Evening star., 1934-07-08

IL will devote its time to local Things
and leave national affairs to the ma
tional organization.
Mr.. Roberts believes the American
Legion should designate the Cherry
Blossom Festival as one OF Its an
nual activities. He advocates the ap-
pointment of permanent committee
in the department to work on this
matter.
A permanent organization with the
object of bringing the American
Legion National Convention to the
District of Columbia in 1887, on the
twentieth anniversary of our partcl-
patton in the World War, is one OF
his other ideas. He said, Il believe
if the proper organization is deVel-
oped and an educational program put
on with the local merchants and no.
tells it will be easy to get them TO
invite the American Legion to come
here and 1 am sure we can convince
the national organization that is the
thing to do"
A strong Civic Affairs Committee
would be appointed under his plan. to
cooperate with the local business as
sociations to the end that matters
affecting the business interests of the
District will become joint problems
along with other civic organizations.
Continuing, he said:
"I believe we should have strong
legislative committee TO foster ana
assist in securing local legislation for
the benefit of Washington, its clti-
zens and ex-service men.
That we so conduct our boxing
activities so as to build up reputa-
ton for excellent shows which Will
insure a constant income to the de-
partment and the posts for accom-
plishing those things in which we as
Legionnaires are interested.
Il believe we should actively COM
bat any effort on the part OF the
Community Chest to further reduce
or discontinue direct relief activities.
That Flag day be designated as a
Sons of the American Legion day;
that we emphasize its importance to
the children of the community by
providing, in conjunction with our
Junior organization, programs en-
couraging respect for the flag in all
schools, particularly, the high schools.
THAT we, as a department. partl-
, cipate in the annual Washington High
School cadet competitive drill by pre-
senting to the winning company a
silver cup. and to the officers of such
! company a properly inscribed medal.
THAT we organize in the District OF
! Columbia an American Legion Relief
Corps, so that at any given time the
entire membership or such part
thereof as may be necessary will pro-
| ceed to a given point or points within
the city for emergency work, upon the
call of the District Commissioners to
the department commander"
Mr.. Roberts was born in the Dis
| trict of Columbia; attended graded
and high schools and was graduated
from Georgetown University Law
School with the degree of L. L. B.
/ He entered war service September
4. 1917. here, as a private, Co. B,
3l2th Machine Gun Battalion, was
| transferred to Headquarters Detach-
ment, 15eth Infantry Brigade, No
vember Il, 1917. serving in that or
ganization as private, first class,
until date of discharge, June 9, 1919.
| He served in the American Expedi-
tionary Forces in France from July
18, 1918, to May 10, 1919.
, Up to last March l Mr.. Roberts
was solicitor of the United States
Veterans Administration, when he
! entered private practice of the law.