionofTheAmericanLegion,includes“activedutyfortraining”asperformedunderPublicLaw88-110,andineachcasereferredtoNationalJudgeAdvocateB.G.Davis,theSeptember9,1966,announcementbythenationaladjutanthasbeenfoundvalid.
Two-weekNationalGuardtrainingTrainingperiodsintheNationalGuard–usuallyoftwoweeks’duration–orotherperiodsofservicewiththeNationalGuarddonotmeeteligibilityrequirementsunlesstheGuardunitwasfederalizedandtheindividual’sseparationpapersrecordaperiodofactivedutyinthemilitaryforcesoftheUnitedStates.
LebanonandGrenadaThe72ndNationalConventionofTheAmericanLegion,August28-30,1990,Indianapolis,Indiana,authorizedamendmentofthenationalchartertoincludetheeligibilitydatescoveringU.S.operationsinLebanon(August24,1982,toJuly31,1984).PublicLaw101-478,approvedOctober30,1990,effectedthechange.ThistimeperiodincludedoperationsinGrenada.
PanamaThe72ndNationalConventionofTheAmericanLegion,August28-30,1990,Indianapolis,Indiana,authorizedamendmentofthenationalchartertoincludetheeligibilitydatescoveringU.S.operationsinPanama(December20,1989,throughJanuary31,1990).PublicLaw101-478,approvedOctober30,1990,effectedthechange.
GulfWar/WaronTerrorismThe73rdNationalConventionofTheAmericanLegion,September3-5,1991,Phoenix,Arizona,authorizedamendmentofthenationalchartertoincludetheeligibilitydatescoveringPersianGulfoperations.PublicLaw102-179,approvedDecember3,1991,effectedthechange.ThetimeperiodforPersianGulfoperations,asstatedintheNationalConstitution,is“August2,1990,tothedateofcessationofhostilitiesasdeterminedbytheGovernmentoftheUnitedStates.”WhenthedateofcessationofhostilitiesisdeterminedbytheU.S.government,TheAmericanLegionwallbeinformedandwilltransmittheinformation.
Dischargedata(VietnamWarandlaterperiods)FORMSFORARMY,NAVY,MARINECORPS,AIRFORCEANDCOASTGUARDDD256(A)or(N)or(MC)or(AF)or(CG)(White)Honorable...………………………………………………………………Eligible*DD257(A)or(N)or(MC)or(AF)or(CG)(White)UnderHonorableConditions……………………………….…….Eligible*DD258(A)or(N)or(MC)or(AF)or(CG)(White)UnderOtherthanHonorableconditions……….………NotEligibleDD259(A)or(N)or(MC)or(AF)or(CG)(Yellow)BadConduct…………………………………………………..…..…NotEligibleDD260(A)or(N)or(MC)or(AF)or(CG)(Yellow)Dishonorable………………………………………………..………NotEligibleDD217(AF)CertificateofService…………………………………………………………………………………………………….…....Eligible*DD214(A)or(N)or(MC)or(AF)ReportofTransferofDischargefromtheArmedForces………….…………Eligible*(ifreleasedtoacivilianstatus,althoughstillinthereserves)
*Honorableserviceduringperiodsofeligibility
PlaceofservicenotaconsiderationPlaceofserviceisnotaconsiderationinthedeterminationofeligibility.Forexample,althoughreferenceisfrequentlymadetotheVietnamveteran,serviceinVietnamisnotarequirementofmembership.
Activedutyrequired
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SincelanguageusedinchangingtheLegion’scharterandnationalconstitutionisexactlythesameasusedinthepast,thebasicrequirementasaconditionofeligibilityhasnotchangedinanyrespectsinceWorldWarI:activedutyinthemilitaryforcesduringadefinedperiodofhostilities.ThisrequirementwasstatedsuccinctlybyNationalJudgeAdvocateR.A.AdamsinaletterdatedMarch20,1925:“...serviceisthetest,subjecttothefactthattheex-servicemanwasnotdishonorablydischarged.”
ThisstatementwasmadeinconnectionwitharulingmadebythejudgeadvocateatthattimethatthoseenrolledintheU.S.militaryacademiesduringWorldWarIwereeligibleforAmericanLegionmembershipwithoutregardtowhetheranyotherservicewasperformed,orevenwhethertheindividualcompletedtrainingattheacademy.Inthespecificcaseinwhichthisrulingwasmade,theindividualhadterminatedtrainingatthemilitaryacademybyaletterofresignation.Thejudgeadvocate’swassupportedbyastatementmadebytheArmy’sjudgeadvocategeneralthreeyearsearlierthat“serviceatthemilitaryacademyisserviceintheArmy.”TheArmy’sjudgeadvocategeneralhadcitedashisauthoritythecaseofU.S.v.Morton,112U.S.1(1884).Thus,fromthebirthofTheAmericanLegion,thetestofeligibilityhasbeenwhethertheindividualwasactuallyinmilitaryserviceonactivedutyduringdefinedperiodsandwhetherthatservicewaseitherterminatedhonorablyorcontinuedaftertheperiodofhostilitieshadended.
LengthofservicenotarequirementThereisnorequirementastolengthofservice.NationalJudgeAdvocateB.G.Davis,inaletterdated
October26,1966,wrote,“...thereisnolimitationplacedonthelengthoftheindividual’sservice.IftheindividualservedonedayonactivedutyasamemberoftheArmedForcesonorafterAugust5,1964”–nowFebruary28,1961–“andhasreceivedanHonorableDischargeorseparation;orservedonactivedutyasamemberoftheArmedForcesduringanyofthedelimitingperiodssetforthinArticleIV,Section1oftheNationalConstitution,andisstillonactiveduty,heiseligibleformembershipinTheAmericanLegion.”
Aminimumof90days’serviceisnecessarytoqualifyforsomeveteransbenefits,and181daysforothers.However,eligibilityforveteransbenefitsisnotacriterionofeligibilityforAmericanLegionmembership.
NationalGuard&ReserveeligibilityVeteransoftheNationalGuardandreservesmustmeetthesameeligibilityrequirementsasfull-time
federalactiveveterans.Tobeeligible,theymusthaveservedatleastonedayonfederalactivedutyduringanyofthedelimitingperiodssetforthinArticleIV,Section1oftheConstitutionofTheAmericanLegion,andhaveanhonorabledischargeorcurrentlybeservingintheGuard,reserveoronfederalactiveduty.
ThekeytodeterminingifaGuardsmanorreservisthasbeenonorcurrentlyservingonfederalactivedutyisthe“authorityline”onhisorheractivationorders.Inbothcases,Title10,Subsection672or12301areordersfromtheSecretaryofDefenseandarefederalorders.
TheauthorityagovernorusestoactivatetheNationalGuardasanindividualorunitisTitle32orders,i.e.weekenddrillsandannualtraining.Thesearenotfederalorders.Thereserveshavesimilarreserveorders,whichareTitle10,Subsection270.Thisauthoritycodegivesthereservecomponenttheauthoritytoactivatethereservesforweekenddrillsandannualtraining.UseMilitaryLawChapter39whendeterminingeligibilityforNationalGuardsmenandreservists.
ELIGIBLE NON-ELIGIBLE
NationalGuard Title10Subsection672 Title32 or12301*
Reserves Title10Subsection672 Title10Subsection270 or12301*
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*Thissubsectionwascreatedtoreplace672followingOperationDesertStorm.Note:ADD214willbeissuedforthetimeonfederalactiveduty,oraDA-1059forcompletionofaschoolwillbeissuedwithacharactertypeofdischarge.AllreservecomponentssendtheirmemberstobasictrainingusingTitle10,Subsection672/12301orders.
ClemencydischargesInresponsetoarecommendationsubmittedbytheNationalConferenceofDepartmentCommandersandAdjutantsin1974,NationalJudgeAdvocateB.G.Davisissuedthefollowingopinion:“AfterhavingreviewedtheProclamationofthePresidentoftheUnitedStatesreleasedonSeptember16,1974,itismyopinionthataclemencydischargewillnotsatisfytheeligibilitycriteriaformembershipinTheAmericanLegion.ArticleIV,Section1,oftheNationalConstitutionrequiresthattheindividualseekingmembershipinTheAmericanLegionmust,interalia,haveanhonorabledischargeorhonorableseparationfrommilitaryserviceorhisservicemusthavecontinuedhonorablyafteranyofthedelimitingperiodssetforthintheabovecitedarticleandsection.Aclemencydischargedoesnotmeetthiscriteria.”
TemporarydutyDuringtheVietnamWar,itwastheAirForce’spracticetocallmembersoftheAirNationalGuardtodutyfortemporaryperiods,frequentlyfornomorethan10days.Thecallwasmadewiththeconsentoftheindividualandofthestate’sgovernor.ThedutyusuallyinvolvedflyingAirForcecargofromtheUnitedStatestoSoutheastAsia.CorrespondencewiththechiefoftheNationalGuardBureauinWashington,D.C.,establishedthatdutyofthetypeoutlinedhereinisincludedintheterm“activeduty,”inthesensethatitwasfull-timedutyintheactivemilitaryserviceoftheUnitedStates.Uponthecompletionofsuchduty,asevidencedbytheissuanceofaDD214orotherevidenceofhonorableseparation,theindividualiseligibleformembershipinTheAmericanLegion,provided,ofcourse,thatanypartofthedutyoccurredbetweenFebruary28,1961,andMay7,1975.
U.S.militaryacademiesNationalJudgeAdvocateB.G.DavisruledonMarch6,1978,thatcadetswhoservedattheU.S.Military,Naval,AirForceorCoastGuardacademies“duringanyofthedelimitingperiodssetforthunderArticleIV,Section1oftheNationalConstitutionandwhoseservicehasbeenhonorablyterminated…areeligibleformembershipinTheAmericanLegion.”Chapter1,Section101(21),Title38,U.S.Codeprovidesthattheterm”activeduty”meansserviceasacadetattheU.S.MilitaryAcademy,U.S.AirForceAcademyorU.S.CoastGuardAcademy,orasamidshipmanattheU.S.NavalAcademy.
EligibilitymattersnotcoveredPostcommandersshouldreferquestionsofeligibilitynotcoveredinthisguidetothedepartmentadjutantordepartmentjudgeadvocate.Shouldthedepartmentadjutantordepartmentjudgeadvocatebeindoubt,anopinionandrulingmayberequestedfromthenationaljudgeadvocate.
DischargesnotinfallibleDischargesarenotinfallibleasatestformembership,formanydischargeswereerroneouslyissued,andifclearlyso,maybecorrectedonapplicationtotheappropriatedepartmentinWashington.Ifthedischargehasbeenlost,anabstractofservicemaybeprocuredfromtheappropriatedepartment.
TheGodwinStudyonmembershipeligibilityIn1985,theMembershipEligibilityStudyCommitteeconductedthedetailed“GodwinStudy”on
membershipeligibility.Thecommitteewaschargedwiththefollowing:
! Studythehistoryandprecedentsofallpasteligibilitystudiesandchanges.
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! Toevaluatetherevisedservicefunctionstopossiblyincludeadifferentclassofveterans.! ToestimatethetimingrequirementstoeffectthechangeintheLegion’scongressionalcharter.! ToanalyzetheultimatechangeinTheAmericanLegion’slongstandinghistoryofbeinganorganization
of“warveterans”andtheimpactofanychangeoftheprinciplesestablishedatitsfounding.
Thestudy’sbottomline,andtheconclusionadoptedbytheNationalExecutiveCommittee,wasthatTheAmericanLegionwouldremainanorganizationof“wartimeveterans,”andthatplaceofservicedoesnotaffecteligibility,i.e.,serviceinacombatzoneisnotarequirementformembership.AsfarasaidingveteransnoteligibleforLegionmembership,theLegion’sserviceofficerswillassistthemwithanyissuejustastheydoLegionmembers.Itmakesnodifferenceiftheyareamemberornot.Thisstudyprovidesthemostdetailedandthoroughreviewofeligibilityissuestodate.
Everynationalconventionsincethestudy,exceptingtwo,hasfacedtheissueofaproposedchangeineligibility.ResolutionsreceivedwerereviewedbytheConventionCommittee,consistingofdelegatesfromthe55departments,andtheiractionswereconfirmedbynearly3,000conventiondelegates.Allproposedchangestoeligibilitywentthroughthisprocess;allproposalstoopeneligibilitywererejected.Hence,theconsiderationsreviewedbytheGodwinStudycommitteeincontextarestillapplicabletoTheAmericanLegiontodaybecauseofthenumberofreviewstowhichithasbeensubjected.
PARLIAMENTARYPROCEDURE
I OrderofBusinessII MotionsIII AmendmentsIV NominationsandElectionsV CourtesiesintheAssemblyVI ParliamentarianVII AuthorizedBusinessProcedurePARLIAMENTARYPROCEDUREistheapplicationofparliamentarylawtotheconductofanorganization.Itiswiseforallleaderstofamiliarizethemselveswiththetechniqueofconductingameeting.Whileitisimportantthatthemembersunderstandthefundamentalrulesofparliamentaryprocedure,thisknowledgeshouldbeusedonlytoensureorder,toexpeditebusiness,andtodevelopanorganizationthatwillcleavetotheobjectsforwhichitwasorganized.Foramemberconstantlytoraisepointsoforderandtoinsistuponthestrictobservanceofeveryruleinapeaceableassemblywheretherearemembersignorantoftheserulesandcustomsisbuttodefeattheopportunityofgraduallyaccustomingthemembershipoftheproperobservanceofparliamentaryprocedure.
THECONSTITUTIONANDBY-LAWSofanorganizationcontainspecificrulesfortheconductofitsbusiness.Generalrulesandcustomsfororderlyprocedure,inadditiontothesespecificrules,arecommonlyknownasparliamentarylaw.Theserulesareneededtoguidethedeliberationsofanorganizationinordertodotherightthingintherightwayattherighttime,andtosecurethebestresultswiththeleastexpenditureoftimeandeffort.Theunderlyingprinciplesofparliamentarylawarejusticeandcourtesytoall,onethingatatime,theruleofthemajority,andtherightoftheminority.–
PARLIAMENTARYAUTHORITY–Itisimportantforeveryorganizationtoadoptsomeauthorityonparliamentarylaw,andforthememberstobefamiliarwithboththespecificandthegeneralrulesoftheorganization.Acopy
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oftheby-lawsshouldalwaysbeonthecommander’sdesk.Excellentbooksandsmallleafletsonparliamentaryprocedurehavebeenwritteninsimplifiedformandareavailable,but“Roberts’RulesofOrderNewlyRevised”istheacceptedauthorityforTheAmericanLegion.I.OrderofBusiness(ifnotOtherwiseProvidedinBy-Laws)
1. CALLTOORDER–Thecommandertapsoncewiththegavelandsays,“Themeetingwillcometoorder(followritual,rollcall).Theadjutantwillpleasereadtheminutesoftheprecedingmeeting.”
2. MINUTES–Aftertheminuteshavebeenreadbytheadjutant,thecommanderasks,“Arethereanycorrections?”Ifnoneismade,“Theminutesstandapprovedascorrected.”
3. FINANCEOFFICER’SREPORT–Thecommandercallsforthefinanceofficer’sreport.Afterithasbeenread,thecommandersays,“Iftherearenoquestionsorcorrections,thereportwillbefiledforauditing.”TheAuditingCommitteereportsatsuchtimesastheby-lawsprovide.
4. EXECUTIVECOMMITTEEREPORT–Insomeorganizations,muchoftheroutinebusinessishandledbytheexecutivecommittee.Thiscommitteesubmitsareportofitsmeetingateachregularmeetingoftheorganizationforadoptionbythemembership.Theexecutivecommitteemaytransactonlysuchbusinessasthemembershipauthorizes,exceptwheretheby-lawsgivethecommitteepowertoact.Thisreportmightincludetheoutstandingpointsincommunicationsandcommitteereportssubmittedattheexecutivecommitteemeeting,andpresentedtotheorganizationfortheinformationortheactionofthegroup.
5. COMMUNICATIONS–Thesemayincludelettersreceived,noticeofthenextmeeting,andanymattersofgeneralinteresttotheorganization,readbytheadjutant.
6. STANDINGCOMMITTEEREPORTS–Standingcommitteesareusuallyprovidedforintheby-lawsandfunctionthroughouttheyear.Thecommandershouldhavealistofthestandingcommitteesandcalloneachchairbynameforreportsaccordingtoplanspreviouslymade.Ifareportismadethatcontainsmerelyastatementofopinionorfacts,thecommandersays,“Iftherearenoobjections,thereportisaccepted.”Ifitcontainsresolutionsorrecommendationsforfutureaction,amotionshouldbemadebythereportingmember“toadopttheresolutionsorrecommendationswhichmaybeamendedinexactlythesamemannerasanymainmotion.”
7. SPECIALCOMMITTEEREPORTS–Specialcommitteesareappointedforspecialpurposesandareautomaticallydischargedwhenthespecialdutiesforwhichtheywerecreatedarecompletedandtheirfinalreportmadetotheorganization.Ifthereareanyspecialcommitteestoreport,thecommandersays,“Wewillnowhearthereportofthespecialcommitteeappointedto_____________________________.”Amotiontoadopttheresolutionorrecommendationsofthecommitteeopensthereporttodiscussionandamendment.
8. UNFINISHEDBUSINESS–Thecommanderbringsbeforethemeetinganybusinesspostponedfromthepreviousmeeting,oranymattersintroducedatthatmeetingonwhichactionwasnotcompleted.Alistoftheseunfinishedmattersshouldhavebeenpreparedfromtheminutesofthelastmeetingbytheadjutant.Onlywhentheunfinishedbusinesshasbeendisposedofmaynewbusinessbebroughtforward.
9. NEWBUSINESS–Thecommandersays,“Isthereanynewbusinesstocomebeforethemeeting?”Communicationsandmotionscallingforactionbytheorganizationmaythenbepresentedandnecessaryactiontaken.Thisclosesthebusinesspartofthemeeting.
10. THEPROGRAMispresented.11. ADJOURNMENT–Membersshouldremainseatedandinorderuntilthemeetingisdeclaredadjourned.
Thecommandermay,ifdesired,usethe“commonconsent”motiontoadjourn,i.e.,“Iftherearenoobjections,themeetingstandsadjourned.”Formaladjournmentisusuallyfollowedbyasocialhour.
II.Motions
Businessisintroducedbyamotion,orbyaresolution.Thestepsinmakingamotionandvotingonitareasfollows:
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1.OBTAINTHEFLOOR–ThememberrisesandaddressesthepresidingofficerasMr.orMadameCommander,asthecasemaybe,andgivesownnameunlessknownbythecommander.Ifthememberisentitledtothefloor,thechairrepeatsthenameofthemember.Thisrecognitiongivesthemembertherighttospeak.
Itisoutoforderforanothermembertostandbeforethememberspeakinghasfinished,ortoremainstandingafteranotherhasbeengiventhefloor.
2.MAKETHEMOTION–Thememberthenstatesthemotionoroffersaresolution;forexample,“Imovethatwetakeactiontosecureaplaygroundforthiscommunity.”Inordertostateamotionproperly,membersoftheorganizationshouldbecomeaccustomedtousingthewords“Imovethat”whenintroducingamotion.
3.SECONDTHEMOTION–Ifanyonewishesthematterdiscussedandvotedupon,amembersays,“Isecondthemotion,”withoutrisingoraddressingtheChair.Ifnomembersecondsit,immediatelythechair,exceptinsmallassemblies,repeatsthemotionandasks,“Isthemotionseconded?”Insmallassemblies,whereeverymemberhasevidentlyheardthemotion,insteadofrepeatingthemotion,thechairmaysay,“Youhaveheardthemotion;isitseconded?”Ifthemotionisnotthenseconded,thechairmaysay,“Therebeingnosecond,themotionisnotbeforetheassembly.”Note:Consultyourparliamentaryauthorityforthemotionsthatdonotrequireasecond.
4.STATETHEMOTION–Afterthemotionisseconded,theChairthenstatesthemotion;forexample,“Ithasbeenmovedandsecondedthatwetakeactiontosecureaplaygroundforthiscommunity.”Asthismotionisdebatableandamendable,theChairshouldthenimmediatelyask,“Areyoureadyforthequestion?”or“Isthereanydiscussion?”Ifthemotionisnotdebatableoramendable(consultyourparliamentaryauthorityonthispointifindoubt),theChairshouldthenimmediatelyputthequestiontovote.
5.DISCUSSION–Afteramotionhasbeenstatedbythechair,itisbeforetheassemblyforconsiderationanddiscussion.Speakerstothemotionmust(1)beentitledtothefloor,(2)addresstheirremarkstothepresidingofficer,(3)becourteousintheirlanguageanddepartment,andavoidallpersonalities.Themakerofthemotionhastherighttoopenandclosethedebate.Speakersmustobservetherulesoftheorganizationastothenumberofminutesandnumberoftimestheymayspeakonaquestion.Themakerofamotionmayvoteagainst,butnotspeakagainst,themotion.Discussionmustrelatetotheimmediatelypendingquestion.Note:Consultyourparliamentaryauthorityforthefewexceptionsbywhichaspeakermaybeinterruptedafterhavingbeenassignedthefloor,andalsofortherulestoguidetheChairwhenmorethanonepersonarisesatthesametime.
6.PUTTHEQUESTION–Aftersufficientopportunityhasbeengiventhedebate,theChairrepeatsthemotionandsays,“Areyoureadyforthequestion?”Afterwaitingamoment,ifnooneclaimsthefloor,theChairthensays,“Allthoseinfavorofthemotionasstated,sayaye.Allopposed,sayno.”
7.ANNOUNCETHEVOTE–Thechairsays,“Theayeshaveit,andthemotionisadopted,”or“Thenoeshaveit,andthemotionislost,”asthecasemaybe.Intheeventofatie,themotionislostunlesstheChairvotesintheaffirmativeinordertocarrythemotion.Atielosesbecauseeveryquestionmustbecarriedbyatleastamajority.Ifindoubtastotheresult,theChaircallsforarisingvote,firstfor,andthenagainst,themotion,askstheadjutanttocountthevotes,andthenannouncestheresults.
III.Amendments
Afterthequestionhasbeenstatedtotheassemblybythepresidingofficer,itmaybedesirabletochangeitinsomeway.Amembermayrise,addressthechair,andafterbeingrecognizedbythechair,say,“Imovetoamendthemotionbyaddingthewords‘withpropersupervision‘aftertheword‘playground.’”Afterthemotiontoamendhasbeenseconded,andthemotionrepeatedasitwillreadifamendedsoallmayunderstandtheeffecttheamendmentwillhaveonthemainmotion,thechairthencallsforremarksontheamendment.
Thediscussionisnowupontheproposedamendment.Afterdiscussionisover,thechairputsthequestionandcallsforavoteontheamendment.Example:“Thequestionisonaddingthewords‘withpropersupervision‘tothemotionwetakeactiontosecureaplaygroundforthiscommunity.Allthoseinfavorofthisamendment
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pleasesay‘aye,’thoseopposedsay‘no.’”Afterannouncingtheresultofthevoteontheamendment,thechairwillthenrestatethemotionbeforethehouseinitsoriginalformiftheamendmenthasbeenlost,orasamendediftheamendmenthasbeencarriedandthevoteisthentakenuponthequestioninitsfinalform(ifnofurtheramendmentsareoffered).
Anamendmentmaybeofferedinanyofthefollowingforms:“Imovetoamendbyinserting,”or“adding”ifattheendofthemotion,and“Imovetoamendbystrikingoutandinserting,”or“bysubstituting”incaseofanentireresolution,by-lawsorparagraph.
Onlyoneamendmentofthefirstdegreeispermittedatatimewhenamotionorresolutionisunderconsideration,butoneamendmentofthatamendment–thatis,anamendmentoftheseconddegree–isalsoinorder.Whiletheremaybeonlyoneamendmentofeachdegreependingatthesametime,anynumberofthemmaybeofferedinsuccessionafterdisposingoftheprioramendment.Anamendmentmustrelatetothesubjecttobeamended.
Theamendmentoftheseconddegree,ifthereisonebeforetheassembly,receivesfirstconsideration.Afterdisposal,unlessanothersecondaryamendmentisoffered,theamendmentofthefirstdegreeisthenpending.Afterallamendmentshavebeendisposedof,themainmotionasamended(orinitsoriginalformifalltheamendmentshavebeenlost)isplacedbeforetheassemblyforaction.
WhatShallIDo…Tointroducebusiness?Makethemainmotion.Tomodifythemotion?Amend,commitorrefer.Todeferaction?Postponetoacertaintime,makeaspecialorder(requireatwo-thirdsvote),orlayontable.Tosuppressorlimitdebate?Movethepreviousquestion(two-thirdsvote)orlimitdebate(two-thirdsvote).Tosuppressthequestion?Objecttoconsideration(two-thirdsvote),postponeindefinitelyorlayontable.Toconsideraquestionasecondtime?Takefromtable,reconsiderandrescind.Topreventactionfrombecomingfinal?Reconsiderandenterontheminutes.Toreversethedecisionofthechair?Appeal.Toaskaquestionaboutprocedure?Useparliamentaryinquiry.Towithdrawamotion?Askforpermissiontowithdrawamotion.Toreadsomethingtotheassembly?Requesttoreadpapers.Tocorrectamistake?Risetoapointoforder.
Amotionthat’sbeencarried,lostorpostponedindefinitelycan’tbeconsideredagainduringthesamesessionexceptbyamotiontoreconsiderthevotedisposingofthequestion,ortorescindtheactiontaken.Themotiontoreconsidercanbemadeonlybyonewhovotedontheprevailingside.Themotiontoreconsidermustbemadeonthesamedayorthecalendarday(notcountingSundaysorholidays)afterthevotewhichistobereconsideredwastaken.Anymembermaysecondthismotion.Themotiontoreconsider,ifcarried,annulsthevotealreadytakenandbringsthemotionbeforetheassemblyagainforaction.
Amotiontorescindanactionmaybemadeifthemotiontoreconsiderisnotalreadypending.Themotiontorescindmaybemadebyanymember.Itspurposeistoundosomeactionalreadytakenandisidenticalwiththemotiontoamendbystrikingoutsomethingpreviouslyadopted,suchasaby-law,resolution,sectionorparagraph.Ifmadeonthesameday,itonlyrequiresamajorityvote,butonasubsequentday,ifwithoutnoticeofintentiontorescindit,requiresatwo-thirdsvote.
Incaseofdoubtsastoparliamentaryprocedure,orifdifficultquestionsarise,suchastolayonthetable,topostpone,tolimitdebate,toreconsider,pointoforder,etc.,consulttheparliamentaryauthority.
IV.NominationsandElectionsThechoosingofofficersforaLegiongroupisoneofthemostimportantfunctions.Itmeansthechoosingof
leadersuponwhosefaithfulservicethesuccessoftheorganizationlargelydepends.Amongthequalifications
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necessaryforefficientofficialleadershipisanunderstandingofthepurposeofTheAmericanLegion,knowledgeoftheworkandenthusiasmforit,ahighsenseofjustice,fairnessandcourtesy,open-mindedness,moralcourageandtheabilitytogetalongwithotherpeople.
Officersshouldbechosenfortheirabilitytoperformtheworkoftheofficetowhichtheyareelected,andnotbecauseoftheirsocialprestigeorbecausetheywanttheoffice.Willingnesstoserveisnotenough;fitnesstoservemuststandaboveeveryotherconsideration.
Anominatingcommitteereportstotheassemblyonlynomineesapprovedbyamajorityvoteofthecommittee.Noactionistakenonthereportofnominatingcommittee.Nominationsfromthefloorarealwaysinorderafternominatingcommitteehasreported.
Anominationisonlyastatementofapreferenceanddoesnotcontroltheelectioninanyway.Whenvotingbyballot,onemaybeelectedwithouthavingbeennominated,subjecttogettingtherequirednumberofvotesattheelection.
Theelectiveballotaloneelects.Mistakesmadeinnominatingdonotinvalidateelections,asyoumayvoteforwhomyouplease,regardlessofnominations.
Membersofanominatingcommitteemaybenominatedforofficewithoutresigningfromthecommittee.Whenprintedballotsareused,namespresentedfromtheflooraswellasthenamespresentedbythenominatingcommitteemustbeprintedontheofficialelectiveballotsotherewillbenodiscriminationamongthecandidates.
NominationbyBallotNonominationsaremadefromthefloorwhennominationsarebyballot,asallhavehadopportunityto
nominatebyballot.Themethodofelectionbestfittedtoaparticulargroupshouldbeprovidedintheby-laws.Theseelection
rulesmustbestrictlyadheredto.Iftheelectionrulesproveunsatisfactory,amendthem.Butabidebythemastheyare,untilproperlyamended.
Beforeproceedingtoanelection,itiscustomaryfornominationstobemadefromthefloororbyanominatingcommittee,orbyballot.Theby-lawsmayprescribethemethod,butiftheydonot,thentheassemblybymotionmaychoosethemethodofnominating.Thismotionisnotdebatable.
Onlymembersoftheorganizationcanmakenominationsorvoteatanelection.Theby-lawsshouldprovidethatnonameshallbeplacedinnominationwithouttheconsentofthenominee.
Thispreventspromiscuousnominationandwithdrawals.Nominationsfromthefloormaybemadebyanyvotingmember.Nominationsrequirenosecond,buta
secondiscomplimentarytothecandidate.
NominationsbyCommitteeIfnamesofcandidatesaretobepresentedbyanominatingcommittee,thiscommitteeshouldbenamedat
leastonemonthbeforeelectiondayandtheby-lawsshouldprovidethemethodofappointing(orelecting)thecommittee.Theusualmethodsareelectionbytheassembly,orelectionbytheexecutivecommitteeorpartbytheassemblyandpartbytheexecutivecommittee.
Thecommandershouldnotappointthenominatingcommitteenorbeamemberofit.Thenominatingcommitteeshouldgivethoughtfulconsiderationtothequalificationsofeachcandidatefor
officeandshouldsecuretheconsentofthecandidatebeforeplacingthenameontheticket.
ClosingNominationsNominationsfromthefloormaybeclosedbyatwo-thirdsvote,orthecommandermayclosenominations
byunanimous(common)consentoftheassembly(nooneobjecting).Ifforanyreasonitisdesiredtoreopennominations,itmaybedonebyamajorityvote(unlesstheby-lawslimitthetimefornominations).
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Amembermaybenominatedformorethanoneoffice,unlesstheby-lawsforbid.Ifelectedtomorethanoneoffice,themembermustchooseimmediatelyonwhichofficetoserve.Theotheroffice(oroffices)shallbefilledaccordingtotheprovisionsoftheby-laws,ifsimultaneousserviceinmorethanoneofficeisforbidden.Elections
Majorityvoteisnecessaryifthereisnoby-lawtothecontrary.Pluralityvoteneverelectsexceptbyspecialby-laws.Apersonineligibletoholdofficeatthetimeofelectioncannotbeelectedevenbyunanimousvote.
Theusualmethodsofelectionarebyvoice,orbyballot(asecretvote).Theby-lawsmayprovidethatelectionshallbebyballotexceptwhenthereisbutonecandidateforoffice,theelectionmaybebyvoice.Theballotvoteisthefairestvotewhenthereismorethanonechoiceforanoffice.Whentheby-lawsrequirethevotetobetakenbyballot,itisoutofordertomovethattheadjutantoranyotherpersonshallcasttheballotoftheassembly,asballotvoteisasecretvoteandeachvotermustcasttheirownballot.
ElectionbyVoiceTheelectiontoofficemaybebyvoice,andvotetakenoneachcandidateseparately,ortheassemblymay,byamajorityvote,orderthevotetakenontheticketasawholewhenthereisbutonecandidateforeachoffice.ElectionbyBallot
Ballotsshouldbegiventoidentifiedvotingmembersonly.Thenamesofcandidatesforeachofficemaybeprintedorwrittenontheballot,orthevotermaywritethenameofchoiceontheballot.Theidentityofthevotermustnotbeindicatedinanyway,asaballotisasecretvote.Ifprintedballotsareused,thenamesfromthefloorandthoseproposedbythenominatingcommitteemustbeprintedontheofficialballot.Printedballotscannotbeusedifnominationsandelectionstakeplaceatthesamemeeting.Instructionsmaybegiventotheassemblyconcerningthemethodofmarkingtheballot.Anunmarked(blank)ballotisjustascrapofpaperandisnotcountedinelections.Theelectioncommitteehasnoauthoritytomakeanychangesintheelectionballotormarkitinanyway.
Thevotecastforeachofficemustbepreservedinsuchmannerthatiftheelectionisquestioned,thevotesmaybeverifiedbyarecount.Ifprintedballotsareused,theelectioncommitteeplacesthevotedballotsinasealedpackettogetherwithitsreport(signedbyatleastamajorityoftheelectioncommittee),anddeliversthepacket,sealed,totheadjutant.Thissealedpacketshallnotbeopenedexceptbyorderoftheassemblyortheboardforthepurposeofverifyingthevote,ordestroyingthepacket.
Ifslipsofpaperareusedforvotingforeachseparateoffice,thevotescastforeachofficemustbesealedinaseparatepacketanddeliveredtotheadjutantinlikemanner.
Theformofthereportoftheelectionscommitteeforeachofficetobefilledisasfollows(example):“Forcommander—Numberofvotescast—30;necessaryforelection—16;Brownreceived—19;Jonesreceived—10;Greenreceived—1.”
Afterthevoteforalltheofficeshasbeenread(thelargestvoteforeachofficestatedfirst),thenamesofthecommitteememberssigningthereportareread,thereportishandedtothecommander,andthereportingmembersits.Thecommanderannounceswhoiselected.
Incountingtheballots,everynameforwhichavotehasbeencastmustbereported.Newlyelectedofficerstaketheirseatsatthetimeprescribedintheby-laws.Ifthereisnosuchrule,theyare
seatedfollowingelection,oratthetimeestablishedbyusageasaprecedent.Whenthereismorethanonevicecommander,theyalwaysshouldbenumberedtoestablishtheir
precedencewhenactingascommanderprotem.
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V.CourtesiesintheAssembly
Memberscontributetothesuccessofameetingwhenthey:1. Cometoorderatoncewhenthecommanderopensthemeeting.2. Givethoughtfulattentionthroughoutthebusinessmeetingandtheprogram.3. Risetoaddressthechair,andwaittospeakuntilrecognizedbythechair.4. Sitdownatoncewhensomeoneelsehasbeengiventhefloor.5. Risetomakeamotion,butremainseatedinsmallassemblieswhensecondingthemotion.6. Writealongorinvolvedmotionandgivetotheadjutant,whenaskedtodoso.7. Risewhenarisingvoteisrequestedandremainstandinguntilthevoteistaken.8. Voteoneveryquestion.9. Limittheirremarkstotheirrightfulshareofthetimeofthemeetinganddonotinfringeupontherightofothers.Thefloorshouldbegiventoonewhohasnotspokenonthequestion,inpreferencetoonewhohasspoken,ifthereisanyquestionastoprecedence.10.Risetomakereports,remainseatedduringthediscussionofthereport.11.Refrainfromconversationduringthemeeting.12.Thecourtesyofthefloormaybegrantedtoonewhoisnotamemberwhenitisdesiredtohavesuchonespeakduringabusinesssession.
VI.ParliamentarianAparliamentarianmaybeappointedifthereisamemberoftheorganizationwhoiswellinformedonparliamentarylaw.Itmustberememberedthefunctionofaparliamentarianistoexpressanopiniononthepointinquestionwhenrequestedtodoso.Therulingordecisionbaseduponthisadvicemustbestatedbythepresidingofficer.VII.AuthorizedBusiness
Authorizedandlawfulbusinesswhichtheorganizationbecomesresponsibleforcanonlybetransactedatmeetingsregularlyorspeciallycalledforthatpurposeatwhichmeetingsthereisaquorumpresent.
Thenoticeforaspecialmeetingmuststatethespecialbusinesstobetransacted,andnootherbusinesscanbeentertained.
Ifnoquorumispresent,themotiontoadjournandtoprovideforanadjournedmeetingaretheonlymotionsinorder.
VIII.MotionsClassifiedinOrderofPriority1.Privilegedmotions:Fixtimetoadjourn,toadjourn,torecess**,questionofpersonalprivilege,callfororderofbusiness.2.Subsidiarymotions:Layontable,previousquestion(2/3),postponetoIndefinitetime*,refertocommittee*,postpone*,amendamendment*,amend*,objectiontoconsideration(2/3).3.Mainmotion*:Amainmotionisusedtobringbeforethemeetinganyparticularsubjectforconsiderationoftheassembly.
*Debatable;othersarenot.**Debatableonlywhennoothermotionpending.Thosenotmarkedwith(2/3)requireonlymajorityvote.
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Ifadditionalknowledgeofparliamentaryprocedureisdesired,postsshouldreferto“Roberts’RulesofOrderNewlyRevised.”CopiescanbepurchasedfromEmblemSalesat(888)453-4466oronlineatemblem.legion.org.
UniformCodeofProcedurefortheRevocation,CancellationorSuspensionofPostCharters
AdoptedbytheNationalExecutiveCommitteeofTHEAMERICANLEGIONMay1-2,1941,Indianapolis,Ind.,andamendedbythatbodyNovember6-7,1941
I.Charges
Section1.AchargethatanyPostshould,foranygoodandsufficientcause,haveitschartercancelled,suspendedorrevokedmaybeinitiatedbyanyintermediatebodybetweenthePostandtheDepartment,orbyanythreePostsoftheDepartmentinwhichthePostaccusedislocated.AchargemaybewithdrawnonlywiththeconsentoftheDepartmentCommander.
Section2.SuchchargeshallbefiledwiththeDepartmentCommanderatDepartmentHeadquarters.Section3.Suchchargeshallbeinwriting,andsignedbytherespectiveCommandersandAdjutantsoftheintermediate
bodiesorPosts,asthecasemaybe,andsworntobeforeanyofficerauthorizedtoadministeroaths.Section4.Threeadditionalcopiesofsuchchargeshallbefiledwiththeoriginal.TheDepartmentCommandershall
forthwithcauseonecopyofsuchchargetobeservedonthedefendantPostbydeliveringatruecopythereoftotheAdjutantofsaidPost,ashereinafterprovided.
Section5.Suchchargeshallincludethefollowing:a.Acertifiedorattestedcopyoftheresolutionauthorizingthefilingofsuchcharge.b.ThefullnameandaddressofthePostagainstwhichthechargeismade,aswellasthefullnameandaddressof
theCommanderandAdjutantofsuchPost.c.Aclear,conciseanddetailedstatementofthefactsuponwhichthechargeisbased.d.ThesectionorsectionsoftheNationalandDepartmentConstitutionsandBy-Lawsallegedtohavebeen
violated.e.Affidavitsordocumentssubstantiatingthechargemaybeattached.
Section6.Afterachargehasbeenfiled,theDepartmentCommandershallforthwithcauseafullinvestigationofthefactstobemade.Aftersuchinvestigation,theDepartmentCommandershallfileareportandrecommendationwiththeDepartmentExecutiveCommitteeforitsactionthereonatitsnextmeeting.
Section7.Proceedingsrelatingtothecancellation,suspensionorrevocationofaPostchartermayalsooriginatewitheithertheDepartmentCommanderortheDepartmentExecutiveCommittee.
Section8.TheactionoftheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteeinrejectinganychargeorchargesagainstaPostshallbefinal.II.ResolutionofDepartmentExecutiveCommittee
Section1.ShouldtheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteedeterminebyamajorityvotethatthePostshouldsurrenderitscharter,saidDepartmentExecutiveCommitteeshalldirectthedefendantPosttosurrenderitscharterforcancellation,andshallpassaresolutionthatunlessthecharterissosurrendered,priortothedatethereinspecified,ahearingandtrialbeheldtodeterminewhetherthePostchartershouldbecancelled,suspendedorrevoked,andsaidresolutionshallincludethefollowing:
a.AstatementthattheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteehasdeterminedthatahearingandtrialiswarranted.b.AuthorizationanddirectiontotheDepartmentCommanderandDepartmentAdjutanttosignaformal
complaint.c.Thenamesandaddressesofthemembersofthesubcommitteebeforewhichthehearingandthetrialistobe
held.d.ThenameandaddressoftheDepartmentJudgeAdvocateorspecialactingDepartmentJudgeAdvocatewhois
toassistthecommittee.
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e.Authorizationtothesubcommitteetohiresuchstenographicorotherhelpasmaybenecessaryandtoincursuchexpenseasmaybenecessary.Saidexpense,includingthecostofstenographicreportofthetrialwhenorderedtobetranscribedbythesubcommitteeortheDepartmentExecutiveCommittee,shallbetaxedascostsagainsttheDepartment,complainantsordefendantPostinsuchmannerandamountastheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteeshallprescribe.
f.ThatthesubcommitteeshallreportitswrittenfindingsoffactandrecommendationtotheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteeatitsnextmeeting,provided,however,thatifthehearingortrialisnotcompleted,apartialreportshallbemade.
III.ComplaintSection1.Inallcases,aformalcomplaint,intriplicate,shallbedrawnbytheDepartmentJudgeAdvocateandsigned
byTheAmericanLegion,throughitsDepartmentCommanderandDepartmentAdjutant,settingforththefollowing:a.Aclearandconcisestatementofthefactsuponwhichthechargesarepredicted.b.Theoriginofthecharges.c.AcopyoftheresolutionoftheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteeappointingthesubcommitteeandits
assistants.d.AcopyoftheUniformCodeofProcedurefortheRevocation,CancellationorSuspensionofPostCharters.e.ThetimewithinwhichanappearanceoranswershallbefiledbythePost,whichshallbenotlessthan20or
morethan60daysfromthedateoftheserviceofacopyofthecomplaint.f.Thetimeandplaceforthehearingandtrial,whichshallnotbemorethan30daysafterthedateofthe
expirationofthetimeforthefilingoftheanswer.Section2.AnysuchcomplaintmaybeamendedbythesubcommitteeoftheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteeinits
discretionatanytimeuponsuchtermsasmaybedeemedjustintheopinionofthesaidsubcommittee.
IV.ServiceSection1.ThesubcommitteeshallcauseatruecopyofthecomplainttobeservedonthedefendantPost.Section2.Allcomplaints,ordersandotherprocessandpapersofthesubcommitteeortheDepartmentorganizationof
THEAMERICANLEGIONmaybeservedpersonally,orbyregisteredmail,orbyleavingacopythereofattheprincipleofficeorHeadquartersoftheintermediatebodyorPost,orplaceofresidenceofthepersonorofficertobeserved.Theverifiedreturnbytheindividualservingthesameshowingservicethereofinthemannerhereinprovided,ortheregistryreturnreceiptshallbeproofofservice.
Section3.Allnotices,orders,papersorotherprocesswhicharetobeservedontheDepartmentHeadquartersofTHEAMERICANLEGION,orthesubcommitteeappointedtoconductthetrial,shallbedeemedservediftheyareservedontheDepartmentAdjutantatDepartmentHeadquarters,saidservicetobemadeashereinaboveprovided.
Section4.WitnessesmaybesummonedbyanoticesignedbyeitherthespecialactingDepartmentJudgeAdvocate,theDepartmentJudgeAdvocate,orbyamemberofthesubcommittee.V.Answer
Section1.ThedefendantPostshallfileananswertosaidcomplaintwiththeDepartmentJudgeAdvocateatDepartmentHeadquarterswithinthetimespecifiedinthecomplaint.Theanswershallcontainaclearandconcisestatementofthefactswhichconstituteitsdefense.Anychargeorspecificationinthecomplaintwhichisnotexpresslydeniedorexplainedintheanswershallbedeemedtobeadmitted.
Section2.Intheeventthatthecomplaintisamendedduringthecourseofthehearingortrial,thedefendantshallbefurnishedwithacopyofsuchamendment,andmayfileanamendedanswertothesaidamendedcomplaintwithinfivedaysthereafter.
VI.Subcommittee
Section1.Thesubcommitteetohearandtryandmakewrittenfindingsoffactandrecommendationswithreferencetothematterofthecancellation,suspensionorrevocationofthePostchartershallbeappointedbytheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteeandshallconsistofnotlessthanthree(3)membersoftheDepartmentExecutiveCommittee.NomemberofthePostunderinvestigationshallbeamemberofsuchsubcommittee.
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Section2.Shouldnomemberofthesubcommitteebealawyer,opinionsonquestionsoflawmaybeobtainedfromtheDepartmentJudgeAdvocate.
Section3.Amajorityofthemembersofthesubcommitteeshallconstituteaquorum.Ifforanyreasonthereislessthanaquorum,thehearingshallbeadjourneduntilaquorumispresent.
Section4.ThedutiesoftheDepartmentJudgeAdvocateorspecialactingDepartmentJudgeAdvocateshallbetoseethatthetrialisprompt,completeandthorough,makeallarrangementsforthehearings,thesummoningofallwitnessesandtheproductionofallpapers.Heshallseethatalltheordersofthesubcommitteeshallbecarriedout.Heshallexamineandcross-examineallwitnesses.
VII.HearingandTrial
Section1.Therulesofevidenceprevailingincourtsoflawandequityshallnotbecontrolling.Thesubcommitteeshalldecideallquestionsarisingastorelevancyoftheevidenceandtheregularityoftheproceedings.
Section2.Thesubcommitteemayholditshearingsinclosedsessionsormayopenthemtothepublic.Thesubcommitteeshallhearwitnessesonoathoraffirmation.
Section3.Anypartytotheproceedingshallhavetherighttoappearatsuchhearinginperson,bycounselorotherwise,subjecttosuchreasonablerestrictionsasmaybeplacedonthisrightbythesubcommittee,andtoexamineandcross-examinewitnessesandtointroducedocumentaryorotherevidence.
Section4.Stipulationsoffactmaybeintroducedinevidencewithrespecttoanyissues.Section5.Objectiontotheconductofthehearingshallbestatedorallytogetherwithashortstatementofthegrounds
ofsuchobjectionandincludedinthestenographicreportofthehearing.Section6.Anypartytotheproceedingsshallbeentitledtoareasonableperiodatthecloseofthehearingfororal
argument,whichshallnotbeincludedinthestenographicreportofthehearing.Briefsmaybefiledbythepartieswithinthetimefixedbythesubcommittee.
Section7.Inthediscretionofthesubcommittee,thehearingsmaybecontinuedfromdaytoday,oradjournedtoalaterdate,ortoadifferentplacebyannouncementthereofatthehearingbythechairmanorvice-chairmanofthesubcommitteeorbyotherappropriatenotices.
Section8.Astenographicreportofthetrialshallbemade.
VIII.ReportofSubcommitteeSection1.Thesubcommittee,afterithascompleteditshearings,shallfilethecompletereportoftheproceedingshad
uponthetrial,togetherwithitswrittenfindingsoffactandrecommendationswithreferencetheretowiththeDepartmentAdjutantnotlessthanfive(5)daysbeforethenextmeetingoftheDepartmentExecutiveCommittee,allofwhichshallbeopentotheinspectionofallmembersoftheDepartmentExecutiveCommittee,aswellasrepresentativeorrepresentativesofthedefendantPost.
Section2.TheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteeshallconsidersaidreportandactthereon.Section3.AttheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteemeetingatwhichthereportofthesaidsubcommitteeistobe
considered,onerepresentativeofthedefendantPostmay,withinthediscretionoftheDepartmentExecutiveCommittee,begiventheprivilegeofthefloorfornotmorethanonehour.
Section4.Shouldthesubcommittee’sreportbeapartialreport,theDepartmentExecutiveCommitteemaycontinuethecommitteeandauthorizeittoholdfurtherhearingsandpresentitsfinalreportatthenextmeetingoftheDepartmentExecutiveCommittee.
IX.Appeal
Section1.ShouldtheDepartmentExecutiveCommitteerefusetocancel,suspendorrevokethecharterofthePost,suchdecisionshallbefinalandnoappealcanbetakentherefrom.
Section2.ShouldtheDepartmentExecutiveCommittee,uponareportofitssubcommittee,cancel,suspendorrevokethecharterofthedefendantPost,thedefendantPostandtheNationalAdjutantshallbenotifiedbytheDepartmentAdjutantofthedecisionoftheDepartmentExecutiveCommittee,whichnoticeshallbemailedwithinfive(5)daysaftersuchdecisionhasbeenrendered.ShouldthedefendantPostdesiretoappealfromthedecisionoftheDepartmentExecutiveCommittee,itshallserveitsnoticeofappeal,signedbythePostCommanderandPostAdjutant,onthe
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DepartmentAdjutantatDepartmentHeadquarterswithinthirty(30)daysfromthedateofsaidsuspension,cancellationorrevocation.
Section3.Uponreceiptofsaidnoticeofappeal,theDepartmentCommandershallimmediatelynotifytheNationalCommanderofsuchappealandshallcausetheDepartmentJudgeAdvocate,oractingDepartmentJudgeAdvocate,andthesubcommitteetosubmitallthepapersandthecompleterecordofthehearingstotheNationalCommander.Uponreceiptofthenoticeofappeal,theNationalCommandershallappointasubcommitteeofnotmorethanfive(5)norlessthanthree(3)membersoftheNationalExecutiveCommitteeforthepurposeofhearingtheappealfromtheactionoftheDepartmentExecutiveCommittee.
Section4.TheNationalExecutiveCommitteeman,oralternate,fromtheDepartmentofwhichthedefendantPostisapart,shallnotbeeligibletoserveonthiscommittee.
Section5.ThissubcommitteeoftheNationalExecutiveCommitteeshallmeetatleastonedaypriortothemeetingoftheNationalExecutiveCommitteeandtothiscommitteetheNationalCommandershallreferthecompleterecord,inwriting,ofsaidproceedingswithsuchexceptionstheretoasaremadebythedefendantPost.
Section6.Thissubcommitteemaymakeitsrecommendationsmerelyfromtherecords,oritmaypermitrepresentativesoftheDepartmentorthedefendantPosttoappearandarguethematterbeforethecommittee,anditmay,assuchhearingofsuchappeal,takefurtherevidencerelatingtheretoundersuchrulesandconditionsasitmayfromtimetotimeadopt.
Section7.ThissubcommitteeshallreviewthecauseandrecommendtotheNationalExecutiveCommitteetheactiontobetakenthereon.
Section8.ThedecisionoftheNationalExecutiveCommittee,baseduponthereportofthissubcommittee,shallbefinalandthereshallbenoappealtherefrom.
Section9.ThecostoftheproceedingmayberetaxedastheNationalExecutiveCommitteeshalldeemjustandequitable.
PracticeandProcedureintheExpulsionorSuspension
ofaMemberofTheAmericanLegion(mayberevisedandchangedbysubsequentactionoftheNationalExecutiveCommittee)
ManydepartmentsandpostsofTheAmericanLegionhavefailedtoadoptamethodofpracticeand
procedureonthesuspensionorexpulsionofamember.Thefollowingisnotmandatoryforanypostordepartment,butisofferedasaguideorformtofollow.ItisapprovedbytheNationalExecutiveCommittee.
ArticleIV,Section2oftheBy-LawsofTheAmericanLegionisasfollows:“MembersmaybesuspendedorexpelledfromtheLegiononlyuponapropershowingofcause.Chargesshallbebasedupondisloyalty,neglectofduty,dishonestyandconductunbecomingamemberofTheAmericanLegion.Allchargesmustbemadeunderoathinwritingbytheaccusers,andnomemberingoodstandingshalllosehismembershipuntilgivenafairtrialinsuchmannerandformastheDepartmentby-lawsandDepartmentExecutiveCommitteeshallprescribe.”I.ProcessThefirstprocessinallactionsofexpulsionorsuspensionagainstamemberofTheAmericanLegioningoodstandingshallbebyfilingwiththeadjutantofthepostwrittenchargesintriplicate,properlyverifiedbyaffidavitoftheaccuseroraccusers.
II.Writ—WhenReturnableWhenWrittenChargesAreFiledTheadjutantshallissueawritdateduponthedayitshallbeissuedandsignit,directedtothesergeant-at-arms(orsomeothermemberofthepostingoodstanding),commandingthatpersontosummontheaccusedtoappearatthepostmeetingplaceatthenextregularmeeting(providing15dayshaveintervened),toshowcausewhyheshouldnotbesuspendedorexpelled(asthecasemaybe).
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III.Service—ReturnItshallbethedutyofthesergeant-at-arms,orthememberappointed,toservethewritsoissued,byreadingittothe
accusedandatthesametimedeliveringtothememberaverifiedcopyofthechargesfiled.ThepersonservingthewritshallendorseuponsaidwritthetimeandmannerofservingitandimmediatelythereafterfilethesamewiththePostadjutant.
IV.AliasWritWheneveritshallappearbythereturnthattheaccusedisnotfoundfifteen(15)days,ormore,previoustotheregularpostmeeting,theadjutant,attherequestoftheaccuser,shallissueanotherwritandsoonuntilserviceishad.
V.FailuretoMakeReturnIfthesergeant-at-arms,orthemembertowhoasummonsisdelivered,shallneglectorrefusetomakereturnofsamewithinthetimerequiredinParagraph4,anothersummonsshallbeissued,directedtosomeothermemberingoodstandingforserviceashereinabovesetforth.
VI.ServicebyPublicationWhenevertheaccusershallfilewiththeadjutantofthepostinwhichthechargesarepending,anaffidavitshowingtheaccusedhasgoneoutofthestateorondueinquirycannotbefoundorisconcealedwithinthestatesothatprocesscannotbeservedupontheintended,andstatingtheplaceofresidenceofsuchaccused,ifknown,orthatupondiligentinquirytheplaceofresidencecannotbeascertained,theadjutantofthepostshallcausepublicationtobemadeinthecountywherethepostislocatedandiftherebenonewspaperspublishedinsaidcounty,theninthenearestnewspaperpublishedinthestatecontainingnoticeofthependencyofsuchchargesbeforesaidpost,thenamesoftheaccusedandtheaccuser,andthetimeandplaceofthehearingofsaidcharges.Withintwodaysofthefirstpublicationofsuchnotice,theadjutantofsaidpostshallsendacopythereofbymailaddressedtotheaccusediftheplaceofresidenceisstatedinsaidaffidavit;saidnoticeshallbepublishedatleastonceeachweekforthreesuccessiveweeks.
VII.ChargesTheaccuseroraccusersmustbemembersofthesamepostastheaccusedandshallsetforththechargesofdisloyalty,neglectofduty,dishonestyandconductunbecomingamemberofTheAmericanLegionintermsofsimplicityandunderstandinginordertheaccusedmayproperlyprepareadefense.
VIII.AccusedtoEnterHis/HerAppearanceinWritingBeforetheaccuseddefendsinhis/herownproperperson,orthroughcounsel,he/sheshallenteranappearancebyfilingananswertosaidchargesonorbeforethedateoftheregularmeetingtowhichtheaccusedhasbeensummonedtoappear.
IX.FailuretoAnswerIftheaccusedfailstoanswerthecharges,inmannerandformashereinlastsetforth,thechargesandmattersandthingsthereinstatedshallbetakenasconfessedandtheprayerforexpulsionorsuspensiongranted.X.DateofTrialWhenevertheaccusedentersanappearancebyfilingananswertothechargespreferred,theentireproceedingsshallautomaticallybecontinueduntilthenextregularpostmeeting,atwhichtimethetrialshallbehad.
XI.ContinuanceEitherpartymayapplyforacontinuancebeforethedaysetfortrial,however,itshallbeaccompaniedbyawrittenmotion,supportedbyaffidavitofthepartysoapplying.Goodandsubstantialcausemustexistbeforesaidmotionisgranted.Thepresidingjudgeadvocateshallpassonsaidmotion.
XII.Trial—PostJudgeAdvocatetoPreside
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Thepostjudgeadvocateshallpresideatthetrial,andshallhavethepowerandauthoritytopassuponthematerialityandrelevancyofalltheevidencepresented,andshallhavegeneralpowertoprescribethenecessaryandreasonablerulesandregulationsfortheorderlyprocedureofsaidtrial.
XIII.PostJudgeAdvocateVacancyIncaseofdeath,removal,vacancy,resignationordisabilityofthepostjudgeadvocate,itshallbethedutyofthedepartmentcommander,whendulynotifiedbythepostadjutant,toappointaspecialjudgeadvocateinthedepartmenttofillthevacancy.Suchspecialjudgeadvocatesoappointedshallhavetheauthority,rightandpowersofadulyelectedpostjudgeadvocate.Thepostshallbeartheexpensesofanyspecialjudgeadvocate.
XIV.PostOfficersandExecutiveCommitteetoActasJurorsThepostofficersandthepostexecutivecommitteeareherebyselectedasjurorstoascertainundertheguidanceofthejudgeadvocatethetruthofthechargespreferred.Theirprovinceisstrictlylimitedtoquestionsoffact,andwithinthatprovincetheyarestillfurtherrestrictedtotheexclusiveconsiderationofthemattersthathavebeenprovenbyevidenceoftheinterestedpartiesinthecourseofthetrial.Theirdecisionshallbereducedtowritingandfiledwiththepostadjutant,who,inturn,shallenterthesameinthepostrecords.
XV.CausesofChallengeIfanypostofficeroranymemberoftheexecutivecommittee,oranyothermemberselectedasajuror,shallstatehe/shecannotfairlyandimpartiallyrenderaverdictthereininaccordancewiththeevidence,andthepresidingjudgeadvocateshallbesatisfiedofthetruthofsuchstatement,saidmemberormembersshallbechallengedforcause.
XVI.PeremptoryChallengeEachpartyshallbeentitledtochallengeoftwojurorswithoutshowingcauseforsuchchallenge.
XVII.WhenaPostHasNoExecutiveCommitteeWhenaposthasnoexecutivecommittee,thepresidingjudgeadvocateshalldirectthesergeant-at-armstosummonfivemembersoftheposttositasjurorsintheirplace.
XVIII.DutyofSergeant-at-ArmsIfanymemberischallengedperemptorilyorforcause,orifanypostofficerormemberoftheexecutivecommitteeshallbeabsentfromsaidtrial,thepresidingjudgeadvocateshalldirectthesergeant-at-armstosummonasufficientnumberofmembersoftheposttositasjurorsintheirplace.
XIX.IfSergeant-at-ArmsNotPresent,etc.Ifthesergeant-at-armsisnotpresentatsaidtrialoruponobjectionofeitherpartytothecausetothesergeant-at-armssummoningasufficientnumbertofillthevacancies,thepresidingjudgeadvocateshallappointaspecialsergeant-at-armstosummonthenecessarypersonstoactasjurors.
XX.MembersInsufficienttoFillPanelWhenthemembershipofthepost,throughcauseorotherwise,isinsufficientinnumbertomakeafullpanelforjuryservice,thetrialshallbecontinueduntilthenextregularpostmeeting.Thepostadjutant,withinfive(5)daysthereafter,shalltransmitsuchinformationtothedepartmentcommander,whoshall,beforethenextregularmeetingofthepost,causethesergeant-at-armsofsaidposttosummonasufficientnumberofmembersofTheAmericanLegionfromthebodyofthecountyinwhichthepostislocatedtofillthevacancies.
XXI.Amendments
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Atanytimebeforeafinaldecisionismadebythejuryuponthetrialofamemberuponexpulsionorsuspension,amendmentsmaybeallowedbythepresidingjudgeadvocateuponsuchtermsasarejustandreasonable.XXII.NumberNecessarytoExpelorSuspendToexpelorsuspendamemberofTheAmericanLegioningoodstanding,two-thirdsofthemembersselectedtositasjurorsshallvoteintheaffirmative.
ArticleIV,Section3oftheBy-LawsofTheAmericanLegionisasfollows:“AnymemberwhohasbeensuspendedorexpelledhastherightofappealtohisDepartmentExecutiveCommittee,ortotheDepartmentconvention,accordingtotheprovisionsintheby-lawsofsuchDepartment.ThedecisionoftheDepartmentshallbefinal.”
I.TimeforAppealWithinforty(40)daysafterjudgmentofexpulsionorsuspensionismadeandrecorded,theaccusedONLYmaytakeanappealinmannerandformassetforthinArticleIV,Section3oftheBy-Lawslastmentioned.
II.StenographicReportEitherpartydemandingastenographicreportofthetrialshallpayforthesame,andwhensaidreportiscompleted,itshallbethedutyofthepresidingjudgeadvocate,onappeal,toexaminethesameandifcorrect,officiallycertifytothecorrectnessofsuchreport,andthesameshallbeimmediatelyfiledwiththedepartmentadjutant,who,inturn,shallpresentthesametothedepartmentexecutivecommitteeorthedepartmentconventionofficials,accordingtotheby-lawsofsuchdepartment.Allmattersandthingscontainedinsuchstenographicreportshallbecomeapartoftherecordandshallbeconsideredinthefinaldecisionbythedepartment.Inadditiontothestenographicreport,allinterestedpartiesshallhavethefurtherrightofappearinginperson,orbycounsel,andpresentfurtherevidenceandargumentsuponsuchfinalhearing.
III.NoticebyDepartmentAdjutantUponRequestWhenanappealistakenbyaccused,incompliancewithArticleIV,Section3oftheBy-LawsofTheAmericanLegion,itshallbethedutyoftheaccusedtoobtainfromthedepartmentadjutantthedateoftheexecutivecommitteemeetingordepartmentconventionandtheexacttimeandplaceofsuchhearingonappeal.Thisnoticeshouldbegivenifpossibleatleastten(10)daysbeforethemeetingorconvention.
IV.Appeal—DepartmentJudgeAdvocatetoPresideUponappealthedepartmentjudgeadvocateshallpresideatthetrial,andshallhavethepowerandauthoritytograntacontinuancetoeitherpartyifdeemedforthebestinterestoftheLegion;topassuponthematerialityandrelevancyofalltheevidencepresentedandshallhavegeneralpowertoprescribethenecessaryandreasonablerulesandregulationsfortheorderlyprocedureofsaidtrial.
V.NoFurtherAppealThedecisionreachedbythedepartmentexecutivecommitteeordepartmentconventionshallbefinal.
VI.EffectofDecisionWhereanappealistakenbytheaccusedandthedepartmentexecutivecommitteeordepartmentconventionsustainstheappeal,theexpelledmemberautomaticallybecomesamemberingoodstandingofsaidpost,anditismandatorytheadjutantreinstatesaidmemberuponthepostmembershiproll.Anypostfailingtocomplywiththisprovisionissubjecttohavingitschartersuspendedorrevoked.ArticleIV,Section4oftheNationalConstitutionofTheAmericanLegionisasfollows:“NopersonwhohasbeenexpelledbyaPostshallbeadmittedtomembershipinanotherPostwithouttheconsentoftheexpellingPost,exceptthatwheresuchconsenthasbeenaskedforanddeniedbysuchPost,hemaythenappealtotheExecutive
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CommitteeoftheDepartmentoftheexpellingPostforpermissiontobeadmittedtomembershipinanotherPost,andshallbeineligibleformembershipuntilsuchpermissionisgranted.”EmblemSales
EmblemSalesoffersavarietyofmerchandise,includingAmericanLegionandAuxiliarycaps,uniforms,giftsforoutgoingofficers,bookkeepingmaterials,flags,apparelandmore.Catalogsgotoeverypostcommander,postadjutantandunitpresident,andadditionalcopiesareavailableatemblem.legion.orgorbycallingtoll-free1-888-453-4466.
Additionally,TheAmericanLegionEmblemSaleshasbeendelegated,bythenationaladjutant,thetaskofadministeringuseoftheemblemonmanufacturedgoods.ThenameandemblemofTheAmericanLegionareregisteredservicemarksintheU.S.TrademarkOfficeandareprotectedbycriminalandcivilenforcementprovisionsoffederallaw(18U.S.C.S705and36U.S.C.SS21704and21705).However,byauthorityofResolutionNo.71passedinMay1947,thenationalorganizationmaygrantpermissiontousethenameandembleminaccordancewithResolutionNo.71,otherresolutionsandU.S.trademarklaw.
Forpermissiontobegranted,arequestmustbesubmittedinwritingthroughthedepartmentadjutant,whowillforwardtherequesttoEmblemSales.Thefollowinginformationmustbeincludedwiththerequest:1)nameandaddressofrequestingpost,2)nameandaddressofmanufacturer,3)descriptionofitemtobemanufactured,4)quantitytobemanufactured,5)costofeach,6)assurancesthattheitemismadeintheUnitedStates,and7)purposeforwhichtheitemistobeused(postuse,notpurchasedforre-sale).Authoritymaythenbegrantedonaone-timebasisonly;additionalordersrequirenewauthority,andthemanufacturermustnotproducemoreitemsthanthatbeingordered.
UseofTheAmericanLegionemblem
IndividualsTheuseoftheemblembyanindividualLegionnaireislimitedtothewearingoftheofficialinsigniaandtothepossessionofauthorizedjewelryormerchandisebearingtheinsignia.
PostsanddepartmentsPostsaremayonlyusetheemblemorreproductionoftheemblemonstationery,postpublications,notices,postersorplacards,orinmattersofsimilarcharacterintheordinaryroutineandconductoflegitimatepostbusiness.
Anyotheruseofthename“TheAmericanLegion”ortheemblemshallbesubjecttotheapprovalofthenationaladjutant,inaccordancewithResolutionNo.71.
Trademarklawcompliance Allprograms,associationsandcorporationsusingthenameandemblemofTheAmericanLegionmayonlydosowithpermission,regardlessofwhetherornottheyareaseparatelegalentity.Inaddition,allprograms,associationsandcorporationsusingthenameandemblemofTheAmericanLegionmustsatisfythe“constantandcontinuouscontrolrequirement”ofU.S.TrademarkLaw.Thefollowingrulesapplytoallprograms,associationsandcorporationsusingthenameandemblemofTheAmericanLegion,includingSonsofTheAmericanLegionandAmericanLegionRiders: ! Allofficers,directors,trustees,etc.,mustbenamedbythedepartment/post(usuallynominatedbythe
department/postcommanderandconfirmedbytheexecutivecommittee).! Allvacanciesinthesubsidiaryprogram,associationorcorporationmustbefilledbythedepartment/post.
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! Thesubsidiaryprogram,associationorcorporationmustreporttothedepartment/post,nolessfrequentlythanmonthly.Thesereportsmustincludefinancialreports.
! Thepost/departmentfinanceofficer/treasurermustbeasignatoryonallaccountsfortherespectiveentity.! Allamendmentstoarticlesofincorporationorby-lawsmustbeapprovedbythedepartment/post.(Ifthe
currenttexthasnotbeenapprovedbythedepartment/post,ittoomustbesoapproved.)Note:TheSonsofTheAmericanLegionentityisasquadronandtheAmericanLegionRidersentityisachapter.Theytooaresubjecttotheserules.RequestforuseofTheAmericanLegionnameoremblemonmerchandise
ThenameandemblemofTheAmericanLegionareregisteredwiththeU.S.TrademarkOfficeandareprotectedbycriminalandcivilenforcementprovisionsoffederallaw(18U.S.C.S705and36U.S.C.SS21704and21705).ByauthorityofResolutionNo.71,passedinMay1947,thenationaladjutantordesignatedrepresentative(EmblemSalesdirector)maygrantlimitedpermissiontousethenameandembleminaccordancewithResolutionNo.71,otherresolutionsandU.S.trademarklaw.
Togainpermissionforlimiteduseofthenameoremblem,completetheformonpage138andsendittodepartmentheadquarters,whichwillforwardittoEmblemSales.
Note:Thememberorpostpurchasingthemerchandisemustrequestpermission,andpermissionisgranteddirectlytoU.S.manufacturersonly.
Anypermissiongrantedisonaone-timebasisforagivenquantity.Additionalorderswillrequirenewauthority,andthemanufacturermustnotproducemoreitemsthanordered.Permissionisgivenwiththecaveatthatallmaterialusedwillspecificallyidentifythepost.IfthemerchandiserequestedisavailablethroughEmblemSales,youwillreceiveaquoteforthemerchandiseoraone-timelimitedpermission.IfthemerchandiseisnotavailablethroughEmblemSales,youwillreceiveaone-timelimitedpermissionordenialofpermission.YoumaypurchasedirectlyfromapprovedAmericanLegionlicenseesortheirretailoutlets.ForalistofcurrentapprovedlicenseesofTheAmericanLegion,visitemblem.legion.org.
TheAmericanLegionNameandEmblemUseandProtectionGuidecanbedownloadedfreeatwww.legion.org/publicationsorpurchasedatemblem.legion.org.
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Purchaserinformation Manufacturerinformation
Postnameandnumber___________________________Address________________________________________City___________________State______ZIP_________Contactperson__________________________________MemberID#____________________________________Telephone#___________________Evening__________EmailAddress___________________________________
Productdescription______________________________
_______________________________________________Quantity_______________________________________Price__________________________________________Purpose/useofproduct__________________________________________________________________________
Nameofbusiness
____________________________________________Address____________________________________________City_____________State_____ZIP______________Contactperson____________________________________________Telephonenumber____________________________________________ProductinallpartsmadeinUnitedStates?Yes_______No_______Ifno,attachanexplanation.Imprintinstructions.Providearoughsketchbeloworattachartwork.
DEPARTMENTUSE NATIONALUSE
" Recommendapproval" RecommenddenialDepartmentadjutant
" Approved" Referred" DeniedNationaladjutantordesignatedrepresentative(EmblemSales)THISFORMMAYBEREPRODUCEDLOCALLY.FOROFFICEUSEONLY.
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MilitaryequipmentBeadvisedthatallrequestsforsurplusmilitaryequipmentmustfirstgothroughTheAmericanLegion’s
Washingtonoffice(seebelowforaddress)toverifythelegitimacyofthepostmakingtherequest.Regulations,proceduresandpricesforobtainingblankammunition,surplusriflesandothermilitary
equipmentavailablefordonationaresubjecttochangewithoutnotice.TheWashingtonofficeisauthorizedtoonlyhandlerequestsfromcharteredAmericanLegionpostsingood
standing.Onceverificationiscomplete,itsendsrequeststotheappropriateagenciesforprocessing.Whenrequestsaremadetocongressionalofficesorothermilitarydepartmentswithoutproperverificationandendorsement,theacquisitionprocessslows.Separatelettersmustbesentforeachtypeofequipmentrequested.Ifbothriflesandammunitionareneeded,separaterequestsshouldbeforwardedtotheWashingtonoffice,astwodifferentagencies–theJointMunitionsCommandinRockIsland,Ill.,andU.S.ArmyTACOMLife-CycleManagementCommandinWarren,Mich.–willbehandlingtheitems.
Requestsaretobetypedonpostletterheadandcontainthefollowing:
! Postnameandnumber,address(notaP.O.Boxnumber)! Signatureofpostcommanderoradjutant
TheserequirementsaresetforthinnewpoliciesandproceduresestablishedbytheArmy.Any
correspondencelackinganyoftheseitemswillbereturnedtothepost,causingadelayinprocessing.PostsareremindedthatequipmentdonatedbytheDepartmentoftheArmytoAmericanLegionpostsremainsthepropertyoftheU.S.Army.TransferofanyequipmentobtainedthroughtheCeremonialRifleandStaticDisplayProgramisunauthorizedwithoutthewrittenpermissionofU.S.ArmyTACOMLifeCycleManagementCommand(TACOM).
Postsreceivingsurplusequipment,rifles,staticdisplayitems,etc.,canexpectperiodicinspectionstoassureaccuracyofdonorinformationandcompliancewiththetermsofthisConditionalDeedofGift,properstorageandhandling,etc.(Ceremonialrifleinventoriesareconductedatthetimeofissueandeverythreeyearsorasrequested;staticdisplaysareconductedatthetimeofissueandeveryyearorasrequested.)Thisprogramistobeatnocosttothegovernment,andeventhoughpostshavepaidforhandling,shipping,packaging,crating,etc.,theitemsareon“conditionalloan”fromtheDepartmentoftheArmy.
Blankammunition
AmericanLegionpostsneedingblankammunitionforceremonialpurposescanbeassuredofthebestpossibleserviceonrequests,iftheycomplywiththefollowinginstructions:
1.Directaletterofrequestonpostletterheadwithanaddress(notaP.O.Boxnumber),anemailaddressifavailable,andatelephonenumbertoAttn:ExecutiveDirector,AmericanLegionNationalHeadquarters,1608KSt.NW,Washington,DC20006.
2.Ammunitionisnowprovidedfreeofcharge.Donotsendchecksormoneyorders.
3.Itispreferredtheammunitionbeshippedtoaresidentialaddress(notnecessarilythecommanderortheadjutant’saddress)andnottothepost.Provideahomedeliveryaddress(andaP.O.Boxnumberifapplicable)inyourwrittenrequestalongwithaphonenumberforthatresidenceorcurrentcellphonenumber.Indicatetheamountofammunitionyouwishtoorder(onecaseof1,240,twocasesof2,480).Ifyoudonotspecify,youwillreceiveonlyonecase.Ifyouorder8-rdclips,specifythequantityrequired.Clipsareshippedinmultiplesof25(minimum)upto100.Ifyouorderclipsanddonotspecifythequantity,youwillreceive25.
4.Currently,theonlystoragefacilityhandlingblankammunitionisinMissouri;orderswillbeshippedfromthere.Youshouldreceivealetterindicatingyourorderhasbeenprocessedalongwithatentativeshipdate.Ordersareusuallyreceivedwithinfiveworkingdaysaftershipment.FedExGroundwillnotcallyoutoletyou
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knowitisonthewaytodeliver.Asignatureisrequiredupondelivery.Noordersshouldbeleftatthedoorwithoutasignature.Ifyourpostalsorequested8-rdclips,beadvisedthattheclipsshipfromadifferentlocationthantheblankammunition.
5.Uponreceiptoftheaboveinformationfromapost,theLegion’sWashingtonofficewillendorsetherequest,statingitisacharteredpostingoodstandingandeligibletoparticipateintheprogram.Therequest,withendorsement,willbeforwardedtoRockIsland,Ill.,forprocessing.Nofurthercorrespondenceshouldbenecessary.Presently,itcannotbeestimatedhowlongitwilltakeforammunitionrequeststobefilled.Requestswillbehandledinturnastowhenreceivedandwhenammunitionisavailable.
Donotmakemultiplerequests(ammunition,riflesandstaticdisplayequipment)inthesameletter,aseachrequestmustbesenttoadifferentagency.YoucanrequestclipsthroughRockIsland,Ill.,withyourammunitionrequest.Statethisintherequest.Clipsarealsoprovidedfreeofcharge.
Issueofcartridgecaliber.30blankandclipsOnlyauthorizedorganizationsthathavebeenissuedweaponsthroughtheCeremonialRifleProgramatU.S.ArmyTACOMLifeCycleManagementCommandinWarren,Mich.,areauthorizedtoorderandreceiveblankammunitionand/orclips.Ifyouhaveprivatelyownedweaponsorborrowweaponsfromanotherorganization,yourorganizationisnoteligibletoreceiveblankammunitionand/orclipsthroughthisprogram.
TheuseofammunitionobtainedfromsourcesotherthantheJointMunitionsCommandisprohibited,asitmayresultindamagetotherifle.Moreimportantly,itcouldcauseharmorseriousinjurytotheuser.
NOTE:Thisofficewillonlyrespondtorequestsforcaliber.30blankammunitionorclipsfromanofficeroftheorganization.Yourrequestforformstoorderblankammunitionand/orclipscanbebyletter,fax,phonecalloremail.Requestforformsmustprovideahomemailingaddress,theofficer’sphonenumber,postnumber,thepost’scityandstate,andanemailaddress(optional).Formsaresenttotheofficer’sresidence,nottothepost.Anewformmustberequestedeachtimeyouneedtoorderblankammunitionand/orclips.AddressyourrequestforissueofAMSJMForm725-2to:
CommanderJointMunitionsCommandAttn:DFolland/MMD2695RollandAve.RockIsland,IL61299-6000(309)782-4608ortollfree877-233-2515Fax:(309)782-7292Email:[email protected]
! Prefertoshipammunitiontoaresidentialaddress,nottothepost.! Ammunitionsentis1,240rounds(twometalcansinawoodenbox).! Quantityislimitedtotwoboxes(2,480rounds)ofammunition.
Donotsendmoneyorchecks.Ammunitionandclipsareprovidedfreeofcharge(noshippingandhandling).AllowsixtoeightweeksdeliveryafterRockIslandreceivesandprocessestheorder.AllammunitionwillbeshippedviaFedExGroundfromLakeCityArmyAmmunitionPlantinIndependence,Mo.Normaldeliveryisbetween9a.m.and5p.m.MondaythroughFriday.Asignatureisalwaysrequiredupondelivery.
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RiflesUndertheprovisionsofPublicLaw1028,Title10,U.S.Code(USC)4683,theSecretaryoftheArmy,under
regulationsprescribed,mayconditionallylendordonateexcessM-1rifles(notmorethan15),slingsandcartridgebeltstoanyeligibleorganizationforusebythatorganizationforfuneralceremoniesofamemberorformermemberoftheU.S.ArmedForces,andforotherceremonialpurposes.TheAmericanLegionisauthorizedtohandlerequestsonlyfromcharteredLegionpostsingoodstanding.TheArmyDonationsProgramOfficeinWarren,Mich.,isresponsibleforissueandmanagementofriflesforceremonialuse.Title10,USC4683allowsconditionstobeimposedontheuseoftheriflesasmaybenecessarytoensuresecurity,safetyandaccountability.TheSecretaryoftheArmymayimposesuchotherconditionsasconsideredappropriate.
Apostwithmorethan15ceremonialriflesisrequiredtoreturntotheArmythebalanceoftheriflestobeincompliancewithfederallaw.Insuchcases,thepostwillrequestdispositioninstructionsfromtheArmyDonationsProgramOffice.Nofurtherceremonialriflesorammunitionwillbeissueduntilthepostiscompliant.
ApostwishingtoobtainriflesforceremonialusemustforwarditsrequestthroughtheLegion’sWashingtonoffice.Therequestshouldbeonpostletterheadwithanaddress(notaP.O.Boxnumber),atelephonenumber,acontactperson,thenumberofactivemembers,andthepostcommander’soradjutant’ssignature.Statethenumberofriflesdesired,uptoamaximumof15.Failuretoincludeanyrequirementwillresultintheletterofrequestbeingreturnedtothepost.TherequestisendorsedbytheLegion’sWashingtonoffice,statingthatthepostischarteredandingoodstandingandeligibletoparticipateintheceremonialrifleprogram.ItisforwardedtoU.S.ArmyTACOMLifeCycleManagementCommand,Attn:AMSTA-LCL-IWD,M/S:419D,6501East11MileRoad,Warren,MI48397-5000forprocessing.Sendanemailtousarmy.detroit.tacom.mbx.ilsc-donations@mail.milorcalltheArmyDonationsProgramgeneralofficelineat(586)282-9861.Youarerequiredtoleaveonevoicemailmessage.Yourcallisreturnedintheorderofreceiptwithinthreebusinessdays.Emailrequestscannotbeprocessed,asthesignedoriginaldocumentmustbeforwarded.
OnceTACOMreceivestheendorsedrequest,forwardedbytheLegion’sWashingtonoffice,processingwillbeginandaneligibilitypackagewillbesenttothepost.Thispackagewillincludethechecklistandformsrequiredforcompletionbythepostcommanderoradjutant.ReturntheoriginalformstoTACOM.Atthistime,ittakesapproximately90daysforriflestobeshippedafterreceiptoftheeligibilityrequirementsfromthepost.
Currently,surplusM1Garandriflesareavailableforceremonialuseonaconditionalbasis.TheseriflesareshippedfromtheCivilianMarksmanshipProgram.NormalovernightFedExGrounddeliveryisbetween9a.m.and5p.m.MondaythroughFriday.CeremonialriflesremainthepropertyoftheU.S.government.Theriflescannotbeloaned,sold,transferredorgiventoanyoneelsewithoutthewrittenapprovaloftheArmyDonationsProgramoffice.Ifforanyreasonthepostnolongerrequirestheuseoftheconditionallyloanedrifles,submitawrittenrequesttoU.S.ArmyTACOMLifeCycleManagementCommand,Attn:AMSTA-LCL-IWD,M/S:419D,6501East11MileRoad,Warren,MI48397-5000.NEVERreturnanyweaponstoTACOM.
Inmostcases,theArmyDonationsProgramOfficewillrequestprepaidshippinglabels,whicharesenttotherequesterfromtheCivilianMarksmanshipProgramtoassistwiththereturnofrifles.Aftertheriflesarereturned,provideacopyofthereceipttoTACOMforvalidationofthereturn.Inturn,itwillsendalettertoabsolvethepostofresponsibilityandaccountabilityforthereturnedrifles.
Ifriflesarenolongerinthepossessionofthepost,itisarequirementtostatewhathappenedtothem.Eitherapoliceand/orfiredepartmentreportornotarizedstatementsignedbythecommanderdescribingthecircumstancessurroundingtheirlossandtheaction(s)takentorecovertheriflesisrequired.SendthisinformationtoTACOMforreview.Afterreview,adeterminationismadeastotheliabilityforthemissing/lost/stolenrifles.Thepostwillbenotifiedifreimbursementcostsarerequired.Aninventoryisrequiredeverythreeyearsfromthedateofissue,oruponrequest.Careandmaintenanceoftheconditionallyloanedriflesisthepost’sresponsibility.
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SlingsarenotprovidedthroughtheArmyDonationsProgramoffice.ThepostmayorderthemfromAmherst
ArmsorFultonArmory.ContactAmherstArmsat(941)475-2020orwww.amherst-depot.com,orFultonArmoryat(301)490-9485orwww.fulton-armory.com.TheArmydoesnotendorseanyspecificcommercialsourceforrifleaccoutrements.
StorageandsecurityofceremonialriflesStorageoftheceremonialriflesisatthediscretionofthepostaslongasitcomplieswithlocal,stateandfederalregulations.TheorganizationliststhestoragelocationonacompletedCertificateofArmsStorageformsubmittedandonfile.Ifthereisachange,notifyTACOMinwriting.
DamagedorunserviceableM1riflesIfM1Garandriflesarenolongerfunctioning,thepostisrequiredtohavealicensedgundealeroranarmorercertifytheserviceabilityofeachweaponinquestion.Thepostmustprovideareportbymodel,manufacturerandserialnumberdetailingwhatiswrongwitheachrifleandhowmuchitcoststofixitwithrespecttoshootingblankammunition.TACOMwilldetermineifthecosttorepairexceedsthecosttorefurbishandshipreplacementriflestothepost.Ifitdoesnot,thepostisrequiredtopayfortherepaircosts.
PolicyandprocedureforacquisitionofcombatequipmentfordisplayandmonumentalpurposesTheArmyDonationsProgramofficemayalsoconditionallyprovideobsoleteorcondemnedArmycombat
equipmentundertheprovisionsofPublicLaw100-456,Title10USC2572.Equipmentisforstaticdisplayonlyandisnotissuedinworkingcondition.Thisprogramdoesnothavejeepsorvansfordriving.Jeepsarenolongeravailabletothepublic.
Allrequestsfortanks,fieldartillerypieces,mortars,etc.,shouldbedirectedtoTheAmericanLegion,1608KStreet,N.W.,Washington,DC20006.ThisofficeisonlyauthorizedtoprocessrequestsfromAmericanLegionposts.Requestsaretobemadeonpostletterheadandlistthepostnameandnumber,address(notaP.O.Boxnumber),telephonenumber,nameofcontactperson,numberofactivemembersinthepost,andthesignatureofthepostcommanderoradjutant.
Conditionaldonationsofobsolete,condemnedcombatequipmentfordisplayaremadeatnoexpensetothegovernment.Thecostsforconstructionofadisplaysite,limiteddemilitarization,removalofradiologicalmaterial(whenapplicable),releaseandtransportationmustbepaidbytherequestingorganization.Foradisplaysite,donotprepareapaduntilnotifiedinwritingbythedonationsoffice.OncetheWashingtonofficereceivestherequestforapieceofequipment,itwillbeendorsed,statingthepostischartered,ingoodstandingandeligibletoparticipateintheprogram.TherequestisforwardedtotheArmyDonationsProgramofficeatTACOMinWarren,Mich.TheWashingtonofficedoesnothaveanyformsorinformationastowhatisavailable.
OnceTACOMreceivesarequest,itpreparesanofficialpacketandsendsittothepost.Thepostthenreviewsallrules,regulationsandrequirements,andmakesafinaldecisioniftheequipmentisstilldesired.Unfortunately,atthistime,Armyequipmentisnotreadilyobtainableforuseasaconditionalstaticdonation.Itisrecommendedapostsubmititsinitialeligibilityrequirementstothedonationsofficetoremaininanopenstatusforaperiodofthreeyears.Ifanassetdoesnotbecomeavailablewithinthreeyears,therequestiscancelledandyourpostwillhavetoreapply.
ThepostisresponsibleformaintaininganddisplayingtheArmyassetinawaythathonorsandupholdstheimageoftheUnitedStates,itsmilitaryandveterans.Thepostisrequiredtosubmitanannualcertificateandaphotographofthedisplayeditemontheanniversarydateoftheconditionalissue.Intheeventyourorganizationnolongerhasarequirementtodisplaytheitem,youarerequiredtocontacttheArmyDonationsProgramofficeforturn-inprocedures.Postsarenotauthorizedtoloan,sell,transfer,move,abandonorgivetheassettoanyotherindividualororganization.
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AmmunitionsafetyInMay2013,twoM1GarandriflesblewapartduringtherenderingoffuneralhonorsattheOhioWesternReserveNationalCemetery.Asaresult,twoAmericanLegionmembersreceivedseriousinjuries.Thismishapwascausedbytheinadvertentuseof.30calibergrenadecartridgesinsteadof.30caliberblankcartridges.Thesignificantphysicaldifferencebetweenthetwoisthatblankcartridgeshavesixcrimpsandgrenadecartridgeshavefivecrimps.
! Donotfire.30calibergrenadecartridgesintheM1Garandrifle.! Only.30caliberblankammunitionreceivedfromtheU.S.ArmyJointMunitionsCommandshouldbefired.! Ifanorganization’sammunitionpedigreeisunknown,thatammunitionshouldbeinspectedforthe
presenceofgrenadecartridges.
DirectquestionstoRobertWeissman,U.S.ArmyARDEC,at(973)724-3056orrobert.j.weissman.civ@mail.mil.TheAmericanLegionandAmericanLegionAuxiliaryPoppyProgram TheofficialflowerofTheAmericanLegionisthepoppy.Asanationallyrecognizedsymbolofsacrifice,thepoppyiswornandtohonorthemenandwomenwhoservedanddiedfortheircountryinallwars.EveryMay,Legion,AuxiliaryandSALvolunteersdistributemillionsofbrightredcrepepaperpoppiesforcontributionstoassistdisabledandhospitalizedveterans.AstheoldestandmostwidelyrecognizedLegionandAmericanLegionAuxiliaryprogram,thiscampaignprovidesmultiplebenefitstoveteransandtheircommunities. ResolutionNo.20,“TheAmericanLegionPoppyProgram,”passedbytheNationalExecutiveCommitteeinMay2013,outlinestheproperuse,manufactureanddistributionofthepoppiesandraisedfunds.AllfundsaretobeusedforhonorablydischargedU.S.veterans;forthewelfareofveterans’families;fortherehabilitationofhospitalizedmilitarypersonnelreturninghomeandawaitingdischargewhorequiretreatmentinservicehospitals;andforthewelfareofveterans,activemilitarypersonnelandtheirfamilieswherefinancialandmedicalneedisevident.Priorityistobegiventoveteransfirstinthemanufactureofpoppies. AllAmericanLegionpostsandSALsquadronsareencouraged toestablishapoppyprogramfollowing theguidelinesandproceduresestablishedbytheirrespectivedepartments. PerResolutionNo.4,passedby theNationalExecutiveCommittee inOctober2016,TheAmericanLegionand American Legion Auxiliary advocate for a congressional declaration establishing National Poppy Week,startingtheMondaybeforeandcontinuingthroughMemorialDay,tobringgreatersignificancetothepoppyasasymbolofveterans’sacrificesforfreedom.
5 crimps
5 crimps 6 crimps
grenade cartridge
blank cartridge grenade cartridge blank cartridge
6 crimps
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HOWTOWRITEARESOLUTIONBecauseresolutionsadoptedbyyourmembershiprepresentformalexpressionsoftheofficialopinionorwill
ofthepost,extremecareshouldbedevotedtoboththeirpreparationandthoughtcontent.Thefollowingguidelinesandsuggestionsrelateprimarilytotheformyourpost’sresolutionsshouldtake,ratherthantheircontent.However,whenconsideringresolutions,keepinmindthatanyproposaltransmittedbeyondyourpostandwithintheorganizationoftheLegionmustbe“germane”–thatis,closelyrelatedtothepurposeforwhichTheAmericanLegionexists.
Resolutionsrequiringcounty,districtordepartmentconsiderationmustbepreparedandforwardedinaccordancewiththeirrespectiveregulationsandby-laws.Awell-writtenresolutionstandsabetterchanceof]favorableconsiderationatyourcounty,district,ordepartmentconventionthanaresolutionthatisvaguelyworded,poorlydocumentedandcarelesslyformulated.
FromthestandpointofthepoliciesandpracticesofTheAmericanLegionasawhole,resolutionsareall-important.Thenationalorganizationcannotactonagivenproblemintheabsenceofacontrollingresolution;conversely,itmustactonamatterwhenmandatedtodosobyaresolutionthathasbeenproperlyadoptedbythenationalconventionorNationalExecutiveCommittee.IfyourpostseekstobealeaderinthepoliciesandpracticesofTheAmericanLegion,itcandosoonlythroughtheresolutionprocess.
PostproceduresmayvaryInsomeposts,thememberwhomovestheadoptionofaresolutionmustpresentitinwritingatthetime
themotionisoffered.Otherpostsfollowthepracticeofassigningonemember,oraspecialcommittee,thetaskofdraftingoreditingthoseresolutionstobesentforwardforconventionconsideration.However,itremainstheresponsibilityofthepostcommandertomakesureeachresolutiontrulyreflectsthesenseoftheactiontakenbythepost–andispresentedinthebestpossibleform.
Exceptforcertaindetails(notedinthediscussionofresolvingclausesbelow),thenationalorganizationhasnotestablishedanofficialstyleguideforthepreparationofAmericanLegionresolutions.However,theNationalExecutiveCommitteehasexpressed(ResolutionsNo.20and21,May1960)thatcertaingeneralconsiderationsareapplicabletoallresolutionsbeingforwardedforactionbythenationalorganization,asfollows:
1. Aresolutionshouldcontain“supportingdocuments,”anditsintentshouldbeclearlydefined.2. Aresolutionshouldbefreeoferrorsoffactandlaw.3. AresolutionshouldhavematerialrelevancetothepurposesandprogramsofTheAmericanLegion.(On
thelatterpoint,theNationalExecutiveCommitteespecificallycautionsLegionpoststobewareofbecomingachannelthroughwhichnon-Legionorganizationsseektoachievetheirgoals.)
Aresolutionshoulddealwithonlyonesubject.Thosethatattempttotreatmorethanonesubjectareunwieldytoprocessatconventions,especiallyiftheyinvolvemattersthatdonotfallwithinthejurisdictionofasinglecommitteeoftheconvention.Theyaregenerallyrejectedoramendedtodeletereferencetomorethanonesubject.
Resolutionshavetwomajorparts:apreambleandaresolvingsection.Eachconsistsofoneormoreclauses(paragraphs)andthewholeisreadinitsentirety,beginningwiththepreamble,asonecontinuous,complexsentence.Thepreamblesetsforththereasonsfortheresolution;theresolvingsectionsetsforththeintentoftheresolution.
PreparepreamblelastAlthoughitprecedestheresolvingsectioninappearance,thepreambleofaresolutionshouldbeprepared
aftertheresolvingsectionisputintofinalform.Oncetheintentoftheresolutionhasbeenclearlystated,itismucheasiertodecidewhatstatementsneedtobeinthepreambletomakeclearthereasonsfortheresolution.
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Also,duringcommitteeorfloordebate,apreambleisalwaysamendedlastbecausechangesintheresolutionmayrequirechangesinthepreamble.
Theresolvingsectionbeginswiththeword“RESOLVED,”usuallyprintedincapitallettersandfollowedbyacomma.Betweenthisopeningwordandthestatementoftheintentoftheresolution,thereshouldbeinsertedthefollowinginformation:(1)identificationofresolvingauthority,(2)thecircumstanceandplaceoftheaction,(3)thedateoftheaction.Thefirstwordafterthisinformationwouldbe“That”withacapital“T.”
Examples:
“RESOLVED,ByPostNo._________,TheAmericanLegion,Departmentof________________,inregular(orspecial)meetingassembledin(placeanddate),That….”
Thisclause,referredtoasthe“resolvingclause”(similartothe“enactingclause”ofalaw),shouldbeuniformforeveryresolution.FornationalconventionandNationalExecutiveCommitteeresolutions,theresolvingclauseshavebeenstandardizedasfollows:
“RESOLVED,ByTheAmericanLegioninNationalConventionassembledin(cityandstate),(date),That….”
Theword“That”immediatelyfollowingtheresolvingclauseintroducestheclause,whichistheobjectoftheverb“RESOLVED.”Itaidsthereadertofindthepointatwhichthemeatoftheresolutionbegins;itaidsthedrafteroftheresolutiontolaunchastrongandunmistakablestatementofintent.
Examples:
“RESOLVED,….ThatTheAmericanLegionshallsponsorandsupportlegislationto….”
“RESOLVED,….ThatTheAmericanLegionisopposedtorepealorweakeningof….”
Althougheachresolutionshoulddealwithonlyonesubject,itisoftennecessaryordesirabletoattachadditionalclauses(orparagraphs)toaresolution’sresolvingsectiontocovermattersthatarecloselyrelatedtothemainintent.Thisdeviceisespeciallyusefulforspellingoutthedetailsofhowandbywhomtheintentoftheresolutionistobecarriedoutoraccomplished.
Example:
“RESOLVED,By(etc.)…That(etc.)…;and,beitfurther
“RESOLVED,That(etc.)…;and,beitfurther
(addRESOLVEDparagraphsasrequired)…;and,beitfinally
“RESOLVED,That(etc.)….”
Asshownhere,theidentifyinginformationisstatedonlyonce,inthefirstparagraphoftheresolvingsectionofaresolution,andisnotrepeatedinsubsequentparagraphs.Aperiodisusedonlyonce–atthecloseofthelastparagraphoftheresolvingsection.
ConstructionofresolutionpreambleThepreambleofaresolutionismadeupofoneormoreclauses(orparagraphs),eachofwhichbeginswith
“WHEREAS.”Twoormoreoftheseclausesarejoinedtogetherbyasemicolonfollowedby“and.”
Example:
“WHEREAS,TheAmericanLegionisanorganizationofwarveteranswhohavededicatedthemselvestotheserviceofthecommunity,stateandnation;and
“WHEREAS,ThisserviceisperformedthroughTheAmericanLegion’sbasicprograms;and(etc.)”
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Eachclauseinthepreambleshouldcontainastatementoffactthatislogicallyrelatedtotheintentoftheresolutionandexplainsandjustifiestheneedfortheresolution.Accuracyofeachstatementinthepreambleiscriticalbecausetheintentmustbebasedonfactnotmisinformation(“WHEREAS,PublicLaw101-22prohibits…”or"WHEREAS,Title38,UnitedStatesCode,authorizes…”or”WHEREAS,InTexasv.Johnson,1989,theUnitedStatesSupremeCourtrule…”clearlyidentifiesthesource).Double-checkfactsandattempttodocumentthesourceasmuchaspossible.Providingsupportingmaterialsalongwiththeresolutionwouldbehelpfultorespectivereviewingcommissionsorcommittees.Eachclausewouldstandaloneasacompletesentenceifthe“WHEREAS”wereremovedandaperiodwereusedinplaceofthesemicolonattheend.
Thefinalclauseofthepreambleisjoinedtotheresolvingsectionoftheresolutionbyasemicolon,followedusuallybythephrase“now,therefore,beit…”(acceptablevariationsincommonusageare“thereforebeit,”orsimply“beit”).
Example:
“WHEREAS,.....(etc.).....;and
“WHEREAS,.....(etc.).....;and
“WHEREAS,.....(etc.).....;now,therefore,beit
“RESOLVED,By.....(etc.).....,That.....(etc.).....”
Note:The“WHEREAS”maybesetoutincapitalletters,italics,underscored,etc.,dependingonpreference.Whencapitalized,itisusuallyfollowedbyacomma,andthefirstletterofthefollowingwordiscapitalized.
Thereisnoformulafordecidinghowmany“WHEREAS”clausesaresolutionshouldhave.Ingeneral,thefewerthebetter,providedthereasonorreasonsfortheresolutionareadequatelystated.Mostofthegoodreasonsforaresolutionwillhavebeenstatedduringthedebateforitsadoption.Usethem.Itisnotnecessary,however,toreferinthepreambletoeveryfactorcircumstancethathasabearingontheintentofaresolution.
Studytheresolvingsectionandgettheexactpurposeoftheresolutionfirmlyinmind.Thenstartwritingdownstatementsoffactwhichrelatetothispurpose.Organizethemintoalogicalsequence(throwingouttheweakorunnecessaryones),andthenputa“WHEREAS,”infrontofeach,asemicolonattheendofeach,plustheappropriateconnectingword(“and”)orwords(“now,therefore,beit”)forjoiningthemtoeachotherandtheresolvingsection.Donotuseaperiodinthepreamble.
Whendealingwithissuesoflegislativeintent,donotusespecificbillnumbers.Addressthelegislativeintentofthebill.Billsaresubjecttoamendments;thus,theirlegislativeintentcanchangedramatically.Insteadof”supportH.R.333,”forexample,bemorespecificbysaying”supportlegislationthat,ifenacted,would….”
ResolutionsareimportantbusinesstoTheAmericanLegion.Writethemwiththoughtandcare.VeteranoftheMonthAtthe75thNationalConventioninPittsburghin1993,TheAmericanLegionpassedResolutionNo.159,officiallyadoptingtheVeteranoftheMonthprogram,whichhonorsdeceasedveteransandfallenwarriorsbyflyingtheirburialflags.Eligiblehonoreesincludedeceasedveteranswithhonorabledischarges,U.S.servicememberswhodiedonactiveduty,thosewhoremainmissinginaction,andcivilianemployeesofthearmedserviceswhoweregrantedveteranstatus.Theveteran’spersonalhistoryandmilitaryserviceareprofiledinadvancepublicity,andreadattheflagraisingandagainattheflag-loweringserviceattheendofthemonth.Theserviceincludes“Taps,”alongwiththefoldingandpresentationoftheburialflaginaprotectivecasetoamemberofthedeceased’sfamily.
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PosthistoriesTheAmericanLegionstronglyencouragesthepreparationofposthistories.Suchinformationonthepost’s
activitieswillbeofconsiderablevalueinyearstocome.NationalHeadquartersisawarethataprofessionalhistoriandoesnotfillthepositionofhistorianinmost
posts.Thisneednotpreventaproperrecordingofthepost’sactivities.Thescopeoftheinformationincludedisthemainconsideration,keepinginmind,however,comprehensiveness,readabilityandarrangement,soastomakethehistorybothaninterestingaccountofthepostandareferencesource.
Atthestartofthenewpostyear,thehistorianbeginmakingapermanentrecordoftheorganizationfortheyearahead,fromtheinstallationofofficersuptoandincludingtheinstallationofnextyear’sofficers.Tohelpgatherspecificdetailsconcerningthepost,askthepostadjutantforacopyofthemostrecentConsolidatedPostReport.Thestatisticalsummarywillindicatethetypeandamountofactivitythatcanhelpyouputtogetherascompleteapictureaspossible.Makeplanstocompileacompleteposthistorysinceitsfounding,butfocus,forthemoment,onaone-yearhistory.Thengobacktothefilesandgraduallywriteupthebackstory.
Thenationalhistorianwillconductanannualone-yearnarrativehistoryandyearbook(pictorial)historycontestatthepostlevel.TheseongoingnationalcontestswillgivestabilityandcontinuitytotherecordingofposteventsforfuturegenerationsofLegionnaires.Thedepartmenthistorianwillnotifypostsofanynationalcontestchangesthatmayoccur.
Includedinthisguidearecomprehensiveoutlinestocompileaone-yearnarrativehistoryoryearbookwiththeirrespectivejudgingstandardsforcompetitioninthenationalcontests.
Tobeeligibleforthenationalcontests,anentryineithercategorymustbeafirst-placewinnerinthedepartment’scontestandmustbecertifiedassuchbythedepartmenthistorianandforwardedtothenationalhistoriantoarriveinIndianapolisbySept.15.DepartmenthistoriansoradjutantsneedtocontactthenationalhistorianorNationalHeadquarters’LibraryandMuseumdirectorforexceptions.
Uponcompletionofthenationalcontest,allentrieswillbereturnedtotheirrespectivepostsunlessotherwiseinstructedfordifferentshippingarrangements.
Theworkofcollecting,preservingandrecordingtheactivitiesofTheAmericanLegionisanimportantendeavoranddemandsmuchdetailwork;hopefullyyouwillfinditinspiringandrewarding.Contactthedepartmenthistorianforadditionalideasandinformationregardingdepartmentcontestqualifications.
Outlineforaone-yearpostnarrativehistoryThisoutlinehasbeendevelopedtobehelpfultothehistorian.Itwouldbeadvantageoustocheckany
compilationagainstthisoutlinesoastoincludeasmuchofthematerialsuggestedhereaspossible.
PartI–Format
(1)CoverAstandardthree-ringbinder,orsimilartype,toaccommodate8½x11bondpapermustbeusedwithTheAmericanLegionemblemcentered(lefttoright)onthecoverwiththenameandnumberofthepost.BinderswithembossedAmericanLegionemblemsareavailablethroughEmblemSales.
Eachbookisnottoexceedthreeinchesbetweenthefrontandbackcover.Ifyousubmittwoormorebinders,youmustindicateonthecoverandtitlepagethewording“Volume1,”“Volume2,”etc.
(2)Name/addressofcompilerThefullnameandcompletemailingaddressofthehistoryauthorshouldappearontheinsidefrontcoverinthelowerleftcorner.Itwillbeneatlytypedorcomputergeneratedandcenteredona3x5indexcard.
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(3)TitlepageThiswillbethefirstpagefacingthereaderasthehistorybookisopened.Itshouldbecenteredonthepage(lefttoright,toptobottom)andinalogicalarrangementwithdoublespacingormoreandcontainasaminimumthefollowing:
Historyof(Nameofpost)PostNo._______(Numberofpost)
TheAmericanLegion(cityandstate)
For20_____to20____By(personcompilinghistory)
(4)IntroductionEveryhistoryshouldincludeaforwardorintroductionsettingforththereasonsfortheorganizationandmayinclude:
! Mentionofthenationalorganization’sfoundingwithatie-inofthedepartmentandpost.(Seewww.legion.org/historyor“CapsuleHistoryofTheAmericanLegion,”listedlater,asapossiblebeginning,andseeyourdepartmenthistorianforacapsulehistoryofthedepartment.)
! Selectionofthepostname.Ifnamedforadepartedcomradeorcomrades,includeashortbiographicalsketchoftheirlivesandincludeavailablephotographs.
! Ifpossible,abriefrésuméofyourcommunity’shistory,especiallythepartplayedbythatlocalityinfurnishingmenandwomenduringwarsandconflicts.
! Aphotographofthepostandstreetaddress,ifyourposthasaposthome.! Acknowledgmentofanyassistanceorcontributionsusedincompilingthehistory.
(5)TableofcontentsThisisa“must”foranygoodhistory,whichwilllistthepagesofthechaptersandappendicesandshouldbeinthefrontofthehistoryimmediatelyfollowingtheintroduction.Ifthereismorethanonevolume,eachvolumeshouldcontainacompletetableofcontents.
(6)PreambletotheConstitutionofTheAmericanLegionIdentifyingtheprincipalaimsofTheAmericanLegion,thepreambleisafittingintroductionandshouldfollowthetableofcontents.Itshouldbecenteredonthepageandspacedinaneatandlogicalarrangement.Multicolored8½x11printsofthepreamblemaybepurchasedthroughEmblemSales.
(7)IndexThealphabeticalindexisa“must”foranygoodhistory.Thiscomprehensiveindexofnames,placesandeventsmentionedinyourhistory,withpagereferences,shallbeattheendofthehistoryfollowingtheappendices.Besuretoincludeeverypersonandactivityinthehistory.Ifapersonhasatitle,putthatinwithacross-referencetothename.Ifthereismorethanonevolume,eachvolumeshouldhaveacompleteindex.
(8)PagenumberingDonotforgettonumberthepages.Beconsistentinplacingpagenumbers,eitherattoporbottomofpages.Numberingwillstartwiththetitlepage.
OrderofpagenumberingTheabovepagesshouldappearinorderwithArabicnumeralsorRomannumerals:
TitlePage 1oriIntroduction 2oriiTableofContents 3oriiiPreamble 4oriv
ListeachpageinconsecutiveorderusingArabicnumerals.IfyouuseArabicnumerals,thenextnumberwillfollowyourlastnumber(e.g.ifthepreambleis4,thefirstpageofthehistoryis5).IfyouuseRomannumerals,thenthefirstpageofthehistoryis1(e.g.ifthePreambleisiv,thenthefirstpageofthehistoryis1).
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ChaptersFollowingthepreamble,thechaptersmaybesequencedinthissuggestedmanner:
Chapter1–RosterofPostOfficersPhotographsofcurrentpostofficersshouldbeincludedinthehistory.Ifitisnotpossibletoobtainphotographsofeveryofficer,makeaspecialefforttoincludephotographsofthecommanderandtheadjutant.
Chapter2–RosterofPostChairmenIncludearosterofpostchairswithphotographs,ifavailable.
Chapter3–One-YearPostHistoryThisshouldbeaone-yearpostchronicle.Thehistoryistocoveroneyear,beginningwiththeinstallationofofficers,uptoandincludingtheinstallationofthenextyear’sofficers.Thistimeframemayvaryinsomedepartments.Thisisthemostimportantchapterinyourhistory,andmustbeascompleteaspossiblewithagraphicaccountofthepostanditsactivities.Thehistorianshouldrelateinnarrativeform,andinchronologicalorder,allimportanteventsandprogramsconductedduringtheyearbythepostoreventsconductedjointlywiththeAuxiliary,SonsofTheAmericanLegion,orcounty,district,departmentandnationallevels.(Remember,thisisthepost’shistory,notthedepartmentorNationalHeadquarters.)
Historiansmayuseinformationfromtheminutesofmeetingsasabasisforinformationaboutthepost’sactivities.Thencontactmemberswhowerechairsofthecommitteesforfurtherdetails.Includeanythingthatyoudeemaspecialattributeofthepost,settingitapartfromallothers.
Donotuseanyphotographsornewspaperarticlesinthischapterofyournarrativehistory.However,photographsmaybeincludedindedicatedcommitteechaptersandnewspaperarticlesintheappendices.
OtherchaptersWhilemanyAmericanLegionprogramsandpostprojectsareofacontinuingnatureandmayrunthroughseveraladministrations,suchactivitiesmightbebettercoveredinaseparatechapterfollowingthosedevotedtotheindividualadministration.
Theactivitiesofallstandingpostcommitteesshouldbegivenconsiderablecoverage,particularlyifonecommitteeperformsanoutstandingservice.Youmaywanttoincludeeachcommitteeinseparatechapters:Americanism,Membership,BoysState,SchoolAwardMedals,OratoricalContest,JuniorShootingSports,Baseball,Children&Youth,SonsofTheAmericanLegion,patrioticobservances,postparties,BoyScouttroopsandothersponsoredgroups,tonameafew.Collectandrecordforposterityallpostactivities.
Includingphotographsinthecommitteechaptersaddstotheattractivenessoftheentry.Giveattentiontothearrangementofillustrationsinrelationtothetextanduseofcaptions(identification)undereachphotograph.
AppendicesAppendicesarepagesofstatisticaldatathatshouldbecarriedattheendofthehistory,followingthechaptersandbeforetheindex,andmightinclude:! Organizationofthepostwithalistofchartermembersanddatesoftemporaryandpermanentcharters.! Arosterofallpastpostcommandersandadjutantssincethecharterdatewiththeiryearsserved.! Ifthepostisnottoolarge,addarosterofmemberslistedinalphabeticalorder.Thismayinclude,after
eachmember’sname,themember’sbranchofserviceorthedateheorshejoinedthepost.! Arecordofthepost’scitationsandawardsreceived,aswellasawardspresentedbythepost.! Alistofmemberswhoservedasdelegatestothenationalanddepartmentconventions,ornationaland
departmentofficersandcommissionandcommitteeappointees,includingthecountyanddistrict.! Completerecordsofannualelectionsshowingallnominationsandvotesreceivedbyvariousnominees.! Thepost’smembershipstandingsbyyearsincethecharterdate;alistofnewmembersforthecurrent
year;alistoflifemembersandPaid-Up-For-Life(PUFL)members;”InMemoriam,”alsoknownasTapsorPostEverlasting,listingsforthecurrentyear;thepost’sconstitutionandby-laws;theannualpostbudget;andanyotherimportantstatistics.
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PartII–GraphicAccount/ReadabilityTheemphasisshouldbeonthenarrativeratherthanthestatisticalstyleofpresentation.Useyour
imagination,andbeoriginalinthoughtandpresentation.Ahighdegreeofliterarystyleisnotessentialtosuccess,butthemethodofpresentationshouldbepleasing
tothegeneralreader.Thereadermustbeabletofollowthepost’sstorywithoutdifficultyorconfusion.Themostcommonerrorisinnotwritinginthethirdperson.Thismeansyoushouldwriteasanobserver,
notasaparticipant.Thehistoryshouldbewrittenasachronologicalanddetailedaccountofeventsarrangedinorderoftimewithoutanyanalysisorinterpretation.
Statisticsareofgreatvaluebutshouldbeincludedintheappendixratherthanbeingplacedindiscriminatelythroughoutthebook.
PartIII–IllustrationsAllphotographsmustbeidentifiedbyoccasion,individuals,dateandplaceofeventwiththeexceptionof
individualphotographsofpostofficersandchairs(nameandtitle/committeeonly).Provideleft-to-rightsubjectidentification,andifnecessary,byrow.
Besureallphotographsareclear,asblurryprintswillnotaidmateriallyandwilltakeawayfromratherthanenhanceyourhistory.Properarrangementwiththetextisamusttoachieveaneye-catchinghistorybook.Avoidusingpictureswithalcoholorcigarettesinthem.
PartIV–JudgesOption/OriginalityUnderthiscategory,judgeswillconsideranumberofqualitiesoritemsofcontentinthehistorythatarenot
readilycatalogedundertheprecedingheadings.Somehistories,forexample,haveacompleterosterofmembers.Inotherwords,judgeswilldeterminefeaturesthatmakeahistoryespeciallyattractiveoruseful,i.e.aspinelabel,etc.Bythesametoken,ifinaccuraciescometothejudges’attention,theywouldhaveanegativescoringeffect.
PageformatsuggestionsUseplainandunruled8½x11whiteand/orcoloredbondpaperforyourhistorybinderfiller.Thehistoryshouldbetypedorcomputergeneratedononesideofthepaperusingblackribbonorprint.
Singlesheetsofpapermaybeplacedback-to-backusingtransparentplasticprotectivecovers.Marginsareamustforneatness,readabilityandstandardization.Usea1-inchmarginonallsides(except
oneinchfromtheperforationsideofpaper,ifnecessary).Wherefeasible,providedouble-spacedcopyonpageswithathree-tosix-spaceindentionfornew
paragraphsandsingle-spacedlinesforphotographidentifications.Ifyouhaveanydoubtofthespellingofaword,useadictionary.Alsodouble-checkthespellingofallnames.Someentrieswouldhaveabetterchanceinthecontestsasayearbook,eventhoughtheyweresubmitted
asnarratives.Consideryourentry.Isitanarrativeorayearbook?Thereisadifference.Readtheoutlinesforeachcategory.
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NationaljudgingstandardsYouwillnotethatPartI,PartII,PartIIIandPartIV,asidentified,coincidewiththecategoriesofthenational
judgingstandards.The“etc.”listedafterseveralofthescoringelementsshowsthatthereareadditionalrequirementsnecessarytoachievetotalscorepoints.Itissuggestedthatyoure-examinetheoutline,usingthestandardsasachecklist,beforesubmittingyourcontestentry.
PARTI–FORMAT(40POINTS)(1)COVERStandardthree-ringbinderfor8½x11bondpaper,emblem,etc. (5)
(2)NAME/ADDRESSOFCOMPILERInsidefrontcover/lowerleftcorner,etc. (3)
(3)TITLEPAGECenteredinlogicalarrangement/doublespacingplus,etc. (5)
(4)INTRODUCTIONPostbackground,tie-inwithdepartmentandnational,community,etc. (5)
(5)TABLEOFCONTENTSPagereferenceofchapters,appendices,etc. (5)
(6)PREAMBLEIncludesPreambletotheConstitutionofTheAmericanLegion,etc. (2)
(7)INDEXComprehensivealphabeticallistingatendofhistorybook,etc. (10)
(8)PAGENUMBERINGTableofcontents,chapters,appendicesandindex,etc. (5)
Subtotal (40)
PARTII–GRAPHICACCOUNT/READABILITY(30POINTS)(1)NARRATIVERatherthanastatisticalstyleofpresentation (10) (2)PRESENTATIONChronologicalorderandinthirdperson,nottodetractfromgeneralreadability (10)
(3)CLEAR/GRAMMATICALLYCORRECTPleasingtothegeneralreader (10)
Subtotal (30)
PARTIII–ILLUSTRATIONS(10POINTS)(1)IDENTIFICATIONAllphotographsmusthavenames,occasions,sources,dates,etc.Provideproperleft-to-rightidentifications. (5)
(2)CLEARPHOTOGRAPHSBlurryorfoggyprintsdetractfrompresentation,etc. (5)
Subtotal (10)
PARTIV–JUDGESOPTION/ORIGINALITY(10POINTS)(1)JUDGESWILLCONSIDERanumberofqualitiesoritemsofcontentinthehistorynotreadilycatalogedundertheprecedingheadings.(2)JUDGESWILLDETERMINEfeaturesthatmakeahistoryespeciallyattractiveorusefulasasourceofreferenceandhistoricvalue. (10)
TOTALPOINTSOFENTRY (90)
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Postscripts! Considermakingacopyofyourentryintheeventitshouldbecomeanationalcontestwinner.Withyour
permission,itwillberetainedinthelibraryarchivesofTheAmericanLegionNationalHeadquartersinIndianapolisforvisitorstoview.
! Intheeventthatyourpostrecordsaremissingandthereisnohistory,theposthistorianmaysearchthelocalnewspaperfilesandinterviewpastcommanders,adjutantsandoldermembers.Manyimportantposteventscanbefoundusingthesemethods.
! InformationaboutthepostchartercanbeobtainedbywritingtotheCharterClerk,TheAmericanLegion,P.O.Box1055,Indianapolis,IN46206.
! Manydepartmentshaveorganizeddepartmenthistorianassociations,patternedaftertheNationalAssociationofDepartmentHistoriansofTheAmericanLegion(NADHAL).Thesegroupsrenderassistanceincarryingoutasuccessfulhistorian’sprogram.Askifyourdepartmenthassuchanorganizationandjoininitsactivities.Ifthereisnosuchdepartmentorganization,consultyourdepartmenthistorian.
! TheseriousposthistorianwillfindinformativeandinterestinganyoneofthefollowingpublishedhistoriesaboutTheAmericanLegion:MichaelJ.Bennett’s“WhenDreamsComeTrue:TheGIBillandtheMakingofModernAmerica”(Brassey’s,1996);ThomasA.Rumer’s“TheAmericanLegion:AnOfficialHistory”(M.Evans,1990);RaymondMoley’s“TheAmericanLegionStory,”(Duell,Sloan&Pearce,1966);RichardJones’“AHistoryofTheAmericanLegion“(Bobbs-Merrill,1946);andMarquisJames’“AHistoryofTheAmericanLegion”(WilliamGreen,1923).
! Wherepossible,usedigitalvoicerecordersorvideocamerastorecordoralhistoriesandinterviewsofAmericanLegionpostfoundersandleaderstocapturefirsthandinformationaboutthepost’shistory.
CapsulehistoryofTheAmericanLegionAgroupof20officerswhoservedintheAmericanExpeditionaryForces(AEF)inFranceduringWorldWarI
iscreditedwithfoundingtheLegion.AEFHeadquartersaskedtheofficerstosuggestideasonhowtoimprovetroopmorale.Oneofficer,LieutenantColonelTheodoreRooseveltJr.,proposedanorganizationofveterans.InFebruary1919,thegroupformedatemporarycommitteeandselectedseveralhundredofficerswhohadtheconfidenceandrespectofthewholearmy.
About1,000officersandenlistedmenattendedtheParisCaucusinMarch1919.TheyadoptedatemporaryconstitutionandthenameTheAmericanLegion.Thegroupalsoelectedanexecutivecommitteetocompletetheorganization’swork.ItconsideredeachsoldieroftheAEFamemberoftheLegion.TheexecutivecommitteenamedasubcommitteetoorganizeveteransathomeintheUnitedStates.
InMay1919,theLegionheldasecondorganizingcaucusinSt.Louis.Itcompletedtheconstitutionandmadeplansforapermanentorganization,settingupatemporaryheadquartersinNewYorkCityandbeginningitsrelief,employmentandAmericanismprograms.
CongressgrantedtheLegionanationalcharterinSeptember1919.ThefirstnationalconventionconvenedinMinneapolisonNovember10-12,1919,adoptingapermanentconstitutionandelectingofficerstoheadtheorganization.DelegatesalsovotedtolocatetheLegion’snationalheadquartersinIndianapolis,Indiana.TheLegioncontinuestosupportthefourpillarsofserviceandadvocacyuponwhichitwasfounded:VeteransAffairsandRehabilitation,NationalSecurity,Americanism,andChildrenandYouth.
Outlineforaone-yearpostyearbookApostyearbookisapictorialhistoryofthepost’sannualactivities.Remember,though,thatthisisa
permanentrecordthatwillbeseenbyothersforyearstocome,sothesuggestedoutlineshouldbefollowedascloselyaspossible.Itwouldbeadvantageoustocheckanycompilationagainstthisoutlinesoastoincludeasmuchofthematerialsuggestedhereaspossible.
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PartI–Format(1)CoverThesizeoftheyearbookcovermustnotbesmallerthanastandardthree-ringbinderorlargerthan12x15inches,withTheAmericanLegionemblemcentered(lefttoright)onthecoverwiththepost’snameandnumber.Eachbookisnottoexceedthreeinchesbetweenthefrontandbackcover.
Iftwoormorebindersaresubmitted,youmustindicateonthecoverandtitlepagethewording“Volume1,”“Volume2,”etc.Acceptableyearbookbindersandstandardthree-ringbinderswiththeAmericanLegionemblemembossedonthecoverareavailablefromEmblemSales.
(2)Name/addressofcompilerThefullnameandcompletemailingaddressoftheyearbookauthorshouldappearontheinsidefrontcoveronthelowerleftcorner.Itwillbeneatlytypedorcomputergeneratedandcenteredona3x5indexcard.
(3)TitlepageThisshouldbethefirstpagefacingthereaderastheyearbookisopened.Itshouldbecenteredonthepage(lefttoright,toptobottom)andbeinalogicalarrangementwithdoublespacingormoreandcontainasaminimumthefollowing:
Yearbookof(Nameofpost)PostNo._________(Numberofpost)
TheAmericanLegion(cityandstate)
For20____-20____By(personcompilingyearbook)
(4)IntroductionEveryyearbookshouldhaveaforwardorintroduction,settingforththereasonsfortheorganization,andmayinclude:
! Mentionofthenationalorganization’sfoundingwithatie-inofthedepartmentandpost.(Seewww.legion.org/historyor“CapsuleHistoryofTheAmericanLegion,”listedearlier,asapossiblebeginning,andseeyourdepartmenthistorianforacapsulehistoryofthedepartment.)
! Selectionofthepostname.Ifnamedforadepartedcomradeorcomrades,includeashortbiographicalsketchoftheirlivesandincludeavailablephotographs.
! Ifpossible,abriefrésuméofyourcommunity’shistory,especiallythepartplayedbythatlocalityinfurnishingmenandwomenduringwarsandconflicts.
! Aphotographofthepostandstreetaddress,ifyourposthasaposthome.! Abiographicalbackgroundofthecurrentpostcommanderand/ortheauthorofthehistorywith
photographsincluded.! Acknowledgmentofanyassistanceorcontributionsusedincompilingthehistory.
(5)TableofcontentsThisisa“must”foranygoodhistory,whichwilllistthepagesofthechaptersandappendicesandshouldbeinthefrontofthehistoryimmediatelyfollowingtheintroduction.Ifthereismorethanonevolume,eachshouldcontainacompletetableofcontents.
(6)PreambletotheConstitutionofTheAmericanLegionIdentifyingtheprincipalaimsofTheAmericanLegion,thepreambleisafittingintroductionandshouldfollowthetableofcontents.Itshouldbecenteredonthepageandspacedinaneatandlogicalarrangement.Multicolored8½x11printsofthepreamblemaybepurchasedthroughEmblemSales.
(7)IndexThealphabeticalindexisa“must”foranygoodhistory.Thiscomprehensiveindexofnames,placesandeventsmentionedinyourhistory,withpagereferences,shallbeattheendofthehistoryfollowingtheappendices.Besuretoincludeeverypersonandactivityinthehistory.Ifthereismorethanonevolume,eachvolumeshouldcontainacompleteindex.
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(8)PagenumberingDonotforgettonumberthepages.Beconsistentinplacingpagenumbers,eitherattoporbottomofpages.Numberingwillstartwiththetitlepage.
OrderofpagenumberingTheabovepagesshouldappearinorderwithArabicorRomannumerals:
TitlePage 1oriIntroduction 2oriiTableofContents 3oriiiPreamble 4oriv
ThefollowingunitswilllisteachpageinconsecutiveorderusingArabicnumerals.IfyouuseArabicnumerals,thenextnumberwillfollowyourlastnumber(e.g.ifthepreambleis4,thefirstpageofthehistoryis5).IfyouuseRomannumerals,thenthefirstpageofthehistoryis1(e.g.ifthePreambleisiv,thenthefirstpageofthehistoryis1).PartII–ProgramsandActivities/Readability
Theyearbookmaterialforyourpostprogramsandactivitieswillfollowthepreambleandprecedetheindex.Theyearbookistocoveroneyear,fromtheinstallationofofficersuptoandincludingtheinstallationofthe
nextyear’sofficers.Thistimeframemayvaryinsomedepartments.
ChaptersFollowingthepreamble,thechaptersmaybesequencedinthissuggestedmanner:
Chapter1–RosterofPostOfficersPhotographsofcurrentpostofficersshouldbeincludedinthehistory.Ifitisnotpossibletoobtainphotographsofeveryofficer,makeaspecialefforttoincludephotographsofthecommanderandtheadjutant.
Chapter2–RosterofPostChairmenIncludearosterofpostchairswithphotographs,ifavailable.
Chapter3–One-YearPostHistoryThisshouldbeaone-yearposthistory.
Arecordasvitallyimportantasthehistoryitselfisacompleteandaccurateyearbookcontainingallnewspaperclippings,photographs,copiesofprograms,tickets,badgesandotheritemspertainingtothepostanditsactivities.
Allmaterialrecordedintheyearbookmustbeinchronologicalorderwithasystematicandlogicalarrangement.Thereadermustbeabletofollowthemeaningoftheillustrations(newsclippings,photographs,etc.)withlittledifficultyandconfusion.
Allnewspaperclippingsmustincludethenameanddateofthepublication.Individualsinphotographsmustbeidentifiedbyfullpropernames(nicknamesinbrackets),fromlefttoright.Captionsshouldalsoidentifytheoccasion,datesandsource.Youmayknowwhoisinthephotographandwhy,butthereadermaynot.
Besureallphotographsareclearandsharp,asblurryorfuzzyprintswilltakeawayfromratherthanenhanceyouryearbook.Properarrangementwithcaptionsisa“must”foraneye-catchingyearbook.Avoidusingpictureswithalcoholorcigarettesinthem.
Neatnessandoriginalityareevenmoreimportantfortheyearbookthanthenarrativehistory,sinceallthematerialintheyearbookmustbeproperlyidentifiedtomakeitworthwhile.
Ifthecompilercannottypeorprintwell,heorsheshouldhaveanexperiencedpersondotheprintingortypeinserts.
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PartIII–JudgesOption/OriginalityJudgeswillconsideranumberofqualitiesoritemsofcontentintheyearbookthatarenotreadily
cataloguedundertheprecedingheadings.Someyearbookshavefeaturesthatmakethemespeciallyattractive,usefulandofhistoricvalue.
Bythesametoken,ifinaccuraciesshouldcometotheattentionofthejudges,theywillhaveanegativescoringeffectonyourentry.
NationaljudgingstandardsYouwillnotethatPartI,PartIIandPartIII,asidentified,coincidewiththecategoriesofthenationaljudging
standards.The“etc.”listedafterseveralofthescoringelementsshowsthatthereareadditionalrequirementsnecessarytoachievetotalscorepoints.Itissuggestedthatyoure-examinetheoutline,usingthestandardsasachecklist,beforesubmittingyourcontestentry.
PARTI–FORMAT(40POINTS)
(1)COVERSizeof12x15inches,emblem,etc. (5)
(2)NAME/ADDRESSOFCOMPILERInsidefrontcoverandlowerleftcorner,etc. (3)
(3)TITLEPAGECenteredinlogicalarrangement,doublespacingplus,etc. (5)
(4)INTRODUCTIONPostbackground,tie-intodepartmentandnational,community,etc. (5)
(5)TABLEOFCONTENTSPagereferencescoveringprogramsandevents (5)
(6)PREAMBLEIncludesPreambletotheConstitutionofTheAmericanLegion,etc. (2)
(7)INDEXComprehensivealphabeticallistingcarriedatendofyearbook (10)
(8)PAGENUMBERINGCarriedonpostmemorabiliapagesandindex (5)
Subtotal (40)
PARTII–PROGRAMS&ACTIVITIES/READABILITY–40POINTS(1)ARRANGEMENTSystematicandlogicalarrangement,withmaterialrecordedinchronologicalorder.Readersmustbeabletofollowtheillustrations(pictures,clippings,copiesofprograms,tickets,badges,etc.)withlittledifficultyorconfusion. (20)
(2)IDENTIFICATIONAllclippingsand/orphotographsmusthavenames,occasions,sources,dates,etc.,listedtoproperlyidentifythesubjectmatter.Provideproperleft-to-rightidentifications. (10)
(3)CLEARPHOTOGRAPHSBlurryorfuzzyprintswilldetractfrompresentation (10)
Subtotal (40)
PARTIII–JUDGESOPTION/ORIGINALITY–10POINTS
JUDGESWILLCONSIDERanumberofqualitiesoritemsofcontentintheyearbooknotreadilycataloguedundertheprecedingheadings.Theymaydeterminethatsomeyearbooksincludeitemsandfeaturesthatmakethemattractiveandespeciallyuseful. (10)
TOTALPOINTSOFENTRY (90)
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Helpfulhintsfordistrict/countyhistoriansSomedepartmentsusethedistrictandcountystructures,andhistoriansatbothlevelsmustmakeateam
efforttoaccomplishtheirrespectiveresponsibilitiestopostsintheirjurisdiction.Ifyouhavebeenelectedorappointeddistrict/countyhistorian,yourprimarydutyistocoordinatetherecordsofpostactivitieswithinyourdistrict/countytoensurethepreservationandaccessibilityofsuchrecordsatalltimes.
Somedepartmentsconductcomprehensivespringandfalldistrictmeetings.Ifthisisthecaseinyourdepartment,makeeveryefforttobeallottedtimeontheprogram.Traveltopostswithinyourdistrictwiththedistrictcommanderandhisorherstaffwheneverpossible,andspeakatpostmeetings.Usethespringmeetingsasyourvantagepointforadministeringafinal“moralebooster”tothework-shyinyourdistrict.Emphasizetheimportanceofadequaterecordsandofgivingallpossiblehelpandencouragementtoposthistorians.
Manydistricthistorianshavehadnoexperienceinthistypeofwork.Inaddition,manypostshavenevertriedtokeepahistoryofanykind.Youwillhavetobeginbyresearchingandcompilingasmuchinformationaspossiblefrompastrecords,thenfocusonkeepingyourownrecordscurrent.
Besurethateverypostinyourdistricthasaposthistorianandthattheyarekeptinformedofthelatestdevelopmentsandmaterial.Itisyourdutytogiveallpossibleaidtoposthistorianswithinyourdistrict.Ifyourdepartmentconductsanannualpostnarrativehistoryoryearbookcontest,encouragethehistorianstoenter.
Outlineforaone-yeardistrict/countynarrativehistoryoryearbookYourdepartmentmayconductanannualdistrict/countynarrativehistoryoryearbookcontestinadditionto
thosesponsoredatthepostlevel.Usetheoutlinesfortheone-yearpostnarrativehistoryandyearbooktocompiledistrictorcountynarrativehistoriesoryearbooks.Whenusingthepostoutlinesasaguide,changethecovertitle,titlepageandtextreferencestoread“district”or“county.”Naturally,somematerialsuggestedforthepostentrieswouldnotbeappropriatefordistrictorcountybooks.
DepartmentnarrativehistoryandyearbookcontestsThenationalhistorianwillconductannualone-yearnarrativehistoryandyearbookhistorycontestsatthe
departmentlevel.Thesecontestsaddcontinuitytotherecordingofdepartmenteventsforfuturegenerations.Comprehensiverecordsareofsignificanthistoricvalue.
Departmenthistoriansareencouragedtousethesameformataspostsfortheirone-yeardepartmentnarrativehistoryandone-yeardepartmentyearbook.Wheretheoutlinessay“post,”insert“department,”anddetermineifthesuggesteditemfitsthecontextforyournarrativehistoryoryearbook.
Judgingofdepartmententriesforboththenarrativeandyearbookcategoriesisbasedonthedepartment’shistorycoveringoneyear,beginningwiththeinstallationofdepartmentofficersuptoandincludingtheannualdepartmentconventionandinstallationofthenextyear’sofficers.
Toparticipateinthenationalcontest,departmenthistoriesmustbe“certified”bythedepartmentadjutantandforwardedtothenationalhistoriantoarriveinIndianapolisbySept.15.DepartmentadjutantsneedtocontactthenationalhistorianorNationalHeadquarters’LibraryandMuseumdirectorforexceptions.
TheAmericanLegion100thAnniversaryCelebrationHistoryAspartofTheAmericanLegion’supcoming100thanniversarycelebration,aspecialwebsitehasbeen
created:www.legion.org/centennial.Eachpostisencouragedtoadditshistory.Postpicturesandhistoriesareimportanttosharewithotherposts,departmentsandtheentirecommunity.Ideally,everypostwillbelistedonthecentennialwebsite.
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U.S.FLAGCODEU.S.CodeTitle4,Chapter1
§4.PledgeofAllegiancetotheflag;mannerofdeliveryThePledgeofAllegiancetotheFlag:“IpledgeallegiancetotheFlagoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,andtotheRepublicforwhichitstands,oneNationunderGod,indivisible,withlibertyandjusticeforall,”shouldberenderedbystandingatattentionfacingtheflagwiththerighthandovertheheart.Whennotinuniform,menshouldremoveanynon-religiousheaddresswiththeirrighthandandholditattheleftshoulder,thehandbeingovertheheart.Personsinuniformshouldremainsilent,facetheflag,andrenderthemilitarysalute.
§5.Displayanduseofflagbycivilians;codificationofrulesandcustoms;definitionThefollowingcodificationofexistingrulesandcustomspertainingtothedisplayanduseoftheflagoftheUnitedStatesofAmericaisestablishedfortheuseofsuchciviliansorciviliangroupsororganizationsasmaynotberequiredtoconformwithregulationspromulgatedbyoneormoreexecutivedepartmentsoftheGovernmentoftheUnitedStates.TheflagoftheUnitedStatesforthepurposeofthischaptershallbedefinedaccordingtosections1and2ofthistitleandExecutiveOrder10834issuedpursuantthereto.
§6.Timeandoccasionsfordisplay(a) Itistheuniversalcustomtodisplaytheflagonlyfromsunrisetosunsetonbuildingsandonstationaryflagstaffsintheopen.However,whenapatrioticeffectisdesired,theflagmaybedisplayed24hoursadayifproperlyilluminatedduringthehoursofdarkness.(b) Theflagshouldbehoistedbrisklyandloweredceremoniously.(c) Theflagshouldnotbedisplayedondayswhentheweatherisinclement,exceptwhenanallweatherflagisdisplayed.(d)Theflagshouldbedisplayedonalldays,especiallyonNewYear’sDay,January1;InaugurationDay,January20;MartinLutherKingJr.’sbirthday,thethirdMondayinJanuary;Lincoln'sBirthday,February12;Washington’sBirthday,thirdMondayinFebruary;EasterSunday(variable);Mother’sDay,secondSundayinMay;ArmedForcesDay,thirdSaturdayinMay;MemorialDay(half-staffuntilnoon),thelastMondayinMay;FlagDay,June14;Father’sDay,thirdSundayinJune;IndependenceDay,July4;NationalKoreanWarVeteransArmisticeDay,July27;LaborDay,firstMondayinSeptember;ConstitutionDay,September17;ColumbusDay,secondMondayinOctober;NavyDay,October27;VeteransDay,November11;ThanksgivingDay,fourthThursdayinNovember;ChristmasDay,December25;andsuchotherdaysasmaybeproclaimedbythePresidentoftheUnitedStates;thebirthdaysofStates(dateofadmission);andonStateholidays.(e) Theflagshouldbedisplayeddailyonornearthemainadministrationbuildingofeverypublicinstitution.(f) Theflagshouldbedisplayedinorneareverypollingplaceonelectiondays.(g) Theflagshouldbedisplayedduringschooldaysinorneareveryschoolhouse.
§7.PositionandmannerofdisplayTheflag,whencarriedinaprocessionwithanotherflagorflags,shouldbeeitheronthemarchingright;thatis,theflag’sownright,or,ifthereisalineofotherflags,infrontofthecenterofthatline.(a) Theflagshouldnotbedisplayedonafloatinaparadeexceptfromastaff,orasprovidedinsubsection(i)ofthissection.(b) Theflagshouldnotbedrapedoverthehood,top,sides,orbackofavehicleorofarailroadtrainoraboat.Whentheflagisdisplayedonamotorcar,thestaffshallbefixedfirmlytothechassisorclampedtotherightfender.(c) Nootherflagorpennantshouldbeplacedaboveor,ifonthesamelevel,totherightoftheflagoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,exceptduringchurchservicesconductedbynavalchaplainsatsea,whenthechurchpennantmaybeflownabovetheflagduringchurchservicesforthepersonneloftheNavy.NopersonshalldisplaytheflagoftheUnitedNationsoranyothernationalorinternationalflagequal,above,orinapositionofsuperiorprominenceorhonorto,orinplaceof,theflagoftheUnitedStatesatanyplacewithintheUnitedStatesoranyTerritoryorpossessionthereof:Provided,ThatnothinginthissectionshallmakeunlawfulthecontinuanceofthepracticeheretoforefollowedofdisplayingtheflagoftheUnitedNationsinapositionofsuperiorprominenceorhonor,andothernationalflagsinpositionsofequalprominenceorhonor,withthatoftheflagoftheUnitedStatesattheheadquartersoftheUnitedNations.
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(d) TheflagoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,whenitisdisplayedwithanotherflagagainstawallfromcrossedstaffs,shouldbeontheright,theflag’sownright,anditsstaffshouldbeinfrontofthestaffoftheotherflag.(e) TheflagoftheUnitedStatesofAmericashouldbeatthecenterandatthehighestpointofthegroupwhenanumberofflagsofStatesorlocalitiesorpennantsofsocietiesaregroupedanddisplayedfromstaffs.(f) WhenflagsofStates,cities,orlocalities,orpennantsofsocietiesareflownonthesamehalyardwiththeflagoftheUnitedStates,thelattershouldalwaysbeatthepeak.Whentheflagsareflownfromadjacentstaffs,theflagoftheUnitedStatesshouldbehoistedfirstandloweredlast.NosuchflagorpennantmaybeplacedabovetheflagoftheUnitedStatesortotheUnitedStatesflag’sright.(g) Whenflagsoftwoormorenationsaredisplayed,theyaretobeflownfromseparatestaffsofthesameheight.Theflagsshouldbeofapproximatelyequalsize.Internationalusageforbidsthedisplayoftheflagofonenationabovethatofanothernationintimeofpeace.(h) WhentheflagoftheUnitedStatesisdisplayedfromastaffprojectinghorizontallyoratananglefromthewindowsill,balcony,orfrontofabuilding,theunionoftheflagshouldbeplacedatthepeakofthestaffunlesstheflagisathalf-staff.Whentheflagissuspendedoverasidewalkfromaropeextendingfromahousetoapoleattheedgeofthesidewalk,theflagshouldbehoistedout,unionfirst,fromthebuilding.(i) Whendisplayedeitherhorizontallyorverticallyagainstawall,theunionshouldbeuppermostandtotheflag’sownright,thatis,totheobserver’sleft.Whendisplayedinawindow,theflagshouldbedisplayedinthesameway,withtheunionorbluefieldtotheleftoftheobserverinthestreet.(j) Whentheflagisdisplayedoverthemiddleofthestreet,itshouldbesuspendedverticallywiththeuniontothenorthinaneastandweststreetortotheeastinanorthandsouthstreet.(k) Whenusedonaspeaker’splatform,theflag,ifdisplayedflat,shouldbedisplayedaboveandbehindthespeaker.Whendisplayedfromastaffinachurchorpublicauditorium,theflagoftheUnitedStatesofAmericashouldholdthepositionofsuperiorprominence,inadvanceoftheaudience,andinthepositionofhonorattheclergyman’sorspeaker’srightashefacestheaudience.Anyotherflagsodisplayedshouldbeplacedontheleftoftheclergymanorspeakerortotherightoftheaudience.(l) Theflagshouldformadistinctivefeatureoftheceremonyofunveilingastatueormonument,butitshouldneverbeusedasthecoveringforthestatueormonument.(m) Theflag,whenflownathalf-staff,shouldbefirsthoistedtothepeakforaninstantandthenloweredtothehalf-staffposition.Theflagshouldbeagainraisedtothepeakbeforeitisloweredfortheday.OnMemorialDaytheflagshouldbedisplayedathalf-staffuntilnoononly,thenraisedtothetopofthestaff.ByorderofthePresident,theflagshallbeflownathalf-staffuponthedeathofprincipalfiguresoftheUnitedStatesGovernmentandtheGovernorofaState,territory,orpossession,asamarkofrespecttotheirmemory.Intheeventofthedeathofotherofficialsorforeigndignitaries,theflagistobedisplayedathalf-staffaccordingtoPresidentialinstructionsororders,orinaccordancewithrecognizedcustomsorpracticesnotinconsistentwithlaw.IntheeventofthedeathofapresentorformerofficialofthegovernmentofanyState,territory,orpossessionoftheUnitedStatesorthedeathofamemberoftheArmedForcesfromanyState,territory,orpossessionwhodieswhileservingonactiveduty,theGovernorofthatState,territory,orpossessionmayproclaimthattheNationalflagshallbeflownathalf-staffandthesameauthorityisprovidedtotheMayoroftheDistrictofColumbiawithrespecttopresentorformerofficialsoftheDistrictofColumbiaandmembersoftheArmedForcesfromtheDistrictofColumbia.WhentheGovernorofaState,territory,orpossession,ortheMayoroftheDistrictofColumbia,issuesaproclamationundertheprecedingsentencethattheNationalflagbeflownathalf-staffinthatState,territory,orpossessionorintheDistrictofColumbiabecauseofthedeathofamemberoftheArmedForces,theNationalflagflownatanyFederalinstallationorfacilityintheareacoveredbythatproclamationshallbeflownathalf-staffconsistentwiththatproclamation.Theflagshallbeflownathalf-staff30daysfromthedeathofthePresidentoraformerPresident;10daysfromthedayofdeathoftheVicePresident,theChiefJusticeoraretiredChiefJusticeoftheUnitedStates,ortheSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives;fromthedayofdeathuntilintermentofanAssociateJusticeoftheSupremeCourt,aSecretaryofanexecutiveormilitarydepartment,aformerVicePresident,ortheGovernorofaState,territory,orpossession;andonthedayofdeathandthefollowingdayforaMemberofCongress.Theflagshallbeflownathalf-staffonPeaceOfficersMemorialDay,unlessthatdayisalsoArmedForcesDay.Asusedinthissubsection-
(1)theterm“half-staff”meansthepositionoftheflagwhenitisone-halfthedistancebetweenthetopandbottomofthestaff;
(2)theterm“executiveormilitarydepartment”meansanyagencylistedundersections101and102ofTitle5,UnitedStatesCode;and
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(3)theterm“MemberofCongress”meansaSenator,aRepresentative,aDelegate,ortheResidentCommissionerfromPuertoRico.
(n) Whentheflagisusedtocoveracasket,itshouldbesoplacedthattheunionisattheheadandovertheleftshoulder.Theflagshouldnotbeloweredintothegraveorallowedtotouchtheground.(o) Whentheflagissuspendedacrossacorridororlobbyinabuildingwithonlyonemainentrance,itshouldbesuspendedverticallywiththeunionoftheflagtotheobserver’sleftuponentering.Ifthebuildinghasmorethanonemainentrance,theflagshouldbesuspendedverticallynearthecenterofthecorridororlobbywiththeuniontothenorth,whenentrancesaretotheeastandwestortotheeastwhenentrancesaretothenorthandsouth.Ifthereareentrancesinmorethantwodirections,theunionshouldbetotheeast.
§8.RespectforflagNodisrespectshouldbeshowntotheflagoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica;theflagshouldnotbedippedtoanypersonorthing.Regimentalcolors,Stateflags,andorganizationorinstitutionalflagsaretobedippedasamarkofhonor.(a) Theflagshouldneverbedisplayedwiththeuniondown,exceptasasignalofdiredistressininstancesofextremedangertolifeorproperty.(b) Theflagshouldnevertouchanythingbeneathit,suchastheground,thefloor,water,ormerchandise.(c) Theflagshouldneverbecarriedflatorhorizontally,butalwaysaloftandfree.(d) Theflagshouldneverbeusedaswearingapparel,bedding,ordrapery.Itshouldneverbefestooned,drawnback,norup,infolds,butalwaysallowedtofallfree.Buntingofblue,white,andred,alwaysarrangedwiththeblueabove,thewhiteinthemiddle,andtheredbelow,shouldbeusedforcoveringaspeaker'sdesk,drapingthefrontoftheplatform,andfordecorationingeneral.(e) Theflagshouldneverbefastened,displayed,used,orstoredinsuchamannerastopermitittobeeasilytorn,soiled,ordamagedinanyway.(f) Theflagshouldneverbeusedasacoveringforaceiling.(g) Theflagshouldneverhaveplaceduponit,noronanypartofit,norattachedtoitanymark,insignia,letter,word,figure,design,picture,ordrawingofanynature.(h) Theflagshouldneverbeusedasareceptacleforreceiving,holding,carrying,ordeliveringanything.(i) Theflagshouldneverbeusedforadvertisingpurposesinanymannerwhatsoever.Itshouldnotbeembroideredonsucharticlesascushionsorhandkerchiefsandthelike,printedorotherwiseimpressedonpapernapkinsorboxesoranythingthatisdesignedfortemporaryuseanddiscard.Advertisingsignsshouldnotbefastenedtoastafforhalyardfromwhichtheflagisflown.(j) Nopartoftheflagshouldeverbeusedasacostumeorathleticuniform.However,aflagpatchmaybeaffixedtotheuniformofmilitarypersonnel,firemen,policemen,andmembersofpatrioticorganizations.Theflagrepresentsalivingcountryandisitselfconsideredalivingthing.Therefore,thelapelflagpinbeingareplica,shouldbewornontheleftlapelneartheheart.(k) Theflag,whenitisinsuchconditionthatitisnolongerafittingemblemfordisplay,shouldbedestroyedinadignifiedway,preferablybyburning.
§9.Conductduringhoisting,loweringorpassingofflagDuringtheceremonyofhoistingorloweringtheflagorwhentheflagispassinginaparadeorinreview,thosepresentinuniformshouldrenderthemilitarysalute.MembersoftheArmedForcesandveteranswhoarepresentbutnotinuniformmayrenderthemilitarysalute.Allotherpersonspresentshouldfacetheflagandstandatattentionwiththeirrighthandovertheheart,orifapplicable,removetheirheaddresswiththeirrighthandandholditattheleftshoulder,thehandbeingovertheheart.Citizensofothercountriesshouldstandatattention.Allsuchconducttowardtheflaginamovingcolumnshouldberenderedatthemomenttheflagpasses.§10.ModificationofrulesandcustomsbyPresidentAnyruleorcustompertainingtothedisplayoftheflagoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,setforthherein,maybealtered,modified,orrepealed,oradditionalruleswithrespecttheretomaybeprescribed,bytheCommanderinChiefoftheArmedForcesoftheUnitedStates,wheneverhedeemsittobeappropriateordesirable;andanysuchalterationoradditionalruleshallbesetforthinaproclamation.
160
NationalanthemU.S.CodeTitle36,SubtitleI,PartA,Section301(a)Designation.—ThecompositionconsistingofthewordsandmusicknownastheStar-SpangledBanneristhenationalanthem.(b)ConductDuringPlaying.—Duringarenditionofthenationalanthem—
(1)whentheflagisdisplayed—(A)individualsinuniformshouldgivethemilitarysaluteatthefirstnoteoftheanthemandmaintainthatpositionuntilthelastnote;(B)membersoftheArmedForcesandveteranswhoarepresentbutnotinuniformmayrenderthemilitarysaluteinthemannerprovidedforindividualsinuniform;and(C)allotherpersonspresentshouldfacetheflagandstandatattentionwiththeirrighthandovertheheart,andmennotinuniform,ifapplicable,shouldremovetheirheaddresswiththeirrighthandandholditattheleftshoulder,thehandbeingovertheheart;and(2)whentheflagisnotdisplayed,allpresentshouldfacetowardthemusicandactinthesamemannertheywouldiftheflagweredisplayed.
Note:ForuniformitywhenrecitingthePledgeofAllegiance,eachLegionnaireshouldholdtheLegioncapbyinsertingthefingersofhisorherrighthandintothecap,leavingthefrontofthecapatthetopandplacedovertheheartwiththeLegionemblemfacingoutward.
PublicationsandothermaterialsNationalHeadquartersproducesdozensofhandbooks,brochuresandotherpublications.Theseare
generallyavailablefreethroughyourdepartmentheadquartersorcanbedownloadedonlineatwww.legion.org/publications.Inmanycases,onecopyofapublicationcanbeprovidedperpostwithoutcost,butamodestchargemayberequiredforadditionalcopies.(SeetheEmblemSalescatalogforcurrentpricesofsaleitems.)GeneralpublicationsofTheAmericanLegioninclude:
! TheAmericanLegionMagazineismailedtoallmembers;additionalsubscriptionsare$6peryearforposts.Aspokenversionofthemagazineisavailable,atnocharge,forvisuallyimpairedandphysicallydisabledmembersofTheAmericanLegion,AmericanLegionAuxiliaryandSAL.
! TheDispatchispublishedonlineandasaprintmonthlynewsletter.Anannualsubscriptionis$15ayear.Complimentaryissuesaremailedtopostcommanders(mailedtopostadjutants);districtandcountycommanders;departmentcommanders,adjutantsandseniorofficers;departmentcommissionandcommitteechairmen;membersofallnationalcommissionsandcommittees;NationalExecutiveCommitteemembersandalternatemembers;andAuxiliaryandSALnationalofficers.
! AcopyoftheOfficer’sGuideandManualofCeremoniesissentfreetoeachpostandavailableonlineatwww.legion.org/publications.(ChecktheEmblemSalescatalogorgoonlinetoemblem.legion.orgforthepriceofadditionalcopies.)
! AbookletofTheAmericanLegionNationalConstitutionandBy-Lawsisavailablefordownloadonlineatwww.legion.org/publications.
161
INDEX
Addresses,NationalHeadquarters.................................................……….................................................…….....................166
Adjutant,post……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………….…..17AmericanLegionExtensionInstitute…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……..15AmericanLegionRiders………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………….……..23AmericanismCommitteeandprograms....................................................……….................................……………………….….........21Ammunition..........................................................................................................………...........................…….........139-141,143Appeals(cancellation,suspensionorrevocationofpostcharter)..................................................................………..…...129-132AppendixtoNationalConstitutionandBy-laws...............................................................……...............................................105Appointmentstopostcommittees....................................………........................................................………….………..…..111,112Auxiliary,AmericanLegion.............................................................……...................................................…15,38,100,109,143
Badges....................................................................................................……............……...............…......................................43
Birthday,AmericanLegion..................................................................................……….........……......................................….....16Blueprintfor21stCentury,resolutions............................................................……….....……………….........................……..105-107By-laws,national..................…….............................…….........…………………………………………………………………………..……......101-103By-laws,suggestedpost...................................................................…….........……............................………….…………………110-113
Cap,officialAmericanLegion.......………............................................................................……....…........................................42
Cancellationofcharter.................………..........................................................................................................................129-132Cemeteryceremony……………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..…....73-75Ceremonies,opening(meeting)…………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………….………………..…....45Ceremonies,closing(meeting)…………………………………………………………………..…….……………………………………….………………....48-49Chapelservice(funeral)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……70-73Charter,national.....………….....................................................................................…..........................................................…103Charter,post.........................................………................................................................……........................................29-30,103ChildWelfareFoundation(CWF)......................……..............................................................................…………………………...35-36Children&YouthCommitteeandprograms...…………........................................................…………..……………….………..…………..21Clubrooms...........................................................………………………………………..………………………………………………………….……….9,24Colorguard................................................................……….....................................…...………………………………………………….…….44Commander,post..........................................................…………......................................................................................……….10Committees,other..........................................................…………...................................................................................………...23ConsolidatedPostReports..........................................................………….......................................................................………...34Constitution,AmericanLegion......................................................……….............…...........…………………………………………....96-101Constitution,suggestedpost..........................................................................................................................................108-110County/districtorganization.......................................................…....................…......................................................………….10
Dedicationceremonies.............................................................……..................................................................................63-65
Delegates,departmentconvention.................................................……….................................................................……........111Delegates,nationalconvention....................................................................……….....................................…………………………...97Delinquency...............................................................................................................…….............................................……....113Departmentheadquarters....................................................................................................………................................10,98-99Departmentofficers.....................................................................................................................................………….……….…….14Departmentorganization....................................................………................................................…………………………………….98-99Digestofeligibilityopinions………………..……..………………………………………………..……………..…………………………………….…..…115-116Directrenewalnotices................................................................................................…..………………………................................34Discipline,postandindividual....................................................................………………..…………………….……………….….…..100,103Dispatch.....................................................................................................................................................………………….........160
162
Disposalofunserviceableflags……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………..…89-91District/countyorganization..................................................................………............................................……....……..……..……10Districtofficers…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....…14Drapingcharterceremony……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..…78
EconomicCommittee....................................................………................................................…………………….................……....22
Elections,post.................................................................................................................……………..………....................……..9,127Eligibility,membership...............................................................………………..………..……………………………………..……….97,114-122Emblem,elementsof…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..6EmblemSales……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…....136Emblem,useandform...................................................................................................…………...…............................6,135-137Equipment,policyandprocedureforacquisition.....................................................................................................……139-143Executivecommittee,post…..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……11,110Expulsionofmember...........................................................................................................................………................…132-135
Finance.................................................................................………................................................................11,12,22,99,109
Financecommittee,post....................................................................….......................................................................…..……..22Financeofficer,post.……………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………….………….......................…19Firstvicecommander........................................................................................................................…….......………….……….17-18FlagCode........................................................................................................................………...............................……….157-159Flagfolding…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….…………77Flagpresentation................................................................................................………..............................................………..…..92Flag,retirementofunserviceable................................................................................................................……………....…..88-89Funeralhonorsforveterans(whenassistingU.S.government)……….....……………………………………………………………………....66,78
Geiger,JohnH.OperationsCenter………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………166
GoldStarBannerceremony…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..79-80Gravesideceremony………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………….…..…73-74
Historian,post……………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………..……..20
Histories,departmentnarrativeandyearbook................................................................................................................……156Histories,district/countynarrativeandyearbook...................................................................................................……………156Histories,postnarrativeandyearbook..................................................................................................................………147-156HistoryofAmericanLegion(capsule)............................................………............................................................................….152HouseCommittee................................................................................……………………………................................…..........……....22
Incorporation,national.................................................................................................………...........................…......……......101Incorporation,posts................................................................................................................…………………………….………….……30Indianapolisoffice………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………....…166Initiation,newmember(regularandshortform)..............................................................................................................49-56Installation,postofficers(regularandshortform)..............................................................................………….………......9,57-62
Judgeadvocate,post………………………………..……………………………………………………...……………………..………………………………..….…21LegislativeCommittee......................................................................................................………...............……………………..…...22
Meetingroomarrangement..................................................................……….............................................................…40-42
Meetings,howtoconduct...............................................................……............................……….........................................45-47MembershipEligibilityStudyCommitteeReport(GodwinStudy)……………….…………………………………………………………….121-122
163
MerchantMarine..............................................................................................................................………..................…...…..117Militaryfuneralhonors..............................................………..........................................……………………………...…….….............66-80myLegion.org……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………….35
Name,post...........................................................................………................................................................................29,108
Name,TheAmericanLegion............................................................………....................................................................….........96Nationalanthem,observance....................................................................………....................................................…...……....160Nationalconvention................................................................................………..........................................................……....97-98NationalEmergencyFund(NEF)............................................................................................………..............................…....37-38NationalExecutiveCommittee...........................................................................................…….…..……………………………..…98-101NationalGuard,eligibility..................................................................................................................................…………..119-121NationalHeadquarters...................................................................………...............................................……..……........10,14,166Nationalofficers..................................................................................……….......................................................…..…….…98,102NationalSecuritycommittee………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………..22NatureofAmericanLegion...................................………..................................................................................................……….96Newposts...........................................................................……...............................................................................…..…....31-33Nominations........................................………............................……….........................................….................................…125-126
Onlinerenewals……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..34
OrganizationofAmericanLegion......................................................................………....................................................….…....97Organizationalmeeting(toformapost).................................................................………..........................................….…...30-31
Paid-Up-For-Lifemembership.........................................................................................................................…….........….....34
Parliamentaryprocedure..........................................................................................………...................…….....................122-128Patrioticholidays,observance.....................................................………............................................................................…80-81PoppyProgram…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………143PostAnalysisForm.............................................................................................................………...................................………...27Postcommittees....…...……...............................................................................………………………………………………………...…….21-23PostEverlasting...........................................................................………...............................................................................68-73PostExecutiveCommittee.......................................................................………..................................………………………..…..…….21Postofficers(general)..........................................................................................………................………………….…….....10-21,109Postoperations……………………………………………………………………………………………............................................................…8,11,24Postorganization.....................................................................................................................................................................99PostResponsibilityAuditandPRAform…………………………………………………………………………………………….………….…..………...25-26POW/MIAEmptyChairCeremony......................................................................……….......................……...........................45-46POW/MIARemembranceService......................................................................................................……....................……..47-48Practiceandprocedureinexpulsionorsuspensionofamember.....................................………………………....103,113,132-135Prayersforspecialoccasions.......................................................………......................................................................…...……...92PreambletoConstitution...........................................…………………………..........................……..............................................93-95Preamble,meaningof…………….……………...…………………………………………………………………………………………………….….………..…93-94Programreminders.................................................................................………....................................................................15-17ProjectStayActive................................................................................……….................................................................….....…33PublicRelationscommittee.......................................................……..........…..............................................……………………………22Publications,national..............................................................................………...........................................................……...…160
Records..………...........................................................................................................……….........................................………..11
Reservists,eligibility........................................................................................................................................….....……..120-121Resignation..........................................................................................................................................................………...….....113Resolutions,howtowrite.....................................................................…………………………........................………..…....14,144-146Revocation,postcharter...................................................………..........................................................……......................129-132Rifles(storageandsecurity)….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…….…….…141-142
164
Ritualteam.................................................................................................……….........................................................…………..43Robert’sRulesofOrder,NewlyRevised..............................................................………............……............……….………..…122-128
Secondvicecommander.................................................................…….........................................................................……..18
Sergeant-at-arms...........................................................………......................................................................…….…….…………....20Serviceofficer,post...........................................................………......................................................................…….…….………...19SonsofTheAmericanLegion(SAL).................................................................…….............................................................……..38Speeches,various...........................................................………......................................................................……….…….…....80-88Standingcommittees…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……....21-23Stepstoabetterpost...........................................................………......................................................................…..….……..28,29Suspensionofcharter….......................................................................................................................………...................129-132Suspensionofmember............................................................................................................................……..................132-135
TemporaryFinancialAssistance(TFA)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….………36-37
Transfer,membership...........................................................……….....................................................................…….…….…....113
Uniform,AmericanLegion.......................................................................………..........................………………………………....42-43
UniformCodeofProcedurefortheRevocation,CancellationorSuspensionofPostCharters……..…...........................129-132Uniformedgroups................................................................................................……….....................…………………………………...23U.S.Code,Title36................................................................................................……….....................…………………………......95-96
VAVSCommittee..................................................................................……….................……...………..…..................................23
VeteranoftheMonth……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..146VeteransAffairs&RehabilitationCommitteeandprogram...................................................................…....………..………...…..22
Washingtonoffice,address.................................................................................................………..………...........................166
Yearbooks...............................................................................................................………..………...................................152-156
166
FORADDITIONALCOPIES:Copiesofthe2017editionofTheAmericanLegion’sOfficer’sGuideandManualofCeremonies(StockNo.755.013,PublicationStockNo.30-106,revisedFebruary2017)maybepurchasedfromEmblemSalesonlineatemblem.legion.orgbycalling(888)453-4466.Thecatalogpriceis$3.95.
TheOfficer’sGuideandManualofCeremoniescanalsobedownloadedfreeatwww.legion.org/publications.
THEAMERICANLEGIONNATIONALHEADQUARTERSOFFICES
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ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTIONFive delegates from each department, plus one for each
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