NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 179 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. O. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS)
LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 6-5-64
Representing The American Legion, National Commander Daniel F. Foley will participate in commemorative ceremonies for the 20th anniversary of the D-Day landing of the United States and Allied Forces at Omaha Beach, France. Commander Foley will represent the Legion in the D-Day-plus-20 program as part of a lU-day tour of Europe and Israel to receive U.S. State and Defense Department briefings.
Warren Spahn, veteran Milwaukee Braves southpaw, has been named the 1963 American Legion Baseball Graduate of the Year, Daniel J. O'Connor, National Americanism chairman, has announced.
Lieut. Gen. Lewis B. Hershey, USA, director of selective service, will address the graduation exercises for The American Legion's 19th annual Boys Nation on July 2k at College Park, Md.
Judge Levi M. Hall, chairman of the Life Insurance and Trust Commit- tee, reports that the most outstanding feature of The American Legion Life Insurance Plan is found in the payment of claims.
The chairman of The American Legion's National Aeronautics and Space Committee, Roscoe Turner, recently participated in the roll-out of the XB-70 in California.
Baseball fans around the country will find high interest in a series of articles on American Legion Baseball scheduled for publication in The Sporting News. The first article will appear in the June 13 issue.
National Commander Daniel F. Foley of The American Legion has an- nounced that the Departments of Hawaii and Rhode Island are the winners of the National Commander's Blood Donor Awards for 1963-64.
With the Department of New York setting a record pace, The American Legion, with the capable assistance of its Auxiliary, is now nearing the $100,000 mark in its Alaskan earthquake relief effort. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION I 180 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-5-64
OMAHA BEACH, France (ALNS)—- Representing The American Legion, National
Commander Daniel F. Foley will participate in commemorative ceremonies for the 20th
anniversary of the D-Day landing of the United States and Allied Forces here.
Commander Foley will represent the Legion in the D-Day-plus-20 program on June 6,
as part of a 14-day tour of Europe and Israel to receive U.S. State and Defense
Department briefings and to inspect U.S. military installations.
The National Commander will call on foreign government leaders and confer with leaders of Legion departments and posts in Europe during his tour. Scheduled
for a major address at Killarney, Ireland, on June 3, he made a two day visit to
the land of his forebears. He spoke there at a dinner in his honor at the Inter- national Hotel, greeted distant kin and visited his ancestral home in the Killarney area.
While in Berlin on June 6-8, the Legion Commander will call on the U. S.
Commandant there, inspect the U. S. Berlin Command and tour the German city. He
also will visit the Berlin Wall. His itinerary will also take him to Rome, Italy, and then on to Greece where he will lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier in Athens.
Commander Foley will join in the day-long observance marking the historic
invasion of France on the Normandy Coast. This will include a gathering at the monument of the liberation at Bayeux, homage to the French underground for its part in making the invasion successful, religious ceremony at the Cemetery of
American soldiers (Colleville, St. Laurent and Vierville) at Omaha Beach, and a ceremony at the Signal Monument at Omaha and Utah Beach.
From Tel Aviv, Israel, he will depart for New York City on June 15. 6 181 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. O. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-5-64
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) Warren Spahn, veteran Milwaukee Braves southpaw,
has been named the 1963 American Legion Baseball Graduate of the Year, Daniel J.
O'Connor, National Americanism Chairman for the Legion, has announced.
The award will be presented to Spahn by National Commander Daniel F. Foley at
Milwaukee County Stadium the evening of July 15 prior to the Braves' game with the
San Francisco Giants. Previous winners include Sherm Lollar, Ted Williams, Stan
Musial and Bobby Richardson,
O'Connor stated that Spahn was chosen to receive the annual award because of
his general conduct on and off the field, his cooperation with others, his community
service efforts, his contribution to baseball and youth, and his playing ability.
"Warren Spahn certainly exemplifies the aims and principles of our American Legion
Baseball program, now in its 39th season of competition," O'Connor emphasized.
A World War II veteran and a member of Plunkett-Hancock Post 180 of The
American Legion at Hartshorne, Okla. , Spahn missed three seasons of competition in
1943, 1914 and 1945 after three years in the minor leagues before joining the old
Boston Braves late in the 1942 season. Despite this break in his career, Spahn is recognized as the greatest lefthand pitcher in the history of the national pastime
and needs only 23 wins to tie the National League record for most wins.
Spahn gained schoolboy prominence at Buffalo, N.Y. and drew the attention of scouts while representing Louis J. Boland Post 258 and South Buffalo Post 721 in an
American Legion Baseball league jointly sponsored by the Buffalo Evening News and
The American Legion's Erie County Council. Last year was one of his best seasons.
With 23 victories, he surpassed the 20-game mark for the 13th year and led all major league pitchers in complete games for the ninth time and for the seventh consecutive season. 182 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411
National Headquarters ft '£'*&•
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-5-6^
WASHINGTON —(ALNS)--- Lieut. Gen. Lewis B. Hershey, USA, director of
selective service will address the graduation exercises for The American Legion's
19th annual Boys Nation on July 2k, Daniel J. O'Connor, chairman of the National
Americanism Commission, has announced.
In part General Hershey replied that "he was honored and flattered to receive
the invitation" to address the 100 Boys Nation senators. The top honor high school
students, with headquarters on the University of Maryland campus, will participate
in a study of governmental operation July 17-2U.
Composed of two youthful legislators each from 50 American Legion Departments
sponsoring their respective Boys States, Boys Nation features a practical workshop
approach to the study of the federal government. The 100 boys chosen, prior to their
participating in this important civic duty, must pass a rigorous screening based
upon their abilities for leadership ... as boys, as students, and as junior
citizens.
During the week-long activities the young senators will make visitations to
the White House, the United States Supreme Court, the Library of Congress,
Arlington National Cemetery, the State Department, the Pentagon, the Federal Bureau
of Investigation, along with trips to various national and historic shrines.
A mock government with two political parties will be conducted by the Boys
Nation senators while in the nation's capital. Executive appointees will serve in
pretended posts parallel to the actual posts held in the executive branches of the
government.
Conducting the symposium will be 23 experienced American Legion youth
counselors headed by Harold A. Eaton, formerly of Rutgers University, who has been
dean of counselors for the program the past 19 years, and James W. Rowe, assistant
director of the National Americanism Division of The American Legion. 183 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-5-64 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS)
CHICAGO (ALNS) "The most outstanding feature of The American Legion
Life Insurance Plan is found in the payment of claims," reports Judge Levi M. Hall,
chairman of the Life Insurance and Trust Committee, in his advance committee report
for the National Convention in Dallas, Tex., Sept. 18-24.
Judge Hall went on to state that "as the only official insurance of The
American Legion, 1,738 claims have already been paid to May 1, 1964, amounting to
some $1,641,761 in benefits. By the time the National Convention meets in Dallas,
we expect that over two million dollars will have been paid to the loved ones of
former insured Legionnaires."
He also noted that all of these benefits have been paid at no cost or
expense to The American Legion and said that The American Legion Life Insurance
Plan is a truly, self-sustaining program.
Information concerning the Legion's low cost life insurance is available by
writing to: The American Legion, Insurance Department, P. 0. Box 5609, Chicago,
111. 60680.
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) The chairman of The American Legion's National
Aeronautics and Space Committee, Roscoe Turner, recently participated in the roll-
out of the XB-70 in California.
"This is really and truly a terrific airplane employing entirely new
techniques," Chairman Turner commented and went on to say that "the knowledge
gained in manufacturing this plane and that which will be gained in flight tests
will undoubtedly be of inestimable value in the production of future high
performance military and commercial aircraft."
The American Legion during Turner's tenure as chairman has consistently supported the development and production of the B-70 as a needed follow-on to obsolescening B-52 and B-58. * 184 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-5-64
JUNEAU, Alaska (ALNS) Not even an earthquake could stop the 49th state
from becoming the 12th department to surpass its membership goal in The American
Legion this year. Alaska has reported an enrollment of 2,680 Legionnaires for 1964
or 100.15 per cent of its goal of 2,676. A congratulatory message has been sent
by National Commander Daniel F. Foley to Department Commander George Petrovich of
Anchorage.
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) Baseball fans around the country will find high
interest in a series of articles on American Legion Baseball scheduled for
publication in The Sporting News. An annual feature of the nation's oldest sports
paper, the first article will appear in the June 13 issue and presents prospect
reports on the eight 1963 regional championship teams.
Other sections in the series are scheduled for July 18, Aug. 22, and Sept, 12,
WASHINGTON (ALNS) National Commander Daniel F. Foley of The American
Legion has announced that the Departments of Hawaii and Rhode Island are the winners
of the National Commander's Blood Donor Awards for 1963-64.
Hawaii won the award for having the greatest percentage (55.8) of its member- ship enrolled in the blood donor program. The Rhode Island American Legion was the recipient of the award given to the department having the greatest percentage of posts (97.4 per cent) participating in the pcogreaa.
According to National Headquarters records a total of 39 Legion departments actively engaged in the National Blood Donor Program during the 1963-64 year. Each department will receive a citation, signed by National Commander Foley and National Adjutant E. A. Blackmore, in recognition of the role it played in the success of the program. I 185 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-5-64
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) With the Department of New York setting a record pace, The American Legion, with the capable assistance of its Auxiliary, is now nearing the $100,000 mark in its Alaskan earthquake relief effort. The Empire State as of June 1 has donated more than $27,000, National Adjutant E. A. Blackmore reports. Blackmore also noted that many individual contributions have been sent directly to Alaska of which National Headquarters has no record.
Breakdown of Contributions as of June 1
American Amount American Amount Auxiliary Amount Legion Legion Ala. $ 125.00 N.Y. 24,222.68 Ga. 95.00 Alaska 2,000.00 N.C. 195.80 Hawaii 135.00 Ariz. 53.00 N.D. 185.00 in. 2,126.05 Ark. - Ohio 4,655.50 Ind. 657.00 Calif. 122.00 Okla. 78.00 Ky. 157.00 Canada - Oregon 340.00 Me. 652.00 Colo. 210.00 Panama, C.Z. 200.00 Md. 150.00 Conn. 82"+. 00 Pa. 1,446.00 Mass. 180.00 Del. 345.00 Philippines 50.00 Mich. 1,658.33 D. of C. m Puerto Rico 500.00 Minn. 4,000.00 Fla. 215.00 R.I. - Mo. 415.50 862.99 France - O *l* * 240.00 Neb. Ga, 60.00 S.D. 30.00 Nev. 190.00 Hawaii 2,040.00 Tenn. - N.J. 1,602.00 Idaho — Tex. 110.00 N. Mex. 206.00 111. 1,637.00 Utah - N.Y. 3,208.40 Ind. 1,321.80 Vt. 332.00 N.C. 236.05 Iowa 80.00 Va. 2.00 N.D. 1,046.50 Italy 600.00 Wash. 3,431.78. Ohio 615.00 Kan. 695.20 W. Va. 120.00 Okla. 701.50 Ky. 510.00 Wis. 512.00 Ore. 200.00 La. 487.00 Wyo. 175.00 Panama, C.Z. 100.00 Me. 325.00 Nat'l. Hdqs. 5,000.00 Pa. 1,249.50 Md. 1,420.40 Julia Wheelock R.I. 387.00 Mass. 731.51 Trust 2,500.00 S.C. 10.00 Mexico S.D. 93.00 Mich. 1,585.00 Total... 64,192.78 Tex. 264.00 Minn. 1,710.00 Utah 249.00 Miss. m Auxiliary Amount Vt. 240.00 Mo. 282.00 Ala. 180.00 Va. 454.41 Mont. 455.00 Ariz. 505.50 Wash. 1,542.50 Neb. 513.11 Calif. 2,676.10 W. Va. 329.00 Nev. 100.00 Colo. 316.50 Wis. 2,166.21 N.H. m Conn. 306.00 Wyo. 449.60 N.J. 1,420.00 Del. 95.00 Nat'l. Aux. 1,000.00 N. Mex. - Fla. 166.00 9 units in Alaska (direct) 2,312.50 Grand Total (American Le gion and Auxiliary) 98,378.92 Total.... 34,186.14 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 186 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-84U National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-5-6U
INDIANAPOLIS —(ALNS) Sons of The American Legion squadrons chartered
during May I96U outnumbered new American Legion posts appearing on the scene,
National Adjutant E. A. Blackmore has reported.
New posts include:
Department Post Name & Number Commander Location Mainbullau/Milt en- FRANCE John F. Kennedy Post 22 Robert Kelso /berg, Germany PHILIPPINES President John F. Kennedy Post 25 Shih I. Sheng Manila PHILIPPINES Cape Canaveral Post kO Casimiro Tobilla Manila TEXAS W. D. Miller Post 907 Albert Hodge Levelland TEXAS Tinker-Hill Post U8l Charles Johnson Seagraves COLORADO Evergreen Post 80 E. F. Underwood Evergreen TEXAS John F. Kennedy Post U85 A. J. Cortez San Antonio
SAL squadrons include:
Department SAL Squadron name Location
OHIO Bexley Squadron ^30 Bexley OHIO Boardman Memorial Squadron 565 Boardman NEW JERSEY Eden-Stanley Squadron 29U Pemberton NEW JERSEY Buzzelli-Schmierer Squadron kih Willingboro PENNSYLVANIA Riler-Sadlek Squadron 95k Mather MICHTGAN Ralph Rumbaugh Squadron 51 Buchanan OHIO Northridge Memorial Squadron 7^6 Northridge MARYLAND Rosedale Squadron 180 Rosedale MARYLAND Arick L. Lore Squadron 271* Lusby
Since the beginning of the year, the veterans organization has chartered a
total of l)-9 American Legion posts and k2 SAL squadrons. National Adjutant Blackmore
noted that the Department of Texas leads with seven new posts, while the Department
of Illinois heads the list among SAL squadrons chartered with seven.
In the post chartering race, Colorado is second with five new posts since
January I96U. The Ohio American Legion has done well in the SAL squadron competition
and has reported six new groups in the Buckeye State. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION l 187 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS)
LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 6-12-6U
"Mr. District Commander" competition winners have now been deter- mined, the National Membership and Post Activities Section of The Ameri- can Legion has announced. Five top district commanders will be awarded plaques showing that their district had the highest percentage of gain for I96I+ over 1963 by May 1.
The American Legion presented special National Commander's citations to Dewitt Wallace, editor and publisher of Reader's Digest, and to Darryl Zanuck, president of 20th Century Fox Studios, for the development in literary form and film, respectively, of "The Longest Day" by Cornelius J. Ryan,
Dallas, Tex., site of The American Legion*s National Convention, Sept. 18-2^, got some kind words in The Congressional Record on June 1, when Sen. Ralph Yarborough (D-Tex.) had inserted a long article from The American Legion Magazine.
During a recent visit to West Berlin, National Commander Daniel F. Foley stated that "The American Legion reasserts its strong support of the United States' determination to fulfill its commitments to the people of West Berlin and to help protect their freedom how ever long it may be necessary."
The American Legion which supports the McCarran-Walter Act and opposes elimination of the national origins quota system has noted that a series of bills in both the House and the Senate are being moved and aimed at liberalizing the immigration laws.
Parade Magazine on Sunday July 5 will carry a feature article by National Commander Daniel F. Foley of The American Legion.
The American Legion, Department of Nebraska and the Department of Kansas, have signed a four-year contract to place an annual Legion All- Star game between the two departments following the regular Legion base- ball season.
Every year more than 200,000 veterans or their beneficiaries miss at least one payment of their monthly compensation, pension or other bene- fit checks from the Veterans Administration because of their failure to notify the VA and the Post Office Department of a change in address when they move.
The American Legion's Alaskan Relief Fund for the benefit of victims of the disastrous Alaskan earthquake has now passed the $100,000 mark and is still growing. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 188 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-12-64
INDIANAPOLIS —(ALNS)— "Mr. District Commander" competition winners have
now been determined, the National Membership and Post Activities Section of The
American Legion has announced. The five top district commanders will be awarded
plaques showing that their district had the highest percentage of gain for 1964 over
1963 by May 1.
The winners by categories are:
Category I (Districts of 0 to l*+99 members for 19&3) L. J. Chestnutt, First District, North Carolina (125.7$)
Category II (Districts of 15CO to 2999 members for I963) Robert L. Henshaw, Third District, Alabama (112.5*$)
Category IU - - (Districts of 3000 to 1*999 members for 1963) Francis Adams, Second District, Louisiana (lOk.kZfo)
Category IV (Districts of 5000 to 7U99 members for 1963) George P. Ethridge, Jr., Third District, Georgia (113.08$)
Category V - - - (Districts of 7500 and above members for 1963) Clinton Grimm, Tenth District, Minnesota (102.97$)
As reported to National Headquarters by May 1, an even dozen district
commanders from nine departments recorded new all-time highs. The 12 membership
leaders in this area are: Lewis W. Emerich (Tex.), William Fick (N.J.), Pedro N.
Sanchez (Philippines), Dr. Jos. T. Howard (Philippines), Custodio Belisario
(Philippines), Richard Martinez (N. Mex.), Eugene Kautz (S.D.), Al Montoya (N. Mex.),
Francis Adams (La.), Francis G. Guerke (Mi.), Clinton Grimm (Minn.) and Glenn Grush
(Kan.).
Seventy-eight districts from 32 departments enrolled 196k members in excess of
their 1963 total, thus qualifying for Honor Ribbons to be attached to their district
colors and for National Achievement Awards to be made to the district commanders. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION S 189 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-12-64
NEW YORK — (ALNS)— The American Legion presented special National Com-
mander's citations to Dewitt Wallace, editor and publisher of Reader's Digest, and to
Darryl Zanuck, president of 20th Century Fox Studios, during a D-Day commemorative
program at the New York World's Fair on June 6. Zanuck and Wallace were cited by the
Legion for the development in literary form and film, respectively, of "The Longest
Day" by Cornelius J. Ryan.
J. Arthur Petty, department commander of the Empire State, made the presenta-
tion to Red Buttons, motion picture star who represented Zanuck, while Past National
Commander James F. O'Neil presented to Hobart Lewis, executive editor and vice presi-
dent of Reader's Digest, the Dewitt Wallace citation.
Veterans of the D-Day invasion addressed the gathering, while department and
county commanders of The American Legion in the New York area reviewed the parade,
bands, honor guards and marching units, including the New York county delegations.
WASHINGTON — (ALNS)— Dallas, Tex., site of The American Legion's National
Convention, Sept. 18-24, got some kind words in The Congressional Record on Monday
June 1, when Sen. Ralph Yarborough (D-Tex.) had inserted in the Record a long article
from The American Legion Magazine.
The Legion story noted that "Dallas is probably the finest convention city
in the land that The American Legion has not yet visited en masse."
"The idea that the whole city of Dallas should become a national villain after
the events of last Nov. 22 — and especially that the Legion should punish the city by pulling its convention out — is a bit of self righteousness that already has been answered by well qualified people," said Robert Pitkin, editor and author of the article. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION f. 190 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-12-64
DALLAS, Tex. —(ALNS)— American Legion departments desiring to have a float built for the big National Convention parade, scheduled for Monday, Sept. 21, should contact the float committee of the National Convention Corporation of Texas.
The Convention Corporation is working with the National Decorators Inc. from
San Antonio, Tex., builders of the floats for the Dallas State Fair. Address of the
Convention Corporation is: Adolphus Hotel, Dallas, Tex. 75202.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (ALNS) The South Carolina American Legion has become the second department to surpass its official I963 membership in the veterans organiza- tion and the 13th department to go over its 1964 goal.
The Palmetto State on May 28 exceeded its I963 final total of 21,351 Legion- naires when the department reported a 1964 enrollment of 21,4ll. On June 9, the department reported a membership of 21,533 or 100.05 per cent of its 1964 goal of
21,522.
In noting these two outstanding membership achievements, less than two weeks apart, National Commander Daniel F. Foley has sent a message of congratulations to
Department Commander Thomas R. Peden of Seneca, S.C.
INDIANAPOLIS —-(ALNS)— Indicative of the consistent growth in the membership of the Sons of The American Legion is a report from California announcing the winner of the annual detachment membership trophy. West Covina Squadron 790 > this year's winner, is only four years old, but during the past year the squadron more than tripled its enrollment and now has 150 SAL members. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION I 191 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-12-64
WEST BERLIN — (ALNS)— "The American Legion reasserts its strong support of the United States determination to fulfill its commitments to the people of West
Berlin and to help protect their freedom how ever long it may be necessary," National
Commander Daniel F. Foley stated during his recent visit here.
The Legion Commander also noted that the freedom which flourishes in West
Berlin will continue to grow and prosper with the full cooperation and encouragement of the American people.
The National Commander and the United States Ambassador to France, Charles E.
Bohlen, laid a wreath on behalf of the United States at the Monument de la Liberation at Bayeux, France, prior to the D-Day-plus-20 ceremonies on June 6 at the Normandy
American Cemetery at Colleville, St. Laurent, and Vierville.
WASHINGTON —(ALNS)— The American Legion which supports the McCarran-Walter
Act and opposes elimination of the national origins quota system has noted that a series of bills in both the House and the Senate are being moved and aimed at liber- alizing the immigration laws. Liberalizing would be done through the elimination of the control mechanism of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (the McCarran-
Walter Act).
More than 300,000 aliens immigrated into the United States in 1963 under the
Act. While the liberalizing proposals in both Houses vary, all seek substantial increases; some nearing a million additional immigrants a year. If these are success- ful, the national origins quota system, in effect since 1924, would be scrapped or drastically altered. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION j 192 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-12-6U
INDIANAPOLIS —(ALNS)— The American Legion, Department of Nebraska and the
Department of Kansas, have signed a four-year contract to play an annual Legion All-
Star game between the two departments following the regular Legion baseball season.
The agreement was reached following a meeting of athletic officials from both states.
Members for the Nebraska team will be selected from players participating in
the two Legion state tournaments played each year. The Beef State team will travel
to Kansas for the first three-game series to be played in Osburn, Kan., Aug. 22-23.
The Sunflower team will come to Nebraska in 1965 for a return engagement at a site
yet to be selected.
An agreement between the two departments will guarantee every boy on the 16-
player-team rosters a chance to participate.
NEW YORK —(ALNS) Parade Magazine on Sunday July 5 will carry a feature
article by National Commander Daniel F. Foley of The American Legion entitled
"Communism is Not the Only Threat to American Society." In the article National
Commander Foley emphasizes dangers to the American way of life by a lack of apprecia-
tion of our cherished freedoms by many groups of United States citizens.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. —(ALMS)-— American Legionnaire W. E. (Bill) Bums, 85 years young, recently took office as commander of Pulaski Post 33^> an event which he thinks may have set at least two records in Legion history. One concerns his age and the other is that this is third different post commandership.
Burns joined the veterans organization at Clarksdale, Miss., and attended the first Magnolia department convention at Vicksburg in 1919, the year the veterans or- ganization was founded. His first commandership was of the Buddy Harris Post 72 at Parkin in 192^. Three years after he moved to Little Rock in 1925, he headed the M. M. Eberts Post No. 1 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 193 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-12-6^
WASHINGTON —(ALNS)— Every year more than 200,000 veterans or their bene- ficiaries miss at least one payment of their monthly compensation, pension or other benefit checks from the Veterans Administration. This is due to their failure to notify the VA and the Post Office Department of a change in address when they move or plan to move.
American Legionnaires who are receiving VA benefits can avoid this problem by giving prompt or advance notice to the VA and the Post Office, which has the authority to forward checks to the new address.
In noting that the amount of money involved is more than $15 million annually, the VA reports that undeliverable returned checks are one of its biggest headaches.
Failure to receive the checks often means hardships to the family involved.
Often the next check is in the process of being mailed before the VA receives notice of change of address and the check goes to the old address.
INDIANAPOLIS —(ALNS)— The Alaskan Relief Fund for the benefit of victims of the disastrous Alaskan earthquake has passed the $100,000 mark and is still grow- ing, according to a joint announcement from The American Legion and its Auxiliary.
The funds are being administered by local Legionnaires in the stricken areas to provide food, shelter, clothing and other emergency needs for the victims.
National Commander Daniel F. Foley is scheduled to visit Alaska on June 17-18 to view the damage first hand, and while there he will speak before the department convention in Anchorage. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 194 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-12-64
NEW YORK —(ALNS)— A major article on the nation's military governorship in
Cuba after the Spanish-American War, entitled "The Ordeal of Leonard Wood," is hut one
of many highly interesting stories that will appear in the July 1964 issue of The
American Legion Magazine. The story traces the heroic struggle of General Wood to
create an orderly, independent Cuba and the frustrations imposed on him by American
and Cuban opportunists -which sowed the seeds of Castro's rise.
Featuring modern travel information about an historic spot, "Fort Ticonderoga,
N.Y." is the first in a new series in the Legion Magazine for Legionnaire-motorists
on seeing historic America.
National Commander Daniel F. Foley states in "Things that Never Change" that
it is more necessary than ever for Legionnaires, in their youth programs, to teach
youngsters the values that are changeless.
The July issue also features an aerial view of the Worlds Fair in "All Eyes on the New York Fair."
The Magazine's regular feature "Pro & Con — The Big Issue" in July asks "Is a Nationwide Food Stamp Program Necessary?" Rep. Elizabeth Kee of West Virginia and
Rep. Charles Hoeven of Iowa debate whether to provide federal food relief by means of a food stamp program.
Other stories of interest to the Magazine's readers include:
"Our Own Japanese in the Pacific War," a recounting of the military services performed by over 6,000 Japanese Americans in the fight against Japan during World War II.
"America's Biggest Little Foundation," a story on The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. Although the Foundation has given away less than $200,000, million-dollar results have been achieved by the promotion of research projects seeking cures for physical, social and emotional disorders among children. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION l 195 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-19-6U
BERLIN, Germany —(ALNS)—"The freedom which flourishes in West Berlin will continue to grow and prosper," predicted National Commander Daniel F. Foley of The American Legion during an inspection visit here which included a tour of Communist- held East Berlin.
DALLAS, Texas — (ALNS)— Historians of The American Legion will hold their an- nual breakfast and election of officers at 8:30 a.m., Sept. 20, during the I96U Na- tional Convention of the veterans' organization in Dallas, according to an announce- ment by Miss Ethel Matuschka, president of the Legion's association of historians.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — (ALNS)— One of the finest drum corps seasons yet exper- ienced is forecast for 196^ by one of the major manufacturers of musical instruments. Growing interest in American Legion uniformed groups of all types appears to sub- stantiate the prediction, the Legion's National Contests Supervisory Committee reports.
LAWRENCEBURG, Bid. —(ALNS)— At the age of 19, Bill McCool, former star pitcher wzth the Lawrenceburg, Ind., American Legion baseball team, has won his first major league game and at the same time earned the nickname of "Cool Bill McCool" through his poised performance on the mound. Bill came in as relief pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds in a game with Milwaukee on June 2 and held the Braves for two score- less innings to be credited with his first major league win.
DELAWARE, Ohio — (ALNS)-— This Ohio community knows who can run a Memorial Day parade. For the 45th consecutive year, Major James A. Samson has served as the grand marshal of the May 30 observance. In addition, he is a seven-times commander of Raymond B. Austin Post 115 of The American Legion here.
SALEM, 111. —-(ALNS)— What is claimed to be the oldest veteran celebration of its kind in the U.S. is being carried on by Luther B. Easley Post of The American Legion here. The Marion County (ill.) Soldiers' & Sailors' Reunion was started 8l years ago at a meeting of John S. Chandler Post 102 of the Grand Army of the Republic, on Aug. 17, 186%.
In 1927, responsibility for the huge community event, which attracts crowds of 15,000 daily, was turned over to The American Legion. The gala 196^ reunion was scheduled to begin on June 22, 20th anniversary of the signing of the World War II GI Bill of Rights and to close on June 27 with a "Greencorn" or Square Dance.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — (ALNS)— Automatic data processing equipment will handle all membership records for the Sons of The American Legion organization, beginning with the 1965 membership year, National Adjutant E. A. Blackmore of The American Legion has announced. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 196 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-19-64
SAN FRANCISCO — (ALNS) — Delegates to the 1964 Republican National Conven-
tion and probably a nationwide television audience will hear David Bruce Marth, winner
of The American Legion's National High School Oratorical contest on Monday, July 13.
Marth, age 16, is by a wide margin the youngest speaker scheduled to address the
1964 National Republican convention. He is slated to appear before the delegates at
the opening session, Monday, at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Daylight Time) in the world
famous Cow Palace convention hall, San Francisco.
David, who will be a senior at Wausau, Wisconsin, High School this fall, won
the Legion's national oratorical crown from a starting field of 350,000 high school
orators at the national finals in Tampa, Fla., on Apr. 16. With the Championship, went a $4,000 college scholarship and the opportunity to appear before both National political conventions. His appearance before the Republican convention will be fol-
lowed by a similar presentation at the Democratic convention later in the summer.
David is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis E. Marth of 1021 Plumer St., Wausau,
Wis., and was sponsored in the National Oratorical contest by Montgomery-Plant Post 10 of The American Legion at Wausau. The contest is based on the U. S. Constitution.
A former freshman and sophomore class president and student council member, he has also been active in football, basketball, tennis, mathematics and debating. But as master of ceremonies at Wausau High's annual Tophatter's show, he admits his up- coming political convention appearances will be his greatest thrill. He plans to attend Concordia College, St. Paul, Minn., to study for the ministry.
The young spokesman is looking forward to all of the convention action and hopes the delegates will be equally interested in what he has to say. The folks in Wausau will be his greatest rooters and are hopeful that his remarks will be carried on the radio and TV networks like most of the adult speakers. More than 2.5 million American Legionnaires will also be rooting for David B. Marth, boy orator and head- liner in the Legion's youth-training programs. S 197 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411
National Headquarters FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-19-64 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS)
DALLAS, Texas —- (ALNS) — Four brand new 1965 Ford Galaxy convertibles will
be won by members of The American Legion or the American Legion Auxiliary as gifts
from the three Seagram Posts of The American Legion. The drawing for the four beauti-
ful cars will be a highlight of the National Drum and Bugle Corps final competition
on Sunday evening, Sept. 20, in the Dallas P. C. Cobb Stadium.
It is not necessary to be present in the stadium or even in Dallas to win one
of the Galaxies, although keys to the cars will be on hand and will be turned over to
any winner who may be present in the expected huge crowd.
This is the 18th year that the Legion's three Seagram Posts (Chicago, New York
and Los Angeles) have donated four Ford automobiles to be won by lucky members of The
American Legion or the Auxiliary. In addition, the Legion Post or Auxiliary Unit to
which winners belong will receive cash awards of $250 each, also donated by the
Seagram Posts.
This is not a contest. Every member of the Legion or Auxiliary having either
a 1964 or 1965 card can enter. All that is necessary is to fill out and mail one of
the coupons provided by the Seagram Posts. Supplies of coupons will be available at
each department convention, and the coupon was also printed in the July issue of The
American Legion Magazine.
All coupons must be properly signed and mailed to P. 0. Box 10904, Dallas,
Texas, 75207, in time to arrive no later than midnight, Sept. 18, 1964.
Winners of the Fords given at last year's National convention in Maimi Beach
were: Donald S. Adams, Chicago, 111., a member of Russell Square Post 1006; T. 0.
Reynolds, Jr., Columbia, S. C, member of Post 86; Carol Ann Etling, St. Louis, Mo.,
of Memorial Unit 37 of the American Legion Auxiliary; and John T. Dombek, Sloan, N.Y.,
who was a member of Adam Plewacki Post 799 in Buffalo. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION f 198 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-19-61+ AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS)
CHICAGO (ALNS) — What may prove to be a significant interchange of views
and information was initiated at the first joint meeting of groups representing The
American Medical Association and The American Legion.
Liaison with the Medical Association was authorized by the Legion's National
Executive Committee at its meeting last October.
Heading the liaison committee of the veterans' organization is Past National
Commander James E. Powers, of Macon, Ga. Also appointed to the group by Legion
National Commander Daniel F. Foley are: Robert M. McCurdy, Pasadena, Calif., National
Rehabilitation chairman, and John J. Corcoran, director of rehabilitation in the
Legion's Washington office.
AMA representatives are: Leo P. Sweeney, M.D., Chicago; David B. Allman, M.D.,
Atlantic City, N. J.; and Drew M. Petersen, M.D., Ogden, Utah.
INDIANAPOLIS — (ALNS) — The Idaho American Legion, with a I96U membership
of 8,365 reported to National Headquarters on June 12, has been declared the third
department to push its I96U Legion enrollment over its final I963 membership.
For 1963, Idaho tabulated a final, official membership of 8,299.
National Commander Foley has sent congratulations to Idaho Department Commander
Max Hanson, of Boise, and has called attention to the fact that the Idaho Department'
Convention can open on June 26 with assurance of a successful year.
RANDALLSTOWN, Md. — (ALNS) The American Legion's Alaskan Relief fund, which has already passed the $100,000 mark, was expected to be further strengthened
through the observance of Alaskan Relief Sunday by Liberty Post 122 here on June 28.
With all proceeds earmarked for the disaster victims, Legionnaires announced
hotcakes, syrup, sausage, and coffee for the entire family at $2.00. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION I 199 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-19-64
DECATUR, ILL. — (ALNS)— Dedication of Edward Hayes Field here on Memorial
Day, May 30, was a dream come true for members of American Legion Post 105.
The fully equipped and lighted soft hall field was completed in its entirety by members of the post as a living memorial to deceased Past National Commander Edward A.
Hayes, and is the first new ball field in Decatur in many years.
Five and a half acres of land, described as a combination jungle and junk yard, were purchased by Post 105 several years ago. A Legion home was built on a portion of the lot, and Legion volunteers, using earth moving equipment, cleared and leveled the jungle-junk yard.
Thousands of dollars of contributed materials plus thousands of hours of volunteer labor eventually erected light poles, strung wires, constructed bleachers, sodded a barren infield, installed fences and scoreboards, and scooped out dugouts.
Present for the dedication were Past Commander Hayes' widow, Margaret, their children and grandchildren.
SPENARD, Alaska —(ALNS)— "It doesn't cost to belong to The American Legion.
It pays*"
This is the slogan offered from personal experience by Conner Canoose, a long- time member of the Legion here. In a letter to Legion Rehabilitation Representative
G. H. Worth at St. Paul, Minn., Canoose wrote:
"I have been a member of the Legion for many years and it's always a good place to take friends for a sociable time and to meet old buddies. But little did I realize how extensive the Legion's work is in caring for its members, such as in my case.
"It is a relief to know my family has this protection and to thank you for helping me to get it." NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 200 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-19-6^
WASHINGTON, D. C. — (ALNS) — The National Rifle Association of America, the
governing body of rifle and pistol shooting in the United States, announces that
George C. Ferguson of 2515 W. lUth St., Yuma, Ariz., is the first place winner for
seniors in the 196k American Legion National Postal Pistol matches held thru May, I96U.
George fired an impressive 297 out of 300 in the three stage 30-round pistol
competition, to top a field of over UO competitors from throughout the nation.
The firing course consisted of 10 rounds slow fire, 10 timed and 10 rapid.
In recognition of this accomplishment, Ferguson will receive the first place
American Legion pistol trophy.
Currently, the National Rifle Association consists of over 61+0,000 individual
members and more than 11,000 affiliated clubs.
The purpose of the NRA is to educate and train citizens of good repute in the
safe and effective use of firearms for recreation and national defense.
* - * A new suggested address for the use of American Legion speakers on Independ- * *t.ence Day, July U, is available upon request from: National Public Relations * Division, The American Legion, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, Ind., 1*6206.
Also available and of continuing value to American Legion speakers is a sug- * gested address on the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Legion-sponsored * World War II GI Bill of Rights.
INDIANAPOLIS — (AINS) — A special invitation to visit the National Head- quarters of The American Legion has been issued to vacationing Legionnaires who may be traveling through Indianapolis by National Adjutant E. A. Blackmore. The Legion's National Headquarters occupies a four-story, monumental-type lime stone building at 700 N. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis. National Adjutant Blackmore says, '^We are always proud to show our offices to visiting Legionnaires and hope that many will make it a point to do so en route to the World's Fair in New York or to the National Convention in Dallas, Texas, Sept. 18 to 2k. 201 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-19-fA
IKDIAKAPOLIS — (ALNS) — The exploding college age group in the nation's
population represents a challenge that can be solved only by immediate sound planning,
expanded facilities, increased funds and more teachers for colleges and universities.
This statement was made by Daniel J. O'Connor of New York, N. Y., Chairman of
The American Legion's National Americanism Commission, which has just prepared a
projection that indicates a national overall minimum increase of 63 per cent in the
18 to 21 age group eligible for college by 1965.
Many of us look upon the first postwar baby crop, those born in 19I+6 and enter-
ing college this fall, as the peak of college enrollment, O'Connor pointed out. He added that this group will be a record to date, but the 18 to 21 age group will grow yearly by leaps and bounds in the decade ahead.
Not all of the nation's colleges and universities, O'Connor stressed, are now prepared for this avalanche of students. They will need to be prepared for these
students if this nation is to have the talent it will need for growth and survival in the years ahead.
O'Connor said that Edward Wieland of Indianapolis, Assistant National American- ism Director, in a projection of this 18 to 21 age group population growth by states, finds that every one of the 50 states and the District of Columbia will show great increases in the decade ahead.
The expected growth for potential college students ranges from a low of 22 per cent in the District of Columbia to a high of 399 per cent in Alaska. Two other states are above the 100 per cent mark in projected growth; Arizona can expect 136 per cent and Nevada, 105 per cent. Michigan, New Jersey and New Mexico will show in* creases above 90 per cent.
Besides distribution to Legion departments and posts, the summary will be dis- tributed as part of 18,000 packets for community planning for American Education Week (Nov. 18 to 2*0. The American Legion is one of the sponsors of this annual observ- ance. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 202 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN lEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS)
LEGION HEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 6-19-61* David B. Marth of Wausau, Wis., 16-year-old winner of The American Legion*s National High School Oratorical contest, -will address the opening session of the Republican National Convention at the Cow Palace in San Francisco at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), July 13, and, to prove the non-political basis of The American Legion, is also slated to appear before the Democratic National Convention later in the summer.
ic^cr J^ Seagram Posts of The-American Legion have donated four i-yo^ord Galaxy convertibles which will be won by members of The Z^TZ ?g^°n °r the biliary at a drawing to be held at the 00 Finals on 1 ^rTrTLeve of the JkLl+6th National*** Convention. *&• 2°. *» V* **** Texas, on the
lh0, a 196h ^fi,^nJS ^ ^^ership of 8,365 recorded at National n?ft S£^S 2! J^e 12 as ^th its final 1963 membership 1S e hxrd de artffi<**&*** w'5£:it1 *2! , P ent of The American Legion to exceed last year s total membership.
*■ M «
i n cmmittees a+n-™ ^ ^ ^ representing the American Medical Associ- ation and The American Legion have held a joint meeting in Chicago.
8 1011 ***A ^S** ^ ^^ ^t ^ Commander Edward A. Hayes was memorial- ized on May 30 when Post 105 of Decatur, 111., dedicated a soft ball tield, completely built and equipped by the post, in his memory.
eg 0nnai S r0ute to the w Nat1'rm»i p :? ^ °rld»s Fair or to the Dallas 5£ wi- Convention are invited to visit National Headquarters of The American Legion when passing through Indianapolis.
bv ThJ^J^ZT*r °? 6? Per cent ^ college-age youths is predicted by The American Legion* s National Americanism Commission.
anniveSfS\t ^nT^l™ B*«P™*«nee Day and for the 20th anniversary of the WW II GI Bill of Rights are available from The ^T^gion*s National Public Relations Division, P. 0. Box xu>5, Indianapolis, Ind. U6206 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 203 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-84U National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS)
LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 6-26-64
The United States Senate has agreed to House amendments on H.R. 221, a bill to provide educational assistance to eligible children of war vet- erans having total and permanent service-connected disability.
Strongly supported by The American Legion, H.R. 9124, a bill to vital- ize the ROTC program of the Army, Navy and Air Force, has been approved by the House of Representatives.
Cadet R. A. Benson of Tucumcari, N. Mex., has been chosen to represent the United States Air Force Academy at the 1964 session of The American Legion's Boys Nation in Washington, D. C., July 17-24.
The American Legion has directed a letter to Sen. Allen J. Ellender (D-La.), chairman of a public works subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, protesting the decision of the Panama Canal Zone governor to hire Panamanian nationals as policemen in the Canal Zone.
American Legion Posts in six flood stricken Montana communities are being furnished $1,500 to aid the children of flood victim families.
Sponsored by 27 American Legion posts in the Golden State, some 50 youngsters studied forestry last summer in the southern California moun- tains under the auspices of the U.S. Forest Service.
National President Mrs. Luther D. Johnson of the American Legion Auxiliary has been named the recipient of the distinguished service award of the Chapel of Four Chaplains.
Documents of Freedom, a colorful publication containing five free- dom documents and the "Star Spangled Banner" on genuine parchment pages, is available from the Freedom Documents Foundation, Beverly Hills, Calif. f 204 NEWS from; THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-26-64
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)-—The United States Senate has agreed to House amend-
ments on H.R. 221, a bill to provide educational assistance to eligible children
of war veterans having total and permanent service-connected disability.
Although The American Legion does not have an official position regarding
this important piece of legislation, it has supported same as a matter of principle.
Children of peace-time veterans may also qualify if the parent is totally
and permanently disabled as a direct cause of military service.
It is anticipated that H.R. 221 will be signed by the President.
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Strongly supported by The American Legion, H.R. 9124
has been approved by the House of Representatives. The bill would vitalize the
ROTC program of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Principal provisions of H.R. 9124 are:
1. Future expansion of the Junior ROTC program from 254 schools to 2,000.
2. Optional 2-year senior ROTC program permitting Junior college transferees to participate without having the first two years of ROTC.
3. A scholarship assistance program for each of the departments for students nil in the four year ROTC program.
4. A $300 uniform allowance per ROTC graduate, whether commissioned as regular or reserve officer.
5. Increase monthly pay to ROTC students from $27 to $50.
6. Permits military departments to adjust ROTC activities to eliminate conflict with academic pursuits.
The bill also notes that the ROTC program can be compulsory or elective at
the option of the institution or the state concerned. 205 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-26-64
SEATTLE, Wash. (ALNS) To encourage educators and Legionnaires to work
together on programs of mutual interest, a joint committee of the National Education
Association and The American Legion has announced plans for a special breakfast dur-
ing the NEA'S annual convention here on June 29. The aim of the meeting is to
emphasize the importance of Legionnaire-schoolmaster clubs in all states.
National Commander Daniel F. Foley will bring the Legion's annual message of
greetings before the NEA convention on July 1.
WASHINGTON---(ALNS)-—Cadet R.A. Benson of Tucumcari, N. Mex., has been
chosen to represent the United States Air Force Academy at the 1964 session of The
American Legion's Boys Nation here July 17-24.
An outstanding cadet, Cadet Benson has also had a fine association with The
American Legion. He attended the New Mexico Boys State in 1959 and also represented
the Land of Enchantment state at Boys Nation that year. In 1960 he was a Boys State
counselor.
MISSOULA, Mont. (ALNS) The economics, history, and political science
departments at Montana State University are currently conducting an institute on
communism.
Directed primarily toward high school teachers and potential high school
teachers, all registrants for the three courses (history, politics and economics of
communism) will receive nine credits for the five-week session. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 206 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-26-64
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—The American Legion has directed a letter to Sen. Allen
J. Ellender (D-La.), chairman of a public works subcommittee of the Senate Committee
on Appropriations, protesting the decision of the governor of the Panama Canal Zone
to hire Panamanian nationals as policemen in the Canal Zone. The Legion has request-
ed that funds for the payment of salaries of Canal Zone policemen be restricted to United states citizens.
The subcommittee on public works has jurisdiction over the appropriation
measure which contains funds for the operation of the Canal Zone.
The American Legion thinks it inconceivable that the governor has proposed to
hire as policemen, individuals who owe their allegiance to the flag of Panama, and
who may have been members of the violent mob which recently attacked the Canal Zone,
and to entrust them with the duty and responsibility of providing police protection
due United States citizens by our government.
-
CLEVELAND—(ALNS)—Dedication of an American Legion health center at Camp Cheerful, the Society for Crippled Children's haven near Strongsville, has ended a four-year campaign by the Legion here to finance the center.
several^n^ir^311*1/1"1113^ ^^^ S°ld o*0**' ice 8how ticket8» «* conducted 2211* £ ? !aiS! aPProxlmately $13,000 to start the construction. Then they title pSJIS" US Snd S6CUred d0nat6d «'«*•!• "> add another $13,000
H0N ULU (A N ) The Amerlcan . iQftA °K Zr i ? ;;" ^on, Department of Hawaii, has reported offictannroUment i4'^1 ^ *"*- "* fifth Legi0n **»t«nt to'surpasses 1963 4.098. enrolloent ln the veterans organization. Hawaii's final total last year was
Con^nH^n^Vlr V? member8hlP work °f Legionnaires in the 50th state, National ma°n^rdJorh^eLong.FOley "" "" * *"" °f ^atulations to Department Com- 207 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) ~*m***"" FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-26-64
INDIANAPOLIS—-(ALNS)-—Final arrangements for The American Legion's July 4th
observance of "Bells of America Ringing for Freedom" program have been completed.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 25 (S.Con.Res. 25), introduced in the 88th Congress,
declared that "the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence
should be observed each year by the ringing of bells throughout the United States
on July 4." S. Con. Res. 25 also called upon civic and other community leaders to
take appropriate steps to encourage public participation in the observance.
The American Legion by action of its National Executive Committee at its fall
meeting in Indianapolis, Ind., in 1963, unanimously passed a similar resolution.
With the appointment of William J. Chisholm, Denver, Colo., as national chair-
man, National Commander Daniel F. Foley early in April of this year announced the
Legion's plans to dramatize its dedication to positive Americanism on July 4 by the
ringing of bells for freedom.
HELENA, Mont. (ALNS)---American Legion Posts in six flood stricken Montana
communities are being furnished $1,500 to aid the children of flood victim families.
A total of $500 each has been contributed by the Department of Montana, the Aux£
iliary's rehabilitation committee, and a joint child welfare coordinating committee.
Communities being aided are Choteau, Valier, Browning, Augusta, Fort Shaw and Kalispell. Great Falls Post 3 and Deer Lodge Post 10 have indicated they plan to take care of their communities without any outside help.
Legionnaires from Valier Post 36 spent 48 continuous hours of immediate search and rescue work in that area after the disastrous flood waters struck. Scores of Legion families suffered grave losses of life and property.
Department Adjutant Chet Shore has announced that anyone wishing to contribute to the department's flood relief fund should mail their check made out to The Ameri- can Legion of Montana. The department headquarters' address is: Veterans and Pioneers Memorial Building, Helena, Mont. 59601. 208 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-26-64
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif .—(ALNS)—Sponsored by 27 American Legion posts in the
Golden State, some 50 youngsters studied forestry last summer in the southern Cali-
fornia mountains under the auspices of the U.S. Forest Service. A similar group is
being organized for on-the-spot forestry and conservation study again this year.
To the participating Legionnaires of California's 18th Legion district, the
sponsorship of the boys, baodpicked from 36 different public and parochial high
schools, is a contribution to the national need for more career-guidance of high
school youths.
The American Forestry Association, impressed by the project, ran a feature
article in its publication American Forests, noting that the "success of the Junior
Forestry Conference has lent weight to a proposal that the experiment be used as a
pilot for similar youth conferences in forestry elsewhere in the country."
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (ALNS)—A captains conference memorial service was
conducted here recently at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery as a symbol of all Sons of
The American Legion boys buried in national cemeteries throughout the world. Wreaths were placed on the graves of C. Walter Drakesmith, the detachment's first commander;
Arthur Queeson, a long time member of the department's SAL committee; and Kenneth W.
Rohman, an SAL member killed in India during World War II.
WASHINGTON (ALNS) Charles E. Mattingly, a staff member of The American
Legion's National Rehabilitation Commission, has received the "Silver Beaver" award from the Boy Scouts of America. The award is the highest that the National Scout
Council may bestow upon an adult scouter upon the recommendation of his local council. 209 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-84U National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-26-64
INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—National President Mrs. Luther D. Johnson of the
American Legion Auxiliary has been named the recipient of the distinguished service
award of the Chapel of Four Chaplains, presented annually to a national leader for
outstanding service. The award to Mrs. Johnson was made recently at a ceremony at
the Chapel of Four Chaplains in Philadelphia, Pa.
In citing Mrs. Johnson who heads the patriotic organization of nearly a million
women, the chaplain in charge, Cdr. Walter H. White, paid tribute to the selfless
service which American Legion Auxiliary members have given in advancing the well
being of all Americans.
The Chapel of Four Chaplains, site of the ceremony, was established as a sanc-
tuary for brotherhood and with its three altars (Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant) honors the unity of Americana of different faiths. The chapel was built in memory of the four chaplains of three faiths who prayed together as their ship, the SS
Dorchester, sank following a torpedo attack in World War II.
MEXICO, D.P. —(ALNS) With a membership for 1964 of 1,189, the Mexico
American Legion has become the fourth department to go over its 1963 official total.
Last year Mexico had an official enrollment of 1,169. In noting the substantial in- crease in membership, National Commander Daniel F. Foley has sent a congratulatory message to Department Commander Fred W. Soto.
FOWLER, Ind.—(ALNS)—Less than a week before his 70th birthday, American
Legionnaire Thomas S. McConnell suffered a fatal heart attack at his home here.
Mr. McConnell served as commander for the Department of Indiana in 1924-25. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION ' 2l° INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6-26-64
BOSWELL, Ind. —-(ALNS) —-American Legion Post 476, located in this small com-
munity of 850 population, has already zoomed over its 1965 membership goal. Post
Commander Roy S. McCormick recently turned in 135 members for 1965, or one more than
the post's assigned goal for the year.
Shooting for a goal of 200 Legionnaires, Post 476 is conducting its current
drive as a fitting memorial to Edgar Burnett who was a long-time adjutant of the post.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif . — -(ALNS)—Documents of Freedom, a colorful publication
containing five freedom documents and the "Star Spangled Banner" on genuine parch-
ment pages, is available from the Freedom Documents Foundation here.
In recognition of the patriotic endeavors in providing these cherished docu-
ments to Americans, The American Legion at its 1963 National Convention authorized
a citation to be presented to the Freedoms Document Foundation, which is a non-
profit, non-political, non-sectarian organization.
American Legionnaires wishing to purchase the brochure which is red, white
and blue; 10 x 14 and tied with a gold cord; may do so by writing to the Freedoms
Documents Foundation, 8693 Wilishlre Boulevard, Suite 102, Beverly Hills, Calif.
The price is 76 cents each and on single orders the postage runs 14 cents, making
a total cost of 90 cents.
Posts wishing to distribute these documents to school libraries, students,
church groups, and other organizations, may secure quantity prices by writing directly to Freedom Documents Foundation.