The mirror., 1919-11-06
The American Legion

The American Legion
That national organization of veterans of the
world is certain to have powerful effect upon
social. political and economic conditions in the
United States is recognized by all. The magnitude
of such society can be readily grasped when it is
kept in mind that the possible membership lie est
mated at round four million men; comprising the
very finest the nation owns. Young, well-disci
plned full of ambition aid eager to fight for every
worthy cause, they can and undoubtedly will, DOM
mate local aud national affairs.
1t is therefore to the interest of every citizen to
familiarize himself with the embodiment and pur-
poses of the American Legion. For while it is pri-
marily organization assist the returned soldier
nevertheless, its workings will necessarily directly
affect us all. The returned soldier problem looms
up as one If the most difficult the nation must dis
pose of and in other way it be handled so
effectively as through the combined efforts of the
men themselves.
While it is an organization of American veter-
ans of the great war; it is not military or marstic
but strictly civilian body, non partisan and non
political, and making distinction of rank. be-
tween overseas and those who didn't get across
Any soldier, sailor marine who served honorably
between April 6. 1917 and November IL, 1918, is
eligible for membership. Women too, who
listed commissioned in the army. navy marine
corps, welcome to join.
The Legion was started in Paris March 18th to
March 17th, 1919. by delegates from all the units of
the A. E. F.. when tentative constitution was
adopted and the name. American Legion, selected
The action of the Paris meeting was confirmed and
endorsed by similar meeting at St. Louis, May 9Th
NH yhopt tho
nized by the troops who served in the United States
At the Paris meeting an Executive Committee of
Seventeen was appointed represent the troops in
France. At ST. Louis. similar body of Seventeen
appointed and later the two Executive Commit
tees were malgamated and are now the operating
body of the Legion.
The final steps to complete the organization will
take place in Minneapolis, Nov. TO- II and IL of
this year, when great National Convention will be
held These dates were selected to celebrate the
completion of the first year of peace and in antic
patton that by this time practically all of the Of
the A. Z. +. will be back home and able to partic-
pate in the election of delegates the Convention
The preamble of the American Legion Consttu-
tion we'll states the ideals of that body
For God and Country we associate ourselves
together for the following purposes: To uphold
anu deAeno the CONSTITUTION OF tne Y nited states
of America; to maintain law and order; to foster
and perpetuate a one hundred per cent Ameri-
canism; to preserve the memories and incidents
of our association in the Great War; to nculcate
a of individual obligations to the commu-
nifty state and nation; to combat the autocracy
of both classes and masses; to make right the
master of might; to promote peace and good will
earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity
the principles of justice, freedom and democra-
cy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship
by our devotion to mutual helpfulness'
There will be Branch in every state and terri
tory of the Union. as well as Local Posts in every
and village, and all legislation of the Legion
will be made through delegates to the Annual Ma
tional Convention, elected from each State Branch
The American Legion has splendid future
ahead of 1t and is Untitled to the respect and we'll
wishes of every good American-Selected.