The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1920-07-15

Under arrangements just completed
with the war department, the Ameri-
can Legion becomes the instrument
| for distribution of the victory medals
which the government Is presenting
! to every American soldier, sailor,
marine, field clerk or nurse who
! served honorably for any period be-
tween April 6, 1917 and Nov. IL 1918
! The presentations will take place on
Armistice day in a series Of stimuli
taneous auspices throughout the
world, making possible a stupendous
celebration which is destined 10
eclipse anything Of the kind ever be-
fore attempted in the United States.
The Legion hopes to make the event
Of November IL the crOwning feature
of the greatest Of all Armistice days
the most impressive and memora-
bic patriotic function in which Ameri-
cans ever participated and one de-
signed TO live in history as an epochal
milestone in the nations life.
It is planned that not only mem
bers of the Legion, but all eX-service
persons and the next OF kin OF those
who died or lost their lives in battle,
viii join their comrades and their
countrymen in a united tribute to the
spirit of America and the anniversary
OF the day in 1918 which marked that
spirits supreme achievement
at is not with vanity but with
wholesome pride in the triumph Of
our arms in the most crucial test OF
strength in history" writes Franklin
D'Olier, national commander of the
Legion, in a letter to all department
officials urging enthusiastic partiCipa
ton in the celebration, that the Le-
giou appeals 70 all Americans to make
our 1920 Armistice day memorable
Throughout the years to come.
I'VE want it to be tribute, above
all else, 10 our country and our flag
and the flags of our heroic allies. In
a still higher sense il should be a
solemn, affectionate dedication of our
lives to the principles for which more
millions of our comrades in arms
made the supreme and final sacrifice.
The Legion since it is the splendid
youth who served America because
they loved America, can appropriate
ly take the initiative in this move
ment
And because the Legion is true
and representative cross-section Of
our national citizenship, it is conf
dent that Americans generally will
intellectually cooperate to make the
celebration a success"
Briefly, the tentative plans con-
template that commanders of Legion
posts Will procure supply OF appli-
cation blanks. with detailed instruc-
tions for filling them out. from the
nearest army post or recruiting sta"
ton. Posts then will provide facilities
for having the application blanks
typewritten, certified by notary pub
lie or an officer OF the regular mill
tary establishment, and forwarded
to the war department Persons who
are to receive the medals, will be ask
ed to give the delivery address as in
care of the commander of the near
est Legion post, who will take charge
of all such medals forwarded and ar
range for appropriate distribution on
Armistice day. Individuals who re-
ceive medals direct from the govern
ment will be asked to place them in
the custody of the post commander
and participate with the Legionaires
at the presentation ceremonies. The
functions, according to the plan, Will
be OF community nature and details
will be left to local committees COM
posed OF Legionaires, public or
ficials, business men and representa-
tives OF patriotic and civic organiza-
tions.
Time of reinstatement of war FISK
insurance has been extended from
July /, 1920, to January l, 1921, ac'
cording to information just received
from Washington, D. c., by Chester Z.
Morrissey, special representative or
bureau of war risk insurance in South
Dakota.
Thas action was obtained due to the
fact that many men were unable to
reinstate their insurance by July 1 or
were not aware of the provisions re
quiring reinstatement by that date.
In all cases, however, the applicant
must tender at least two monthly
premiums on the account OF the in
surance to be reinstated, or reinstated
and converted, with his application.
The applicant must also be in as good
health as at the time of his discharge.
Wv. s. S.