The American Legion

Officer’s Guide2017

AND MANUAL OF CEREMONIES

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)630-1203orsendinganemailtoacy@legion.org.

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:Dawn.L.Folland.civ@mail.mil

! 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

165

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

TheAmericanLegionNationalHeadquarters

P.O.Box1055,Indianapolis,IN46206(317)630-1200

Fax:(317)630-1223tal@legion.orgwww.legion.org

Washington,D.C.,Office

1608KSt.NW,Washington,DC20006(202)861-2700Fax:(202)861-2728

JohnH.GeigerOperationsCenter

5745LeeRoad,Indianapolis,IN46216(317)860-3100Fax:(317)860-3001

ORGANIZATION OF THE AMERICAN LEGIONNATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

One elected from each of the 55 departments, plus national commander, national vice commanders, and

past national commanders(voice without vote)

NATIONAL COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

(Standing) Appointed by NEC, and functioning on a continuing basis

Americanism CommissionAmerican Legion Baseball CommitteeCitizens Flag Alliance Advisory CommitteeCommittee on Children & YouthCommittee on Youth EducationYouth Cadet Law Enforcement CommitteeAmericanism Council

Convention Commission

Finance CommissionAmerican Legion Child Welfare Foundation, IncThe American Legion Endowment Fund Corp.Overseas Graves Decoration Trust

Internal Affairs Commission100th Anniversary Observance Committee American Legion Riders Advisory Committee Constitution & By-Laws CommitteeMembership & Post Activities CommitteeNational Convention Resolutions

Assignment Committee50th Anniversary of Vietnam

Commemorative Committee75th Anniversary of World War II

Commemorative Committee

Legislative CommissionLegislative Council

Marketing Commission Emblem Committee

Media & Communications CommissionMedia & Communications Council

National Security CommissionAerospace CommitteeConventional Armed Forces CommitteeForeign Relations CommitteeLaw and Order & Homeland Security CommitteeMilitary Benefits & Quality of Life CommitteeNational Guard & Reserve Forces CommitteeUnconventional Forces & Intelligence CommitteeNational Security Council

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation CommissionHealth Administration CommitteeNational Cemetery CommitteeTBI/PTSD Committee Veterans Benefits CommitteeVeterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Council

Veterans Employment & Education CommissionEmployment & Veterans Preference CommitteeVeterans Education, Other Benefits &

Homelessness Committee Veterans Employment & Education Council

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERSFull-time staff

National Headquarters700 North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, INAdministrative Services

Human ResourcesLibrary and MuseumPurchasing/Document ProcessingInformation Technology Network Operations

Americanism DivisionFinance DivisionMedia & Communications DivisionInternal Affairs DivisionMembership DivisionNational Convention & Meetings DivisionMarketing Division

John H. Geiger Operations Center5745 Lee Road, Indianapolis, INEmblem SalesFundraisingInformation TechnologyMembership Support Services

Washington, D.C., Office1608 K St. N.W., Washington, DCAdministrative ServicesVeterans Employment & Education DivisionLegislative DivisionNational Security & Foreign Relations Division Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation

Field Stations

Joint Base Louis-McCord, Wash.

Milwaukee, Wis

Minneapolis-St.Paul, Minn.

Philadelphia, Pa.

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Board of Veterans AppealsDischarge Upgrade Unit

CONVENTION COMMITTEES AND SUBCOMMITTEES

Composed of one delegate from each department, serving during the life of

convention only

Americanism (1 delegate)

Children & Youth (1 delegate)

Constitutional Amendments (1 delegate)

Credentials & Rules (1 delegate)

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Internal Affairs

Membership (1 delegate)

Other Internal Matters (1 delegate)

Legislation (1 delegate)

National Security

Aerospace (1 delegate)

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Foreign Relations (1 delegate)

Law and Order & Homeland Security (1 delegate)

Military Benefits & Quality of Life (1 delegate)

National Guard & Reserve Forces (1 delegate)

Unconventional Forces & Intelligence (1 delegate)

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation

Health Administration (1 delegate)

National Cemetery (1 delegate)

Veterans Benefits (1 delegate)

Veterans Employment & Education

Employment & Veterans Preference (1 delegate)

Veterans Education, Other Benefits & Homelessness (1 delegate)

ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTIONFive delegates from each department, plus one for each

1,000 members, or major fraction thereof, NEC members, and past national commanders

NATIONAL JUDGE ADVOCATENATIONAL TREASURERNATIONAL CHAPLAINNATIONAL HISTORIANNATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

Appointed by NEC

NATIONAL COMMANDERElected by national convention

FIVE NATIONAL VICE COMMANDERS

Elected by national convention

Updated Feb. 1, 2017

NATIONAL ADJUTANTAppointed by NEC

The American LegionN a t i o n a l H e a d q u a r t e r s

P.O. Box 1055Indianapolis, IN 46206

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