Americanism Month
February, 2008
Turner
- American Legion Post 111, 3rd District Public Relations
Historian Paul R. Bernard, Post 111 Judge Advocate, John L. Jordan and 3rd
District Sergeant-at-Arms and Post 111 Commander Warren K. Clark is announcing
The Turner Memorial Post 111 meeting will be held at the Leavitt Institute Building, 98 Matthew Way in the community room at 7:00pm.
Members will discuss service to God and Country, Boy’s and Girl’s State, Legion Baseball, Children and Youth Programs, National High School Oratorical Contest, Boy Scouts, Legion School Programs, Education, Counter Subversive Activities Program along with upcoming holiday programs, American Legion 89th birthday, Arbor Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day.
Members attending are asked to wear their Legion hats.
Americanism
How do we define it? It covers the many things that revolve
around our inborn love of country, our way of life and the rights and benefits
as defined by our Constitution. This sacred document defines the form of
government envisioned by the 56 gallant gentlemen who, on 4 July 1776 inked
their signatures on the Declaration of Independence.
Never forget, many of these brave signers lost everything, some their lives,
families, fortunes and properties because of this so called treasonous act. We
must understand, enjoy and defend the freedoms earned for us by our forefathers.
Many of them failed to live through the our first war in defense of these
freedoms. These brave men had a purpose but due to their loses never had the
opportunity to enjoy the freedoms that we today so easily, and naturally, take
for granted.
As defined in the American Legion Americanism manual, we as veterans, and
Legionnaires have an inherent obligation to:
We must constantly continue to serve our nation in both peace and war. Despite the fact we no longer wear the uniform, we must always strive toward an ever better America. One manner of accomplishment is to maintain a constant association with our elected officials. Letters and phone conversations are an excellent form of communication. However, even better is personal contact with the elected official and his staff. Personal recognition of yourself and whom you represent is important. Our representatives are fully aware of the size of our voting block. Therefore, voicing your opinion, or registering support, in person is more impressive than spelling it out on a piece of paper.
The government of our United States operates on a system
defined as a Democracy. Now, Democracy is far from perfect, but its methods and
procedures are a heck of a lot better that whatever might be in second place!
Lets look briefly at other forms of government. We have the Monarchy, which is
ruled by a so-called royal family headed by a King, Queen, Emperor, Pasha or
whatever. This royal family system in most cases controls and stipulates all
governing rulings and the enforcement thereof. Then there is the most restricted
form of government known as the Dictatorship. Here we have one strong man who
controls through fear and intimidation, stipulates the letter of the law and
determines the lifestyle of his people. His personal desires are enforced by
police action backed by a strong military force.
Now back to our Democratic system, which in theory, is designed to provide the
citizenry, with the ultimate power. It provides for a negotiating and
decision-making system called voting. This system numerically determines the
desires of the majority as to who will design and enact the laws. In the event
it is determined those selected prove to be inadequate or unsatisfactory, the
next election can negotiate a correction or improvement to the system. This form
of government has existed in this nation for over 225 years. It has had its hits
and misses, and ups and downs. However, we have survived and are now stronger
than ever before of the methods defined in the Constitution and its Bill of
Rights.
Always remember, the famous words of Thomas Jefferson. We hold these truths to
be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they have been endowed by
their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life,
Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Based on this premise, the American Legion is dedicated to a continuing effort
to serve this nation with an Americanism program that will aid in the protection
and defense of our country's form of Democratic Government!
Many years ago there was a brave group of dissatisfied people
who began a migration. They boarded a small sailing vessel where they challenged
unknown dangers and the perils of the sea in search of new lands. There they
began building a peaceful community dedicated to certain religious and political
freedoms. `Over the years there were many that followed in their footsteps.
Now the powers that be in the old country were not stupid. It was easy to
realize that these colonists were building an expansion of the mother country at
no cost to the old government, while at the same time developing new resources
to tap, However, the home country's mistaken system of taxation without
representation lead them to revolt and form a new nation.
These neophyte, God fearing peoples devised a Declaration of Independence, a
Constitution and a Bill of Rights. These documents established a new untried
form of government by the people that reflected their trust in God, and
guaranteed national freedom of religion as well as speech. For over 200 years
those hand written words have determined the power base of this nation.
The American Legion for almost a 100 years has supported the same basic
doctrine, For God and Country. Legionnaires usually have some form of faith in
something. Normally, it rests in some type of religion denomination. Now there
are many forms of religious faiths practiced throughout this nation. However,
despite the various faiths, all forms seem to believe in a supreme being. In
other words, a God.
The American Legion's position on religion places emphasis on your chosen faith
by encouraging each Legionnaire to continually practice and support his beliefs.
If you have questions in this area, it is suggested you contract your Chaplain.
Remember our Watchword, For God and Country!
The formers of our government recognized that these inherent fundamental rights
of men were derived from God, not from dictators or governments. The Founding
fathers who wrote and approved the Declaration of Independence, our Constitution
and the Bill of Rights, firmly believed that the inalienable rights, freedom of
speech, religion and press, freedom of assembly and work were a gift from their
Creator.
Other freedoms are offshoots of these rights. For example, the freedom of
movement, to educate, advance and enjoy the fruits of your labor, to savor the
ability to purchase and own property. and enjoy the pursuit of happiness as you
delight in raising a family to carry into the future your name and memories of
life.
By serving your country during times of emergency need, you proved that you also
believe in these basic rights. As we grow older we must be vigilant by
continuing to serve. We must assure that the citizens of this nation continue to
be patriotic, capable and strong. We must see that all our given rights are
protected so that our grandchildren and their grandchildren might also enjoy
them!
Probably the most important American Legion Project sponsored
under the Americanism youth programs, This is an educational experience
conducted nation wide for the edification of American youth about the
inner-workings and management of the democratic system of government.
State wise, disserving young men that have finished their junior year of high
school, who are eligible, may be selected by their instructors and sponsored by
their local Legion Post. For the small fee of $200.00, which may be provided by
either/or the Post, the school, or by sponsor donations, They will spend a full
week at the state capital, becoming familiar with a citizens rights and
privileges as they apply to state management procedures. The only cost to the
boy's family is a non-returnable fee of $50.00.
Upon his arrival at the capital, each boy is assigned to a mock political party
and to a city and county. As citizens they nominate representatives to their
assigned parties for the established public office followed up by elections to
these positions in accordance with state law,
Legislative, administrative and judicial programs are established. They conduct
legislative sessions, hold court trials and other government functions. They are
instructed in the specific duties of each office, its capabilities as well as
its limitations. They set up a state government; elect a Governor, other state
officials, legislative representatives Senators and even a Supreme Court. In
every phase detailed instructions and special lectures are conducted to assure
the boys are well informed. What is amazing is the amount of information these
youths absorb in a in the short period of a week.
As for the sponsoring Post, Experience has shown not to attempt to handle this
project as a seasonal task. Time restraints for Department, District and Post
coordination, donation soliciting for funds, school contacts, and the selection
process, it is recommended it be managed on a year around basis. If possible
each Post's annual budget should identify a budget target amount for the members
to shoot for a selected number of boys.
There are a countless number of successful men that have down through the years,
have passed through the Boy's State Program. For example, Vice President Richard
B Cheney, Past President Bill Clinton, Journalist/Author Tom Brokaw and our own
Post 76 member, Mark Howard, Administrator of the local Mountain View Hospital
are former Boy Staters.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH PROGRAMS
Next to Boys and Girls State and Nations in importance, Baseball is probably the best known American Legion youth program.
Baseball: It may be properly known as the National
Sport. But the American Legion's National Baseball Program youth equivalent
really isn't that far behind. Each year thousands of this country's youth are
involved in this popular project. The youth that participate in this particular
sport learn serious lessons in citizenship, sportsmanship, team work, fair play
and physical fitness, It also provides a special outlet for the releasing of
stored up energy plus a pride and self satisfaction in their team
accomplishments. Nationwide in a season we field in excess of 5000 teams all of
whom strive to be the best in the country.
At seasons end, when Department Champions have been established, National
assumes responsibility to conduct a series of elimination competitions to
determine eight regional winners. These teams compete in the annual American
Legion National World Series Championships. Special trophies are awarded for
selected categories In addition the American Legion Champions are awarded a trip
to the Major League World Series.
Much of the initial programs success depends directly on the local Posts and
their willingness to promote the Program. It requires the dedication of a
Baseball Chairman and a select group of committee members to support the
project. They must select a manager, coaches, trainers, and all the necessary
equipment, materials, transportation etc. Either that or travel the easy route
and sponsor an existing High School team. It has been known that getting
involved and make it work, will get as big a bang out of it as the kids that run
the bases.
Specific details of the Nevada Program can be located else ware on the Legion
website.
NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ORATORICAL CONTEST
Its purpose is to familiarize students with a deeper
understanding of the United States Constitution. Other objectives are to develop
leadership qualities and the ability to articulate from memory, clearly and
intelligently on their feet. The contest is conducted in two phases. A prepared
oration based on the Constitution and an assigned topic. The assigned topics are
also based on the Constitution.
The orations are required to be between 8 and 10 minutes in length and the
assigned topics from 3 to 5 minutes long. The contestants speak separately
before 5 judges and a listening audience. Local contests are usually conducted
in January and Department state level in February or March. The National finals
are usually conducted in April. Each state winner who participates in the first
round of the Nationals finals will receive a $1,500 scholarship, the 2nd runner
up also receives $1,500 and the three finalist $14,000 to $18,000.
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Since its approval at the first of the American Legion Convention in 1919, it
has sponsored the Boy Scouts of America. In 1922 the program was officially
assigned to the Americanism Commission for organization, guidance and
cooperation of activities. The scouting program is available for all youths
between the age of 6 to 20.
At the present time, our Legion Posts work with approximately 3000 Scouting
Units. Scouting is divided into various groups based on an individuals age
beginning with Tiger Cub Scouting at age 6 and extending through Explorer for
age 15 through 20. The nation is divided into six scouting regions managed by
local Scouting Councils. The legion plans stipulates that every Department has a
Scouting Committee. Each Scouting District shall have a Scouting Chairman who
also serves as a member of the Department Scouting Committee.
When a Legion Post decides to sponsor a scouting troop, the Post Commander
should appoint a Scouting Chairman with a committee of at least 5 members. This
unit will coordinate with the local Scouting Executive to determine a compatible
functioning system. The service learned skills of the military veteran could be
of assistance to the Scout Leaders in the development of character building and
desirable habits in American youth. Such efforts should bring public credit and
develop good will for the Post.
Legion Eagle Scout
of the Year:
Annually, the Legion provides for the selection of the American Legion
Eagle Scout of the Year. The winner is provided with a scholarship of $10,000.00
which is awarded over a period of four years. Three additional scholarship's in
the amount of $2,000.00 to each of the three runners up.
Nominations for these awards must be submitted to Department prior to 1 March of
each year. The application judged as most outstanding must be forwarded to
National no later than 1 April. All nominations received shall be reviewed by HQ
with the identity of the winner announced at the annual spring meeting in
Indianapolis. The top ranking Eagle Scout will be designated Eagle Scout of the
Year. He will be invited to participate as the guest of the National Commander
at the American Legion annual Convention.
Junior Shooting Sports
Program: Many Posts now participate in the Gun Safety and Marksmanship Programs.
Sponsorship is conducted in conjunction with the National Rifle Association,
beginning with the NRA's basic Firearms Education Course. The Legion's purpose
is to improve and educate our American youth's basic knowledge of firearms
safety and the practical application of firearms marksmanship. The course
stresses the proper handling of firearms for recreational purposes. It
encompasses a knowledge of various weaponry and the proper attitude necessary
for handling competition weapons, as well as that requires for personnel
protection. Included is specific information on the care, cleaning and general
maintenance and storage of firearms,
Legion Post's are urged to work with National Rifle Association personnel in
sponsoring the support of a Junior Shooting Sports Program. This is best
supported as a school, JR. ROTC, or sports shooting club function. The project
teaches youth between the ages of 14 through 20. Any school or club with the
proper supervision can affiliate with the Junior Sports Shooting Program, and be
sponsored by an active Post,
For competition, the rifles must be .17 caliber air rifles fired at a range of
10 meters which can be set up in practically any enclosure in excess of 35 ft..
The best bet, if located in close proximity to an NRA sanctioned Shooting Club
or a military activity. Gun Club members or military retirees could assist in
getting you assess to their facilities.
Any Legion Post Wishing to sponsor a school or shooting Club team must obtain
and complete an enrollment form which must be forwarded to the American Legion,
Attn: Junior Shooting Sports, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
The American Legion is deeply concerned with the nations
educational system. Therefore, they are totally committed to influencing input
to the system that would insure keeping the educational efforts current
historically, as well as defining, our nations rise to power as a democratic
government with an influential input to the worlds system of nations. Plus, the
ability to input and assist in the development of a system that will prepare our
youth to be adequately trained to qualify for higher education and insure the
ability to compete in the world of the future.
NEED A
LIFT: We are also
interested in our youths financial ability to be capable to afford the cost of a
higher education. The Legion annually update a financial aid handbook that
identifies the availability of various career and scholarship information, and
state laws that regulate educational benefits available to all children. This
handbook is an excellent guide to teachers and parents anticipating their
students or children to seek education beyond the high school level. Copies can
be purchased for approximately $3.95 from the Legion Emblem Sales , P.O. Box
1050, Indianapolis IN 46206.
GUIDE FOR PARENTS
& STUDENTS: The
earlier you begin planning for your child's education the better. This is the
recommendation of the Legion's Guide For Parents and Students. These pamphlets
are available to the Post's for distribution through their educational program.
It gives each Post the opportunity to distribute these pamphlets to the schools
and community activities which signals the fact your operational in their area.
They are available from Emblem Sales in quantities of 500 to a thousand.
LEGION SCHOOL AWARDS: The Legion Post's can also show their face to the community and their dedication to education to the school system by participating in the school Awards Program. It is designed to place emphasis on the following: COURAGE, The ability to face and deal with anything recognized as difficult. HONOR, A keen sense of right and wrong, LEADERSHIP, The instinctive ability to lead, PATRIOTISM,, The love and loyalty to country, SCHOLARSHIP, The quality of knowledge and learning and, SERVICE, the work done or willing performed for others. The students that best demonstrate an understanding of these qualities and who ,are outstanding examples of good citizens, the boy and girl, as determined by their instructors, shall, prior to graduation, be presented the Legion Scholastic Medal & Certificate of Achievement.
The American Legion Americanism Manual states that education
is the cornerstone on which this nation is built. This nation maintained its
position as a world leader predicated on its citizens education and their
advancements in the developments in the area of productive technology. Proof of
the pudding just mentally retreat for about 50 years and visualize all the
wonderful things available at our finger tips today that didn't exist in the
early 50’s. Especially in the area of electronics since the demise of the
vacuum tube! Advanced technological development continues to drive constructive
changes and improvements in the educational system that will insure the
continual expansion capability of our children to perform in the future.
The Legions relationship to the American school system is that it strongly
encourages a free educational system that trains our youth in the development of
citizens with the mental ability to comprehend and support good government. It
further instructs its members to keep current with the changes required to
maintain a good school system.
However, certain areas may be influenced by the current trend for political
correctness. This may be having an impact on the study and interpretation of
history events. It might seem more relevant to concentrate on the friendly
successful historical events while downplaying such items as past war events.
This might surely leave our youth and citizens totally unprepared to cope with
the horror and devastation of an all out war. Disregarding the failures of the
past might unknowingly lead to committing the same basic errors and mistakes in
the future.
Because of the afore mentioned technological advancements, we cannot set aside
historical studies about the nations rise to power and the formal operation of
our government. Its mandatory that the growing younger generation be
knowledgeable concerning our government in action. The youth of this nation is
our future voting public as well as the occupants of our Congressional chairs
and the oval office.
It is imperative that they be well qualified to operate in the nations future
environment. As Legionnaires, the challenge rests with us to aid and support the
nations educational system. It is our honorable responsibility to keep our youth
motivated toward their place in history. On reaching middle or junior high they
will be beginning to wonder about things that are going on in the world and why.
At this point the Legion has a program in force for testing their intelligence
and rewarding them for their scholastic standing. It's obvious that we can got
their juices flowing when you congratulate them with a medal and an appropriate
certificate of excellence.
Once they reach high school it becomes a little more difficult to keep our
students on track. Because at this point we begin competing with the early
stages of dating. Even when being serious a little bit of humor can help! At
this point it might be wise to get as many as possible interested in joining the
JR. ROTC program. (Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps). This program can
have a serious impact on a young persons thought process. Here they receive a
basic military education which results in personal pride and the development of
self-discipline. Usually you will also find JR. ROTC students at the top of
their class scholastically. Another favorable fallout it better prepares the
youth for consideration for selection to enter the Boy and Girl State Program.
As we well know, the list of prominent individuals that completed this program
is a credit to the Legion.
The entry of aliens into the United States has come to the
forefront of public interest due to the war on terrorism, and the number of
illegal aliens flooding the country. This has generated an interest in what
efforts our government should take to improve the security of the nation. The
Legion Americanism Commission conducts a program to closely track all state and
federal legislation involving Immigration and Naturalization.
Their position opposes all forms of illegal immigration, but supports federal
and state funding for the purpose of assuring maximum security of government
borders and installations. Immigrants that cross our borders illegally without
visa, are violating existing law, therefore, are subject to immediate detainment
and processing for deportation. The Legion also supports the sanctioning of
employers who hire and house illegal immigrants and the assessment of heavy
penalties for those that do so. However, they do support temporary work programs
established and controlled by certain government agencies.
The Legion does not currently concur with authorizing the entry of excess
numbers of legal immigrants. They believe the number of legal entries should be
strictly controlled so the total entry allowed can be successfully absorbed
without having a serious impact on the nations economic structure.
Legally authorized incoming aliens must swear to forgo allegiance to the nation
they left behind. They must in turn, swear specific allegiance to the United
States. It is assumed that this is required in order to shorten the period for
the new immigrant to properly integrate and meld in with the existing
population. Once they had become fairly fluent in English they should have a
definite advantage due to their knowledge of two cultures.
The above phasing had been true with prior generations of past immigrants, but
most of the aliens entering the country today appear to have little or no desire
to excel in English or to completely emerge into our society. Despite their
desire to enjoy the American life style, our Constitutional rights, freedoms,
work, education, and the medical advantages offered by our society, they prefer
not to integrate with our citizens, but to live grouped together, and retain
their original language. It seems that many learn just enough English to be able
to get by in the work place. In many cases, it also obvious they may understand
more English than they own up to. That savvy routine gives them an easy out by
claiming they fail to understand when they don't wish to respond.
After more than 200 years of doing business only in English, our government has
made concessions to our new citizens by permitting them to be sworn in as U.S.
Citizens in their former countries language! The law now permits them to vote
for their Congressional and local representatives in the same language. Their
auto driving test to motor U.S. street's and highways, also is in the foreign
tongue! We now have road foreign language street signs, which confuses the
average Americans. Also their children are schooled in a foreign language while
the Stars and Stripes snaps briskly in the breeze outside their class room
windows. Concurrently, the English speaking people, who's families were friends
and shooting buddies with Daniel Boone. have to be insulted with Press one for
English every time they pick up their phone.
These so called, Political Correct concessions, made in an attempt to appease
and satisfy all concerned have, instead, angered and divided the factions thus
causing more harm than good. All of the referenced concessions mentioned above,
made with the hope of solving problems, has in reality lowered educational
standards, complicated and reduced voting percentages, as well as giving new
citizens the wrong impression of the average American life style.
It makes them feel they really have no need to excel in English or associate
with English speaking citizens. The result, they tend to cling to their foreign
ways and the language of their birth. They house themselves close to their own
kind, because those are the people they understand. In a sense, it keeps them in
a neutral rather than a progressive position trying to reach out for a better
life, which was their original goal when they first entered this country. To be
truly successful American citizens they must mentally and physically divorce
themselves from the nation they left behind. That does not mean they must give
up their family background, heritage or culture. They should study hard the
requirements for citizenship to insure passing the test with flying colors.
Demonstrate the fact you are a good citizen. Demand to be sworn in English as
you pledge your allegiance to our flag and the United States of America.
Never forget being an American Citizen, having the mental ability and knowledge
of two cultures and two languages, you will be able to progress more rapidly in
the work place than the average individual. Relax, reach out, you now reside in
a free country with rights and a form of freedom unavailable any where else in
the world!
The American Legion has always supported the governments
position concerning Anti-American subversive activities. The Legion, teaching of
Americanism, stress's importance of keeping the citizens and youth of this
nation to place proper emphasis on combating anti-American activities through
the Counter Subversive Program. All Departments, Districts and Posts are called
upon to perform a watchful service in this area.
The Legionnaire's Americanism Chairman also heads the Counter-Subversive
Program. Legion personnel working in this area must be kept well informed on the
subject. Their primary objective is to keep members of their community
constantly informed about possible anti-American efforts and activities. The
ability to recognize and be aware of how our enemies operate can be a deterrent
to subversive influences.
This type anti-American activity began years ago with attempts to infiltrate
Communist influences into our American life style. The demise of the Soviet
Union essentially removed this threat, but the terrorists 9/11 attacks in New
York and at the Pentagon demands the renewal of our vigilance concerning counter
subversive activities.
However, the role of investigator of all matters pertaining to the
internal security of the U.S. is the responsibility of the new office of
Homeland Security, principally the FBI, not the membership of the Legion.
Anything we might suspect or discover should be reported to the FBI for their
review and investigation. When we do contact the FBI, be sure the information
you pass on is factual rather than rumor. Provide a clear statement covering the
identification of people, places and events.
Be vigilant, our responsibility rests with keeping abreast of the times, and
events that might concern our country. With today's speedy ability of
information transmittal, it requires only a slight effort to keep knowledgeable
concerning the enemies of democracy. We will learn to recognize their schemes to
undermine our national security and the freedoms defined by our Constitution.
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