The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-07-24
L Legionnaires Hate
 Stalin, His Stooges
(Continued from Page D

ter the convention had been called to order by State Commander John R. Feegel of Meriden. Opening ceremonies included the advancing of the colors, signing of '"The Star Spangled Banner" by William O'Brien, and invocation by Rev Henry Cassidy of Norfolk, depart ment chaplain, and 8 moment of silence in memory of departed com rades.
 Commander Feegel, in his annual report, praised the work of depart ment committees and officers, de- claring that it had made possible the extension of Legion services. He submitted 8 list of seven recom- mendations, including one that re- newed organization efforts be made on behalf of the Sons of the Ameri- can Legion, and another that Le- gionnaires continue their already great participation in aircraft warn ing and home defense programs.
 The convention was called to order shortly after 10 o'clock, and delegates continued to arriv e throughout the session. Scores of ad- ditional registrations were recorded at convention headquarters at The Elton. The four-day convention opened yesterday, but the first gen. eral business session was today's A program of business and pleasure will be climaxed by the Legion par- rade Saturday afternoon.
 Defense Of Country
 Defense of our country is no longer an academic question:, said Mayor Scully himself a Legionnaire. Tt is vital, living problem, affect- ing the lives of each and every one of us. The United States finds it. self surrounded by a militaristic world, and we need the strong de- lenses that we are building"
 "1n such 8 tense atmosphere, you come to Waterbury for your annual convention, the mayor went on. You face serious work, but you will do 1t well, knowing that the people look to you for leadership"
 Paying tribute to the efforts of Chairman George McDuf and the convention arrangements committee the mayor told the Legionnaires that everything possible had been done to make their stay in Water bury a pleasant one. Despite the problems facing the convention, delegates can still have a good time, he said, and the city is happy proud and delightful that you're here with us"
 Thanks Mayor City
 Responding on behalf of the dele- gates, Past Commander Bernard J. Alderman of Rockville, thanked the mayor and the city for the fine welcome that the Legionnaires are receiving. He praised the decorations decking streets and buildings, and expressed gratitude for the many steps taken to insure pleasant and comfortable stay in Waterbury.
 Distinguished guests were intro duced from the platform, among them Mrs. Julia Alexander of Tor rington, state president of the Legion auxiliary, which opened its business sessions this morning at St. Johns parish house.
 Walter Overton of this city, past state commander of the Disabled American Veterans, brought the greetings of the D. A. V. He urged that all veterans "stay behind our President and our Congress, and be ready ever to protect the most glori- ouS flag in the world"
 Tribute to "T0m" Bannigan
 Tribute to the late Major Thomas J. Bannigan, manager of the veter- ans hospital at Newington was paid by several speakers, including Meyer Schwolsky, acting manager of the hospital.
 The delegates cheered when Joel McNichols, state vice-commander of the United Spanish War Veterans, declared: "Thsse are no days for politics. I'm not a Democrat but I'm behind President Roosevelt and his foreign policy 100 per cent"
 Greeting to Delegates
 Greetings to the convention were extended by William Bernstein, commander of the Connecticut de- pertinent, Jewish War Veterans, and Thomas Morrison. state com- mander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
 Commander Morrison urged the Legionnaires not to spent too much time adopting resolutions condemn. ing NasisEi, Fascism and commu. nism but to give more attention to plans to better the situation of veterans.
 Ralph Layers, field seteretary for the New England districts Of the national department, declared that one of the greatest problems facing the Legion is what stand to take on peace time veterans" men now In the armed forces, wi's'' they are mustered out. It wiil be h tllelpai subject aE the national convention in Milwaukee, he said.
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