The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1926-07-15

Dickinson N. d., July 15--IN'---
Constant cndeavOr to increase the
scope of it's service and it's value to
the community should be the aim
Of the American Legion, Command
or Walter G. Curtis, Lisbon, said
In his address to the state depart
mcnt meeting here today.
IF the Legion is to occupy. in
the mines Of our people that posi-
ton Of regard and esteem to which
it is Justly entitled we must serve
faithfully and well" the commander
said. "Care Of the disabled, child
welfare, u broader view of Amer
icanism and community service
have been and still are important
matters for our consideration.
s'Our duty lies first to the dis
abled so long as any disabled vet
Gran is not receiving just considera-
ton. Every post of the depart
ment should at all times have an
active committee in charge Of the
work of looking to the needs OF the
disabled.
'Our child welfare work is in its
infancy and is matter which Will
first come to the attention OF the
local post. 1t is to be hoped that
every post will be alert to do It's
part when called upon to assist IN
arranging for the care OF any or
phan of our comrades.
Duty Not Finished
1--WE have right to feel proud
Of the response made on the en-
dowment in this department-but
when we find that there are still
posts who have not seen fit to
make or complete the drive in their
locality-we know that our duty is
not done and we cannot say that
our work is completed and It will
not be completed until every post
has come through and contributed
its share toward this great Legion
undertaking.
"A state wide committee on Am
cricanism was named early during
my term and in some places good
work has been done and in others
not wheel has turned. We must
realize that it is now time that the
Legion give it's attention to re-Am-
ericanizing America. There is too
much of lack of understanding OF
the meaning and Of the duties. OF
citizenship. Too many feel that
citizenship consists solely OF prlvi-
leRe without responsibilities. This
does not refer merely to paying
proper respect to our flag, respect
ing the rights Of others, and urg-
ing support Of our laws. 1t IS I'M
perativc that our citizens perform
those two most important duties OF
misunderstanding the right OF
suffrage and rendering uncom-
planning jury service. BY teaching
the necessity of voting and OF CIV
ing time to jury service can we
bring home to our own citizens
those ideals which we seek to in
culcate in the aliens who tome to
our land.
ut is recommended that the Le-
gion posts located. in the county
seats seriously consider the pre-
senting to every newly made citl-
zen a copy Of the work gotten out
at the suggestion of the Legion.
that is, 1.-THE Story of America and
thus give them u chance to read
and study the true story OF Amer
ica's life.
Leading Civic Organization
1.-THE Importance to the Legion OF
community service cannot be over
estimated. Every Legion post
should be active in every movement
looking to the advancement OF the
community wherein it is located.
. In many Of the smaller towns the
Legion is looked to as the leading
civic organization; and the number
Of communities where that IS SO
must constantly increase.
II would recommend to the m
coming administration the adop-
ton of four planks covering
Justice for our disabled;
Care for the orphans and de-
pendents of those of our COM
rades who have gone on;
A more intelligent meaning OF
Americanism;
The widest possible commune
ity service.
ut is recommend that all posts
have their election and installation
Of officers before the last of Oc-
tober. By SO doing | believe that
we will be able to show a larger
paid up membership on January
first than under the present method.