The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1946-04-16
Fair Enough
Nv WEsTBROOOK PEGLER


Jack H. Hardy, national commander OF
now veterans organization called Amerl-
can Veterans of World War II and known
as AMVETS, recently expressed regret
that the public seemed unable to dlstln-
o,,ish between his outfit and the Amerl-
can Veterans Committee, Inc. He SAID MS
AMVETS were the largest organization OF
veterans of the second war, exclusively;
were neither left nor right politically and
were not pressure group for any leglsla-
ton which would Operate to the detriment
of all the American people, He offered
full statement of the aims and activities OF
the AMWGTS for the information OF
veterans and the general public.
A statement by John Kiefan, Jr., in
favor of the AVG was published here yes
terday, the idea being that the claims OF
both groups should be presented to per-
sons eligible, and the rest of the public,
for their information. Today there follows
here a statement from AMVETS, some
what condensed, unfortunately, because
Mr.. Hardy's response to the invitation ran
too long. His intent has not been distorted,
however, as he doubtless will agree. Lest
Mr.. Hardy seem imruodest, be it under
stood that the statement was actually writ
ten by Vincent Neeson, the publicity
director.
The statement says AMVETS was found
ed in Dec. 1914, at meeting OF represen-
tative groups of independent veterans or
CARNATIONS in Kansas City. A newspaper
reporter invented the name "AMVETS'
and the organization now carries it proud
ly.''
"If AMVETS are to live and prosper"
the statement says, the new outfit must
L. 4r1,1-x %hvrytoi Ia ~
continuing picture of life - have an ap-
peal which other organizations cannot
give.
elmo w. Keel. the first national COM
mander. now at George Washington Uni
versity taking a postgraduate course, and
the other founders worked hard for the es-
tabIishment of sensible policy and
decent approach-an approach free from
sisnas' - leaning neither to the left nor
the right At the first national convention
in Chicago last November, declaration
of principles, drafted by Jack Hardy. was
unanimously adopted.
Commander Hardy, just out Of the Navy
and long experienced in public life as
lawyer, civic leader and former secretary
of the Los Angeles Bar Association pre-
scented a platform which Is carrying
AMVETS into a position Tor real service
in the nation and in every community.
The statement then points out that rs
years interviewed between the active
service Of the men Of the first and second
wars and, with respect TOR the service and
progressive work accomplished by the vet
Grams of the first war, the veterans OF
the second war chose to form their own
organization. instead Of joining the older
groups.
"These veterans are swelling the ranks
Of AMVETS, an average Of 1000 week
since last fall. bringing our membership
well over $4,000 as of April l in SIG posts
in AZ states,'' the statement continues. I'VE
have the finest set of principles that ever
were adopted and we hope to ever be
guided by them. In the increasing public
knowledge of our aspirations, as backed
by our actions, we will obtain greater and
greater recognition by the people OF the
United States of whom we are COM
ponent part"
Summarized, these principles are stated
to be:
National integrity as based on the in
tegrity Of the individual citizen and those
who lead and represent him.
''We shall not discriminate between vet
Grams because of rank, sex, race, creed
or political party afflliation.
1--WE demand that both industry and labor
clean house and establish responsible
leadership and labor-managem policies
based on mutual confidence and integrity.
eve believe not only in free world
press but an honest press. We believe the
honest, impartial and unslanted dissemina-
ton of news can heal the internal wounds
and strife between our racial and econo-
mic groups.
'sAMVETS do not want charity in any
form. They demand. decent opportunity
for employment so that they may estab-
lish themselves as thrifty, industrious, self
respecting, worthy citizens.
1.-THE memory of those who gave all
should be preserved in living memorials
in the form of additional education and
recreational facilities SO that no American
shall lack opportunity for education, and
healthy mind and healthy body.
''We deplore the wasteful extravaganza
of war and dedicate ourselves to the prin-
ciple that part of our national income
should be devoted to prevention of war
and the adjustment Of ignorance and di-
sease.
eve believe in maintaining active and
reserve components to insure that this
country shall lead all peace-loving nations
in the military and scientific techniques
required to preserve peace against any
future aggressor nation or nations
''We shall resist by whatever means are
reasonably necessary any attempts by
enemies within Or without to under o,ine
or destroy the democratic principles upon
which this nation is founded.
ut is our responsibility as citizens to
exercise our voting franchise and to elect
and maintain in office men and women
of personal integrity. AMVETS will stand
with any man who is right but part with
him when he is wrong"