The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-01-21
 CERTIFICATES FOR
 NEAR RELATIVES


 The American Legion has issued the following notice to all Posts:
 The French High Commission, at the direction of the French govern naent, has prepared engraved ceru fieates which are being made ready for presentation under the auspices of The American Legion with the assistance of the United States Army to the nearest relative of each Sol dier, Sailor or Marine who died dur ing the Great War. To this end the National Commander of The Ameri- can Legion has made arrangements with the Adjutant General of the Army regarding the distribution of these certificates and has fermulat- ed the following plan.
 The presentation of these certiff- cates will be made on Washfngton's Birthday, February 22nd, 1920, In all cities and towns where there is post of the American Legion, this testimonial of appreciation from the French Government will be present. ed, wherever possible, through such local American Legion Posts
 These certificates will be accom- panied by cards containing the name of the deceased service man and the last corrected address of his nearest relative. The names will have al- ready been inscribed on the certtff~ cates Unaddressed mailing tubes, a certain number of blank certificates, and an Interpretation of the diploma will also be furnished. It is neces- sary that the state and local organ izatious of The American Legion work in the closest cooperation with t5ae Recruiting Service in order to ef- feet a successful distribution. Certain clerical work will be necessary and it is suggested that where the Re cruittng Ofica, Is una bic to handle tt volunteers from the Legion, and va rious Welfare organizations be ca1lsd on for assistance This work will consist of dividing certificates for distribution by localities and the ac- cepptance by the Legion of all certifi- cates that can be handled by the local posts.
 If there Is an Army Recruiting of fee in your town you should inn naediate1y get in touch with the. off, cer in charge in order to co-operats in providing local machinery for dis tribution. If there is no Recruiting office please notify these headquar- ters at once as to whether you would be willing to handle this distribution l. for your locality
 Please make the request through your local press, that the nearest kin of men who died in the service inform the State Headquarters of the A-ueri- can Legic-l. of their correct aS76res. and of the probable point at which they can be reached on February 22,'
 Great cara has been taken in the engraving of these certificates, and no stone should be left untErred to se- cure sufficient local publicity in every town and city so that the nearest kin will have a personal interest in the American Legion through it's request to send their addresses to he Estsie Headquarters In order to be sure Of promptly receiving the testimonial. and that suitable ceremonies be ar ranged, if necessary with the aid of the state or city officials, so that the attention of the entire country on Wasaington's Birthday will be focused on the purposes of the American Le- zion and it's interest in the men who died during the Great War.
 Sincerely yours.
 FHlLO C. CALHOUN,
 Department Commander.