Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-05-18
AMERICAN LEGION HAS
HIGH AIMS AND IDEALS
Association Of Veterans of World War Is National Non
partisan, Nonpolitical Brotherhood of Young
Americans Who Took Up Arms Together.

1000 young menN-aii Of whom we're
veterans Of tho army. navy or marine
corps in the world war--met together
for a convention lasting three days.
at which the firm foundation OF a great
naena the pamG ss
| Lcsi
These men came from All parts Of
far-off Alaska and Hawaii sent their
delegates. Even before the meeting
OF the convention. and especially since
its organization. the public in general
have wanted to know just what it
was going to be. what its purposes
affairs It would strive to exert Its in
| nucnce.
what Is the American IeEionf
In tho first place, 1t is national.
non, partisan. non-political brother
hood of those who served their country
in the past war. organized in response
TO tho feeling and demand Of these
veterans for pcrmancnt union which
fare and for the public good. 1t had
its birth in a call which was issued
by General hershing. n short time after
from all sections OF the American on
peditionary forces to gather in Paris
and discuss ways and means for taking
care of the veterans interest after
demo bilization.
This Paris caucus conceived the idea
OF the American Legion, which was to
be based largely. upon the experience
OF the United Confederate Veterans
and the Grand, Army OF tho Republic.
but which would be much more power
full By reason of the fact that II would
have Its separate post in each State,
city and county of the entire coun-
try rather he than being sec.ionally
West.
Many Notables Members.
This organization has been riyen
official recognition by tht War De-
OF Nax Srnes saa Sy tho the
veterans themselves. Its power is al
ready shown BY the fact that 1T mum,
members prominent men in public lite e
from many different States, reprcsen-
tatives In Congress. United States
ssIsr Giroc and as It's president the
ancc Bureau. Its democratic spirit is
shown by the fact that the majority
former enlisted men. The first vice
president was sergeant in the army.
the second Vice-presidcnt was a sea-
man in the navy. the third vice-prcs
corps. and all OF these were selected
in opposition TO officers OF their own
corps.
Greed of the American Legion.
Broadly stated, the fundamental pur-
poses OF this great organization may
be divided into three principal classes:
!. To uphold and maintain the Con-
stitut!on OF the United States. and 20
support the reign OF law and order,
as opposed 10 Bolshevism the ]. w
VS.. and every other form of anarchy
and lawlessness, the growth OF which
in this country has come TO be re-
cogn!zed as a real and distinct public
peril. There is no way that these
dangerous activities and doctrines can
be better curbed and controlled than
| through the American legion.
2. To pcrpetuate the history OF the
world war, the spirit OF comradesh!p
| enGendered among the fighting men
who took part therein. and the great
principles for which they fought.
5. TO promote the individual and
collective welfare now and in the
future OF those who served in the
army. navy or marine corps during
the past war
The character and Importance OF the
influence which this organization pro-
poses to exercise may be we'll In