The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1921-09-07
THE AMERICAN LEGION

o o o @ o o o o o @ o o o o o o o
"For Gcd and Country, we asso-
c:ate ourselves together for the fol-
loming purposes: To uphold and de-
fend the Constitution of the United
States of America; to maintain law
and order; to foster ard perpetuate
2 che hundred per cert. American
ism; to preserve the memories and
incidents cf our association in the
Great War; to inculcate sense Of
irdiy; dual obligation to the commun-
10y, state and nation; to combat au-
!tocracy of both the classes and the
masses; to make right the master of
might; to promote peace and good will
on earth; to safeguard and transmit
to posterity the principles of justice,
freedom and democracy; to conse-
crate and sanctify our comradeship by
our devotion to mutual helpfuiness."
The above, the preamble to the
Constitution of the American Legion,
tWifes the spirit that actuates our
organization. The group of men that
met in Paris in 1919 were men of
vision with liberal attitude toward
every man and woman who served in
the war.
To the American Legion there is
no East or West, no North or South,
no Jew or Gentle, no Protestant or
Catholic, no capital or labor, no en-
paoyer or employee, no Republican or
Democrat. The American Legion is
the only organization in which is rep
resented every good element of our
entire country The American Le-
! gion speaks with authority because it
represents organized public opinion.
=. In more material way the Legion
has sponsored legislation directly af-
fecting the ex-service man. The Le-
sg;on committee on legislation has
been responsible for the Introduction
of over 400 bills on over $50 different
subjects, all of them of inestimable
value to ex-service men and particu
'larly to the disabled. The commits
sion not only reads the bills but in
many cases entirely revises or re-
writes them.
The service department has been
instrumental in clearing up claims
against the government, finding lost
insurance policies, and aiding ex-ser-
vice men to obtain their back pay.
The service department has aided
both the government and the men in
clearing UP the vast amount of rec
ords and cases that inevitably result
from a great war.
The Americanism commission of
the Legion, since Its organization has
stood solidly for the propagation OF
the one hundred percent Amerlcanism
against the propaganda and machina-
|tions of our unassinnilated population.
The closest relationship exists be
tween the commission and the Ma
tional Educational commission. Both
are working to obtain better educa-
tional facilities in our foreign dis
tricts and for the proper training OF
our aliens in the principles of citizen
ship.
Aside from the large aspects of the
Legion program the local posts have
found a place as the leaders of their
communities in affairs of civil or
patriotic nature. The greatest work
done by the Legion has been the CO.
operation of the local posts with the
regular officials of government in
times of stress. In countless emer-
gencies the Legion men have quietly
but forcibly allied themselves with
the existing forces of law and order.
The million stalwart Americans
wearing the Legion button are a tes-
timonial to the strength and charac-
ter of the organization. In its rela-
tions with the world the Legion stands
for:
Americanism-soEd, substantial,
unfaltering.
Motives-to serve every ex-soldler,
sailor and marine.
Equality-a genuine practical de-;
mocracy.
Respect-for law and order, and
the rights of others.
Ideals-a bigger, better South Car
olina- United States.
Comradeship-frank and whole
hearted. based on common interest.
Achievement-no talking-doing.
Nstturalization- foreign born
"a citizen.
Lovaltv-to country, city and