The Daily Alaska empire., 1942-09-11
Ar1er.Legion Addressed by
 Comdr. IsheIl
Delegates 10 Convention al Sitka Welcomed on
 Opening Day

when ttlb WCIbS -bAlL u AAiAA''N'i Convention of the American Le- zion, Department of Alaska, met il Sitka on Saturday, September 5, an address was delivered by Command CT A. J. Isben, U. s. N, at the opening.
 Commander Isbell said:
 When I first heard of your con- vention this year end considered the American Legion organization ir general, I could not nelp but won der what was passing through each of your minds.
 1 Probably the most discouragine experience which any of us has, is to do a tough job we'll and then find the product of cur labors crumbling about US. Twenty five years ago, we gave up our jobs, and offered our lives in order that to- days generation, and the genera tions after it, could live in peace in democratic world. The millions whose offer was accepted unques- tionably died feeling that their sac rifice would not be in vain.
 You, who have lived to see the tides rising about the structure which you built and dedicated in November, 1918, had reason to be- come bewndered. But, because of what you all had in common, you did not give way to this emotion Recognizing that the worlds invest ment in World War must be pro tected, you organized and continued to fight the rising waters which were threatening what we had built
 New Determination
 Now that the structure has crum- bled, you are gathering with new spirit, and with new determination to build it all over again. Before the job is complete, you will be joined by many millions. World War I was misnomer, when we look at a map of the world war to- day. This is truly a world war And before the jcb is done, there will scarcely be a man, woman, or child, who has not suffered for and contributed to the rebuilding of the monument we created.
 That very fact offers the best hope for a lasting peace in a free world, once the war Is won. For the first time civilians have borne the brunt of the attack, along with the military. Just as we organized and fought for the preservation of the peace of 1918, they will organize and fight againts any forces which again threaten the democratic world.
 "There are those who say that we will make the same mistakes that we made last time. I don't believe it. Too many people will have been hurt. Too many people will realize that peace and freedom can be pre- served only through constant vigil ance and constant effort.
 Sacrifices Not Wasted
 T admit that there is irony in the fact that most of the phrases of 1918 are applicable today. That was the war to end all wars That was the supreme effort to make the world safe for democracy. But the fact that it all has to be done over again does not mean that the form CT sacrifices were wasted.
 Freedom has been built, layer by layer, upon the crumbled masonry of former generations torn down time and again by tides of aggression. But each time a stronger people has emerged to build stronger founda- tions above the tides level. Gradual ly a free people are building a granite Bedloe's Island from which the Statue of Liberty may never topple.
 'Kipling's words have compel ling message for us all today. II you can watch the things you gave your life to, broken, and stoop and build them up with worn-out tools, yours is the earth and everything that is in it, and what is more, you will be a man, my son.
 Today there is no time for dis couragement, no time for incrimina-
 Nr,ooA Dorzs,r,