0120 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 6-6-75

Fifteen Legionnaires have been named Gold Cup District Commanders in their respective categories for 1975. The Gold Cup Commander program, a membership incentive project initiated during this American Legion year, required that for eligibility a district commander must have surpassed last year's final total membership by May 1, 1975.

* * *

A 20-minute 16mm motion picture program that shows how emergency coronary treatment can up to 100,000 lives a year among heart victims may be borrowed without cost from West Glen Films, 565 Fifth Ave., New York, N.Y. 10017. Called "A Life on the Line," it is suitable for American Legion Post use and the only cost is the return postage.

* * *

Through The American Legion's participation in our nation's Bicentennial celebration, Legion Departments and Posts are authorized to purchase and display the official national Bicentennial flag. The flag may be purchased through National Emblem Sales Division, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206.

* * *

The Club has announced a special "Twins Salute" to The American Legion, when the Twins host the in a night game, Monday, August 18. It will be American Legion night at Metropolitan , home of the Twins, with an American Legion color guard presenting the colors during the National Anthem. Legionnaires attending the National Convention who would like to see the game should address ticket requests to: Tom Cronin, Twins Sales Dept., Met Stadium, Bloomington, Minn. 55420. Box seats are $4.50 and reserved $3.50.

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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—With June 14 the formal observance of Flag Day, President Gerald R. Ford has issued a proclamation designating the week of June 8-14, 1975, as Flag Week. The proclamation urges all Americans to fly the flag from their homes and places of business during the designated period, honoring the flag of our country as America approaches her 200th anniversary observance.

The Presidential proclamation, in recognition of the approaching Bicentennial observance also authorizes all government departments and agencies to fly the official Bicentennial flag on government buildings, ships of the U.S. Navy, and other places where the flag of the United States is normally flown, for the remainder of the year 1975 and for all of 1976.

-alns- 0121 QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-6-75

INDIANAPOLIS— (ALNS)— Fifteen Legionnaires have been named Gold Cup District Commanders in their respective categories for 1975, according to an announcement released by the Legion's Membership and Post Activities Committee.

The Gold Cup Commander program, a membership incentive project initiated during this American Legion year, required that for eligibility a district commander must have surpassed last year's final total membership by May 1, 1975.

Districts competed with each other in five categories, based on the membership size of the district. The top three district commanders in each of the five categories will receive a free trip to the Legion's 1975 National Convention in Minneapolis (or the cash equivalent.)

Following are the names of the district commanders, listed in their respective categories:

GOLD CUP DISTRICT COMMANDERS

Dept, District Percent Name

CATEGORY I:

Nevada 131.89 Richard L. Lakey, 8500 Catfish Ave., Silver Springs, NV 89429 Arizona 8 117.05 John W. Westfall, Box 333, Yarnell, AZ 85362 Kentucky 11 116.51 Sam G. Cowan, 817 N. Main St., Barbourville, KY 40906 CATEGORY II:

Wyoming 5 115.37 Wayne Laddusaw, Box 784, Gillette, WY 82716 West Virginia 5 110.86 Wayne Legg, 509 Florida St., Milton, WV 25541 North Carolina 11 107.71 Edmond Massad, 709 Parrish Dr., Benson, NC 27504

CATEGORY III:

New Mexico 9 114.15 John Grisham, 10513 Constitution, N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87112 Texas 16 108.76 Earl E. McGill, 1514 Haywood, Odessa, TX 79760 Nebraska 10 107.27 Pearl Smith, 9 Avalon Ln., Kingswood Plaza, Hastings, NE 68901

CATEGORY IV:

California 28 110.67 Leo J. Anderson, 1323 Riker St., Salinas, CA 93901 Illinois 20 109.19 Lyle Davis, 72 7 Lincoln Ave. Jacksonville, IL 62650 Kansas 5 105.84 John Hobble, 1667 N. Charles, Wichita, KS 67203 (MORE) 0122 Gold Cup District Commanders, page 2

CATEGORY V:

Kansas 1 108.97 Harold Mitchell, 513 Branch, Seneca, KS 66538 Minnesota 10 103.99 Michael F. Flor, Jr., 10100 Lexington Ave., N. New Brighton, MN 55112 Pennsylvania 22 103.68 Jasper Stouffer, Jr., Rt. 4, Chambersburg, PA 17201

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For release 6-6-75

NEW YORK, N.Y.—(ALNS)—A 20-minute 16mm motion picture program that shows how emergency coronary treatment can save up to 100,000 lives a year among heart victims may be borrowed without cost from West Glen Films, 565 Fifth Avenue, New York N.Y. 10017.

Called "A Life on the Line," the program is about a recent development in medical science that permits heart attack victims to receive emergency treatment at the place they suffer the attack and, if not fully stabilized, in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

The movie and accompanying materials were previewed at National Headquarters and found to be appropriate for American Legion Post use.

Six to eight weeks should be allowed from the time of ordering the film to the scheduled showing date, according to West Glen Films. The movie is not available from the film library at American Legion National Headquarters. The only cost to Posts is the return postage.

Almost 700,000 Americans die each year of heart attacks, the single greatest killer in the country. Just as shocking, over one-half of these people - 350,000 - never reach the hospital alive...some because their communities lack proper mobile emergency medical services.

As many as 100,000 of these heart attack victims could be saved every year through the use of mobile coronary care units that rapidly bring aid to the scene of the attack. No medical breakthroughs or discoveries are needed to do this; the technology exists and the methods are well known.

"A Life on the Line" is being made available through the courtesy of the ACT Foundation of Somerville, N.J. ACT is a non-profit organization supported by twelve leading pharmaceutical manufacturers. It is dedicated to helping save lives when a heart attack strikes and to the upgrading of all forms of emergency care.

-alns- MINNEAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The Minnesota Twins Baseball Club has announced a special Twins Salute" to The American Legion, when the Twins host the Baltimore Orioles in a night game, Monday, August 18. It will be American Legion night at Metropolitan Stadium, home of the Twins, with an American Legion color guard presenting the colors during the national anthem. Legionnaires attending the National Convention who would like to see the game should address ticket requests to: Tom Cronin, Twins Sales Dept., Met Stadium, Bloomington, Minn. 55420. Box seats are $4.50 and reserved $3.50. -alns- 0123 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- ■THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C, 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-6-75

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Through The American Legion's participation in our nation's Bicentennial celebration, Legion Departments and Posts are authorized to purchase and display the official national Bicentennial flag.

The flag is white in background with the national Bicentennial symbol in the center. The symbol takes the form of an American five-pointed star in white, surrounded by continuous red, white, and blue stripes which form a second star.

The Bicentennial flag may be flown anywhere that the American flag is flown under established flag protocol. When the two are flown together, the Bicentennial flag is immediately subordinate to the American flag, second in ranking in any flag display.

The Bicentennial flag is available through the National Emblem Sales Division, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206. Outdoor nylon flags are available in sizes 3' x 5' - $17.30; 4' x 6' - $22.00; and 2' x 3' - $7.10.

Other sizes are available on special request including fringed parade flags, but inquiry should be made to National Emblem Sales for a price quotation.

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MINNEAPOLIS— (ALNS)— The American Legion 1975 Convention Corporation has announced a change in the requirements needed for entry in the National Convention Golf Tournament scheduled for Monday, August 18.

It was required that all entries have in their possession an up-to-date handicap card from their home club. According to the tournament director, a great majority of Legionnaires do not possess such a card, and therefore it is not required. However, entries are requested to indicate their fair handicap when forwarding their entry application.

According to tournament officials, a large number of spaces are still available, and Department Adjutants are requested to forward additional entries as quickly as possible. Entries will be accepted on a first come first served basis, until the limit is reached. -alns-

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Noting that 355,000 veterans died during fiscal year 1974 and that 206,000 of these deaths were World War II veterans, the Veterans Administration has issued a reminder to veterans to make certain their survivors know what VA benefits they may be entitled to when death comes.

"Not only should the veteran and his wife discuss the subject of death," officials stressed, "they should make known location of important family documents, and make sure they are protected from fire, theft and damage." Also, survivors should be briefed on what to do in case of the veteran's death.

-alns- 012 EJMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS S3 P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-6-75

WASHINGTON— (ALNS)—Soleng Tom, a member of Morgan-McDermott Post #7, The American Legion, Tucson, Ariz., and former candidate for the office of National Commander has been named a member of the National Advisory Council of the United States Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs. He was appointed by Senator Vance Hartke, Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

Prior to his candidacy for National Commander, Mr. Tom served as Department Commander and as National Vice Commander. He was nominated for the new post by Senator Barry Goldwater, long-time Legionnaire of Arizona.

Hartke in making the appointment said, "The National Advisory Council will serve both as a brain trust for solutions and a sounding board for evaluating priorities and programs of the Senate Committee."

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CHICAGO—(ALNS)—Paul L. Weber, Permanent-Temporary Chairman of The American Legion College Class of 1954, has announced his organization's plans for the Annual National Convention's Reunion Breakfast meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Attendance at the breakfast is limited to graduates of the 1954 American Legion College Class, other years prior to 1954 and faculty.

The Reunion is scheduled for Monday, August 18th, with the famous Whitfield-Todd Wake-up "appetizer" at 7:00 a.m., and breakfast at 7:30 a.m., Adams Room, Hotel Leamington.

Those eligible are asked to send $5.00 to James S. Whitfield, Permanent-Temporary Vice Chairman and Treasurer, The American Legion, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206.

The organization has a "Last Four Man's Club." If you have not contributed, you may send $1.00 or more to James S. Whitfield, same address as above.

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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—The Veterans Administration has reported that a liberalizing provision of a recent law allowed it to restore GI home loan entitlement to 7,456 veterans in the first quarter of 1975.

VA officials explained that the Veterans Housing Act of 1974 (PL 93-569), relaxed restrictions on reinstating loan entitlement to previous users. Previously, loan benefits could be restored only for what the agency described as "compelling reasons." This requirement was eliminated by the new law, and VA now may restore benefits whenever the property has been disposed of and the GI loan paid in full.

-alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS G3 P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 6-13-75

Jim Bishop, internationally famed author and columnist, will receive The American Legion's Fourth Estate award during the Legion's 57th Annual National Convention to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from August 15 to 21.

* * *

Concluding a fast-paced round of visits to the Vice President, Congressional leaders and heads of the major political parties this week, National Commander James M. Wagonseller announced satisfaction with his informal visits in pursuit of The American Legion legislative goals.

* * *

The American Legion's National Economic Commission has reported a bleak job situation for Vietnam-era veterans, with some 600,000 of this group throughout the nation jobless. Unemployment statistics reveal an unemployment rate of 22.8 percent for Vietnam veterans in the 20-24 age bracket as contrasted with 14.5 percent of non-veterans in the same group.

* * A

A total of $82,209.20 has been contributed to the Legion's Freedom Bell fund as of June 11, 1975. A state by state report is included in this issue of ALNS. Those desiring to make contributions to the Freedom Bell fund may do so through their local posts or units or by writing a check payable to "The American Legion Freedom Bell" and mailing to: Treasurer, The American Legion, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Contributions are tax deductable.

* * *

Lincoln, Neb.—(ALNS)—The "shot heard 'round the world'" echoed all over the State of Nebraska on Patriots' Day marking the opening of the nation's Bicentennial year, saluting the Minutemen of Lexington who took up arms against the approaching British in the countryside near Boston, Massachusetts 200 years ago.

American Legionnaires throughout the state, in their home towns, fired volleys, shot off Civil War cannons and fireworks at 7:00 a.m. in their salute to the Minutemen. A total of 170 American Legion Posts took part in the mass celebration and reenactment.

The Indiana Department of The American Legion also participated in similar ceremonies.

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"BE COUNTED AGAIN FOR AMERICA" 0126 QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-13-75

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Jim Bishop, internationally famed author and columnist, will receive The American Legion's Fourth Estate award during the Legion's 57th Annual National Convention to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from August 15 to 21.

Announcement of Bishop's selection was made by The American Legion's National Commander, James M. Wagonseller, who will present the award on the morning of August 21, before some 6,000 Legionnaires and guests.

Bishop was selected for the prestigious award, given annually for outstanding achievement in the field of communications, by The American Legion's National Public Relations Commission. In his endorsement of the selection, National Commander Wagonseller noted that "...Jim Bishop stands without peer in his chosen field, and has set a standard of excellence in American writing worthy of emulation."

Beginning his journalistic career as a copy boy in 1929 with the New York News, Bishop later served as a reporter, rewriteman and feature writer with the New York Mirror. He became an executive editor with the old Liberty magazine, later serving as editor. He was an executive editor with Catholic Digest and a founding editor of the Catholic Digest. He is the author of many books including "A Day in the Life of President Kennedy" and "The Days of Martin Luther King, Jr." His widely read column, "Jim Bishop, Reporter" is distributed by the King Features Syndicate.

Bishop joins other journalistic luminaries as a recipient of the Fourth Estate Award including recent honorees Clare Boothe Luce and James J. Kilpatrick.

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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Promotional material covering "Honor America Day" and the American Revolution Bicentennial Medal and Stamp Commemorative is now available from the respective organizations' headquarters.

Camera-ready features and brochures announcing "Honor America Day" as a 21-day salute lasting from Flag Day to Independence Day, with suggestions for local "Honor America Day" celebrations are available upon request from the American Historic and Cultural Society, Inc., 927 National Press Building, Washington, D.C. 20045.

A repro-master, issued by the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration, announcing the availability of a bronze Bicentennial Medal honoring Paul Revere and the Minuteman, and four U.S. postage stamps commemorating the 200th anniversary of the formation of the U.S. Armed Forces is available from the American Revolution Bicentennial Adm., 2401 E St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20276.

Both programs have been endorsed by The American Legion national organization.

-alns- 012 QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- ■THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-13-75

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Concluding a fast-paced round of visits to the Vice President, Congressional leaders and heads of the major political parties this week, National Commander James M. Wagonseller announced satisfaction with his informal visits in pursuit of The American Legion legislative goals.

The series of visits included courtesy calls on Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield and Speaker of the House Carl Albert. The National Commander also called on Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John Stennis, presenting the Chairman with a book of National Security Resolutions. Postal matters affecting The American Legion were discussed with Congressman David Henderson, Chairman of the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee, and the subject of expediting legislation on the return of Veterans Day to November 11th was discussed with Congresswoman Pat Schroeder, who heads the sub-committee under Henderson, considering the legislation.

The National Commander covered a wide variety of subjects with concerned Congressmen ranging from military commissaries to internal security matters to a broad scope of veterans affairs problems. He met with Senator John Glenn; Senator Robert Taft; Senator J. Bennett Johnston; Congressman W. C. "Dan" Daniels; Congressman George Danielson; Congressman John M. Ashbrook and Congressman Clarence E. Miller at various times to discuss these matters.

In addition to the Capitol Hill calls, the National Commander visited with Mary Louise Smith, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, and Robert Strauss, Chairman, Democratic National Committee. He extended the party Chairmen an invitation for their Presidential candidates to appear before The American Legion's 1976 National Convention in Seattle, Washington.

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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—The American Legion's National Economics Commission has reported a bleak job situation for Vietnam-era veterans, with some 600,000 of this group throughout the nation jobless. Unemployment statistics reveal an unemployment rate of 22.8 percent for Vietnam veterans in the 20-24 age bracket as contrasted with 14.5 percent of non-veterans in the same group.

The Commission cites particularly the failure of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) to help veterans in their job search. Statistics from one state indicate that of 20,610 CETA jobs, 85 percent went to persons under 21 (all non-veterans); 376 were filled by handicapped persons; 317 by ex-offenders and 477 with migrant workers. Only 271 of these jobs went to veterans. CETA regulations require that public service jobs shall be held open for veterans for 48 hours, but apparently few states are complying with this requirement.

The National Economics Commission has asked all Legion Departments for assistance in getting the statistics for all states with a view toward enlisting Congressional support for a stronger veterans preference provision in the CETA program.

-alns- FREEDOM BELL FUND 0128 CONTRIBUTIONS AS OF Departaents Posts Auxiliary Individuals TOTAL JUNE 11, 1975 ALABAMA 55.00 $ 185.00 ALASKA i_ 240.00 25.00 ARIZONA 25.00 155-op 457.00 612.00 ARKANSAS no.on CALIFORNIA -lQ5*fiQ. 270.00 485.00 697.50, -_244.5.0_ 2.066.00 COLORADO 3,008.00 300-Qo ..—55*00 CONNECTICUT 376.00 731.00 inn.on 26Q.0Q. -112*00. DELAWARE 570.00 1,060.00 ann.nn 125.00 D.C. 21Q.00 146.00 FLORIDA a'io.nn 675.QO 902,00 GEORGIA 1,827.00 7Q6.Q0 390.00 1,096.00 HAWAII IDAHO - 0 1QQ.00 65.00 ILLINOIS 165.00 i,nnn.no 341.50 186.50 1.614.50 3,142.50 INDIANA ?sn on 70. QQ -15*0Q„ IOWA 653.00 1,008.00 471.00 KANSAS 811.00 552.Q0 KENTUCKY 552.00 972.00 LOUISIANA 465.00. 371.QO MAINE 687.00 mo on 149.90 174.QO 65.QQ 488.90 MARYLAND 210.00 257.00 467.00 MASSACHUSETTS 80.00 5.00 656.00 741.00 MICHIGAN 248.00 30.00 535.00 813.00 MINNESOTA 612.00 982.50 698.50 1,060.00 3,353.00 MISSISSIPPI 126.00 25.00 106.00 257.00 MISSOURI 180.00 35.00 647.00 862.00 MONTANA 25.00 72.00 97.00 NEBRASKA 25.00 351.00 376.00 NEVADA 200.00 62.50 325.00 587.50 NEW HAMPSHIRE 100.00 285.00 1.00 120.00 506.00 NEW JERSEY 1.000.00 935.00 630.00 820.00 3,385.00 NEW MEXICO 43.00 43.00 NEW YORK 5.000.00 780.00 101.00 1,780.00 7,661.00 NORTH CAROLINA 25.00 20,00 75.00 120.00 NORTH DAKOTA 165.00 165.00 OHIO 844.00 2,146.75 1,295.00 4,285.75 OKLAHOMA 156.00 156.00 OREGON 11.00 275.00 286.00 PANAMA 100.00 100.00 PENNSYLVANIA 415.00 496.00 911.00 RHODE ISLAND 125.00 5.00 130.00 SOUTH CAROLINA 500.00 130.00 15.00 255.00 900.00 SOUTH DAKOTA 125.00 105.00 230.00 TENNESSEE 1,000.00 100.00 322.00 1,422.00 TEXAS 1,000.00 3,327.00 765.00 1,425.50 6,517.50 UTAH 10.00 10.00 VERMONT 5.00 5.00 VIRGINIA 270.00 362.00 632.00 WASHINGTON 145.00 40.00 1,585.05 1,770.05 WEST VIRGINIA 10.00 10.00 365.00 385.00 WISCONSIN 576.00 55.00 650.00 1,281.00 WYOMING 501.00 141.00 642.00 AFRICAN LEGION AUXILIARY (NATIONAL) 25,000.00 25,000.00 MEXICO 10.00 312.00 322.00 PUERTO RICO 42. 66 42.00 WEST GERMANY 100.00 100.00

5 11,312.00 $15,377, TOTALS 90 $ 31,022.25 $24,497.05 $82,209.20 0129 QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-13-75

AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL FACTS

(Fifth of a series on American Legion Baseball)

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The American Legion Baseball program came into full bloom under the leadership of the late Dan Sowers, former National Director of the Legion's Americanism Commission, on February 14, 1928, when Mr. Sowers appeared before the Executive Council of Baseball at their winter meeting in Chicago and outlined what was then known as the Legion Junior Baseball program.

The Executive Council, composed of Commissioner Kenesaw M. Landis, Ernest Barnard, President of the American League and John I. Heydler, President of the National League, voted to underwrite the program, as outlined by Mr. Sowers for the sum of $50,000 and the American Legion Junior Baseball Program on a National basis was launched.

Under the program, Sowers pointed that the Legion would bring 100,000 boys into baseball competition each year, culminating in a little world's series between representatives of the East and West. The plan also called for the division of each state into sections, the several winners playing off for the state championship. The state champions would clash in region tournaments late in July. Then the regional title holders would meet to decide the two teams to compete in the finals.

"It will arouse a greater interest in the national game among thousands of boys throughout the country," said Judge Landis. "I feel that we have taken part in a great work today to establish the permanent and healthy growth of baseball."

"This is the most comprehensive and creditable thing the majors have ever done for the boys and the perpetuation of the game." said President Heydler. "It will automatically result in thousands of playgrounds being reserved throughout the nation under the supervision of a well-governed and patriotic body."

"In voting unanimous to stand behind The American Legion in its campaign to foster a greater interest in baseball and Americanism in general among the boys of the nation, I believe the major leagues have taken a step that will meet with the indorsement of the public," commented President Barnard.

With the exception of two years, the major leagues have continually supported American Legion Baseball. They presently underwrite the national program up to $75,000.

50th Anniversary of American Legion Baseball 1925-75 0130 EJMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 6-20-75

American Legion National Commander James M. Wagonseller will honor the Joint Chiefs of Staff at a reception-buffet the evening of July 1 in the nation's capital. Scene of the event will be the Fort Myer Officers Club. * * *

"Having experienced war at first hand, we know the horrible price paid by every participant nation, regardless of whether it wins or loses. One of our primary objectives is to work for peace by supporting defenses formidable enough to deter aggression and to win if forced to fight," James R. Wilson, Director of the Legion's National Security-Foreign Relations Division, told a Senate Subcommittee,

* * *

Nineteen members of the "Black Cat Club," an organization of past commanders of American Legion Post 11, Lancaster, Ohio, visited with National Commander James M. Wagonseller, also a member of the club, on Friday, June 13, at National Headquarters in Indianapolis. * * *

Minnesota Governor Wendell R. Anderson has been invited to join Minnesota dignitaries to bring greetings to the opening session of the 57th Annual National Convention of The American Legion set for Minneapolis, Minn., Aug. 15-21. * * *

Figures recently released by the Veterans Administration show the GI Bill education program for Vietnam veterans surpassing both the World War II bill and Korean War programs. * * ft

Nebraska Governor James Exon has proclaimed June 1 through Aug. 31, 1975, as American Legion Baseball Season in Nebraska, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Legion's youth program. * * *

Help The Legion Leave a Legend! Support The American Legion's Freedom Bell Fund by contributing through your local post or unit or by writing a check payable to "The American Legion Freedom Bell" and mailing to: Treasurer, The American Legion, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Contributions are tax deductible.

-alns- QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-20-75

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—American Legion National Commander James M. Wagonseller will honor the Joint Chiefs of Staff at a reception-buffet the evening of July 1st. Scene of the event will be the Fort Myer Officers Club.

National Commander Wagonseller has extended invitations to the President, the Vice President, members of the Cabinet, the Congressional leadership and members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, ranking military, government and business executives, and the Defense Press Corps.

A receiving line composed of the Chairman and the Service Chiefs, National Commander Wagonseller and Legion National Adjutant William F. Hauck will be formed at 6:30 p.m. Some 500 guests are expected to greet the honorees.

Prior to the start of the reception, the National Commander will present each of the members of the Joint Chiefs with an inscribed replica of the Freedom Bell, The American Legion's Bicentennial gift to America on behalf of its children. The Freedom Bell is similar to the Liberty Bell, but twice the size, and is now touring the nation as an exhibit aboard the American Freedom Train.

The occasion is a periodic event undertaken by The American Legion to honor the Joint Chiefs of Staff for their outstanding service to the nation.

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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—A former German orphan and newly-commissioned U.S. Navy Ensign, Andreas D. Rolle of Arizona, was presented with an engraved sword recently by Arizona Legionnaire Congressman Sam Steiger, on behalf of Crandall-Palmer American Legion Post No. 61.

Rolle, who had graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at nearby Annapolis, Maryland, earlier in the day, was presented with the sword by Congressman Steiger outside the Capitol building, in the presence of his mother, Mrs. Dorothy Rolle, who is District 11 Adjutant in the Department of Arizona and past National Commander Erie Cocke, Jr.

Both Ensign Rolle and his mother are members of Crandall-Palmer American Legion Post 61 in Avondale, Arizona.

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BISMARK, N.D. — (ALNS)— Mrs. Gayle Doherty of this city has been elected commander of Lloyd Spetz Post No. 1 of The American Legion. "As far as National Headquarters knows," Mrs. Doherty is the first female commander of a king-sized Legion post. King-size designates any post with a membership of 2,000 or more.

Mrs. Doherty said she sought the post because she feels the Legion does a fine job for veterans and "it is part of my life."

-alns- 0132 QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-20-75

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—"Having experienced war at first hand, we know the horrible price paid by every participant nation, regardless of whether it wins or loses. One of our primary objectives is to work for peace by supporting defenses formidable enough to deter aggression and to win if forced to fight."

These are words from the testimony of James R. Wilson, Director of The American Legion National Security-Foreign Relations Division, before the Subcommittee on Defense, Senate Committee on Appropriations. Wilson said that the fall of Cambodia and South Vietnam have "...had a sobering and depressing effect on the American people and on every nation in the world," and that America's will to fulfill its legal and moral commitments and her international role, ...is in serious question at home and abroad.

He told the members of the Subcommittee that The American Legion unanimously adopted a resolution entitled, "Future Military Policy of the United States," which urges "The Congress and the President to restore the United States to a position of world military superiority." He added that, "...your decisions on the FY 1976 Defense Budget will have an indelible mark on the future of the United States and its role in the world."

"The American Legion," Wilson said, "urges this Subcommittee to heed the graphic lessons of history and to recommend a military establishment of sufficient size and quality to restore the United States to a position of military pre-eminence, and thus clearly demonstrate its determination to lead rather than follow, to stand tall, ready to fulfill the demands of its position of leadership."

Wilson pointed out that, "While detente has created a false illusion in the minds of many of our leaders, the Soviet Union has proceeded to plan, construct, and deploy strategic and conventional weapon systems of ever increasing sophistication and performance."

He told the Subcommittee that The American Legion supports the budget submitted by the Administration as the minimum essential to maintain a credible defense, adding that, "...the cost of fighting a war is infinitely more costly in men, money, and material, than preventing conflict."

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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Nineteen members of the "Black Cat Club," an organization of past commanders of American Legion Post 11, Lancaster, Ohio, visited with National Commander James M. Wagonseller, also a member of the club, on Friday, June 13, at National Headquarters here.

Among the club members was Bill Hammond, the first post commander (1919-20), of Commander Wagonseller's home-town post. The "Black Cat Club" was so named because it meets on Friday the 13th.

-alns- 0133 QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION -THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-20-75

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Minnesota Governor Wendell R. Anderson has been invited to join Minnesota dignitaries to bring greetings to the opening session of the 57th Annual National Convention of The American Legion set for Minneapolis, Minn., August 15-21. While Legion commission and committee meetings and allied convention activity will have been in progress in Minneapolis for several days previously, Governor Anderson is scheduled to speak to the assembled delegates at about 9:15 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 19 in the Minneapolis Auditorium and Convention Hall.

The Honorable Albert J. Hofstede, Mayor of Minneapolis, and the Honorable Lawrence D. Cohen, Mayor of St. Paul, will follow Governor Anderson to the podium to welcome the visiting Legionnaires and their guests.

This will mark the fourth time The American Legion has conducted its National Convention in the Twin Cities area, the very first annual Legion National Convention having been conducted there in November of 1919.

Also welcoming the 1975 Legion National Convention will be Norman J. Arveson, of Brainerd, Minn., who by that time will be the immediate past Commander of The American Legion of Minnesota, during whose term of office most of the groundwork for the 1975 National Convention of the world's largest veterans organization was completed. Donald R. Schroedl, of South Minneapolis, President of the 1975 American Legion Convention Corporation, and Minnesota's Alternate American Legion National Executive Committeeman, also is scheduled to welcome the delegates to Minneapolis.

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WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Figures recently released by the Veterans Administration show the GI Bill education program for Vietnam veterans surpassing both the World War II bill and Korean War programs. A total of 5.7 million men and women have received some form of training under the Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act of 1966. This represents 53 percent of the total veteran population during this nine-year period. In contrast, only 51 percent of eligible veterans participated in the World War II program during its 12 year existence, and the Korean War GI Bill remained in effect 12% years with a 43 percent participation rate. The current GI Bill went into effect June 1, 1966, and provided eligibility for both post-Korean veterans and those with service during the Vietnam Era. Of the 7.5 million Vietnam Era veterans eligible for training under the GI Bill, 4.4 million - or 59 percent, had been enrolled as the program concluded its ninth year.

-alns- 0134 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- -THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-20-75

AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL FACTS

(Sixth of a series on American Legion Baseball)

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Millions of Americans were able to listen in on the 1929 Junior World Series of American Legion Baseball when the Series was carried "live" for the first time on a nationwide hook-up of radio stations.

Through the courtesy of the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), the Junior World Series play-by-play action was broadcast from Parkway Field, Louisville, Ky., by Graham McNamee, at that time one of the world's foremost sports announcers. South Buffalo, N.Y., Post 721 defeated Crescent City Post 125 of New Orleans, La., in the 1929 Series.

Nationwide attention was also focused on Legion Baseball that same year when the late President Hoover tossed out the first ball at the opening game of the Eastern Sectional Finals, held in Washington, D.C.

The following year, 1930, all the Legion World Series games were again aired over the NBC network. Bill Munday, popular sports announcer of that era gave the play-by-play description of the games from Russwood Park, in Memphis, Tennessee. A team sponsored by Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Post No. 81, Baltimore, Md., won the Legion Championship that year. ****************************************** * * * Plan to attend the 1975 World Series of American Legion Baseball on Aug. 28 * * through Sept. 1, at Sioux Park Stadium in Rapid City, S.D., and watch future * * stars in action. * * ******************************************

50th Anniversary of American Legion Baseball 1925-1975

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA—(ALNS)—Nebraska Governor James Exon has proclaimed June 1 through August 31, 1975, as American Legion Baseball Season in Nebraska, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Legion's youth program.

In signing the proclamation, Governor Exon reflected on his years as an American Legion baseball player and said the program was "one of his favorites." He cited the many hours spent by volunteer adults in insuring a wholesome form of recreation and entertainment for young people in Nebraska.

-alns- 0135 0MERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 0 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 6-27-75

Wilbur Wood, , was presented The American Legion Baseball Graduate of the Year Award for 1974 by James M. Wagonseller, National Commander of The American Legion, during pre-game ceremonies at White Sox Park, Chicago, 111., on Sun., June 22. Wood, who played Legion Baseball with the Watertown Post 99 team of Watertown, Mass., is the third White Sox player to win the Legion award, following Eddie Fisher in 1965 and Sherman Lollar in 1958..

* * *

Harry W. Colmery, of Topeka, Kan., a past National Commander of The American Legion (1936-37), will become the first American Legionnaire to receive the organization's Distinguished Service Award primarily for his work on behalf of veterans, within The American Legion, since the medal was first presented in 1921.

* * *

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Richard L. Roudebush, Administrator of Veterans Affairs, will bring greetings to a joint opening session of The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary National Conventions at about 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 19, in the Minneapolis Auditorium and Convention Hall.

A former Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a long-time American Legionnaire, Roudebush will bring greetings from this government agency so vital to the total program of veterans benefits.

Mrs. Maurice (lone) Kubby, of El Paso, Tex., National President of the nearly one-million member American Legion Auxiliary, will bring the greetings of her organization to the delegates at the same session.

A message of greetings also is expected from David L. Shillinglaw, of Chicago, President of the Society of American Legion Founders, the organization to which the 1975 American Legion National Convention is being dedicated, with surviving members of the Society of Founders being special guests of the National Commander for several convention functions.

Others scheduled to bring greetings at the Convention are representatives of veterans groups from allied nations during various periods of warfare. They include: Gordon Thomson, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Dominion President of Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada; the Honorable T.Y. Chao, Chairman, Vocational Assistance Commission for Retired Servicemen, Republic of China, and Vice Admiral Lee, Maeng Kee, Retired, President of the Korean Veterans Association, Republic of Korea.

-alns- EJMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- -THE AMERICAN LEGION C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-27-75

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Wilbur Wood, Chicago White Sox pitcher, was presented The American Legion Baseball Graduate of the Year Award for 1974 by James M. Wagonseller, National Commander of The American Legion, during pre-game ceremonies at White Sox Park, Chicago, 111., on Sun., June 22.

The annual award honors the graduate of The American Legion's youth citizenship training program who best exemplifies the principles and ideals of American Legion Baseball.

Wood was recognized for "his general conduct on and off the field, his cooperation with others, his community service, his contribution to the sport and to youth and his playing ability."

The first White Sox pitcher in 74 years to win 20 or more games in a season four consecutive years, Wood tied the American League record for having started the most games for three consecutive seasons. In 1974 he led the Sox in complete games (22), (320.1) and (169). In his 16 years of , Wood has played eight years in a White Sox uniform. Besides the Chisox, he has also played for the and .

Wood, who played Legion Baseball with the Watertown Post 99 team of Watertown, Mass., is the third White Sox player to win the Legion award, following Eddie Fisher in 1965 and Sherman Lollar in 1958.

Other previous recipients of the award are: Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Bobby Richardson, Warren Spahn, Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Carl Yastrzemski, Mickey Lolich, Harmon Killebrew, Dave McNally, Steve Carlton, Albert Kaline and Johnny Bench.

Following the award ceremony, the Chisox took both games of the doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins—the first game 6-5, and the second 9-2. Wood was the starting pitcher for the Sox in the first game. A total of 33 former Legion Baseball players were on the rosters of both teams during the doubleheader.

Members of the White Sox team who played American Legion Baseball as a stepping stone to the major leagues are: Lloyd Allen, Buddy Bradford, Robert Coluccio, Buddy Dent, Brian Downing, Bill Gogolewski, Dave Hamilton, Ken Henderson, Deron Johnson, Jim Kaat, Pat Kelly, Nyls Nyman, Danny Osborn, Claude Osteen and Wilbur Wood.

The following Minnesota Twins players formerly played American Legion Baseball: Glenn Borgmann, Bert Blyleven, Steve Braun, John Briggs, Steve Brye, Tom Burgmeier, Bill Butler, Ray Corbin, Joe Decker, Dave Goltz, Larry Hisle, Jim Hughes, Tom Kelly, Phil Roof, Eric Soderholm, Terry Terrell, Danny Thompson and Danny Walton.

-alns- 0137 QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION- THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-27-75

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—Harry W. Colmery, of Topeka, Kan., a past National Commander of The American Legion (1936-37), will become the First American Legionnaire to receive the organization's Distinguished Service Award primarily for his work on behalf of veterans, within The American Legion, since the medal was first presented in 1921.

A World War I Army Air Corps officer, he has long been recognized as one of Kansas' ablest attorneys, having taken his undergraduate work at Oberlin College in Ohio and his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh, the latter while serving as an instructor at Carnegie Institute of Technology.

Colmery is being honored by The American Legion principally for his work as one of the "architects" of the original G.I. Bill of Rights, "One of The American Legion's greatest single legislative achievements and the pattern for subsequent benefit programs for veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars," states the resolution passed by the Legion's National Executive Committee by which he was selected for the honor.

The resolution also noted that Colmery recently was honored by the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., as a part of its "history in the making" program when it named in his honor the suite where he personally spent five months in the writing and rewriting of the original G.I. Bill. He still is active in Legion work nationally, serving as President of The American Legion Endowment Fund Corporation.

The Legion's Distinguished Service Medal, the highest honor the organization can bestow, is awarded this year in keeping with the principles, purposes and traditions of the award which say it will be bestowed upon an American who has served the United States of America as soldier and civilian, with dignity, honor and courage.

Through the years the award has gone to statesmen, soldiers, scientists, sports heroes, journalists, and outstanding individuals in virtually every field of human endeavor.

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INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—The 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment is holding its Reunion in Alliance, Nebraska, on July 18, 19, & 20, 1975. Alliance, Nebraska is the location where the 507th trained in 1943.

Former members of the 507th are invited to contact W. D. Stockard, 1120 Edgefield Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201 or Merrill A. Longacre, 1316 Toluca Street, Alliance, Nebraska 69301.

-alns- 013 QMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION —THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS P. O. Box 1055 1608 K St., N. W. Indianapolis. Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-27-75

INDIANAPOLIS—(ALNS)—National Commander James M. Wagonseller recently announced the creation of a Special Committee to advise The American Legion on the education crisis confronting the United States today and to strengthen The American Legion's policy and position relative to the education scene. This Committee, known as the Special Committee on Education, will have as its Chairman, Dr. Jack W. Mears (CA), a long-time member and co-chairman of The American Legion/National Education Association Joint Committee. Commander Wagonseller also appointed the following Legionnaires to serve with Dr. Mears: Ronald C. Murphy, Jr., Arizona; F. Douglas Johnson, Maryland; Norman J. Arveson, Minnesota; Richard A. King, Missouri; William E. Galbraith, Nebraska; Dr. D. H. Reed, New Mexico; Charles R. Green, Ohio; Daniel J. O'Connor, New York, Chrmn., Natl. Americanism Comm. and Earl D. Franklin, Colorado, Chrmn., Natl. Children & Youth Comm.

The American Legion Auxiliary has been extended an invitation to offer input into the Committee with the names of their participants to be announced at a later date.

Commander Wagonseller said the recommendation for the formation of a National Americanism Commission at the Minneapolis National Convention, 1919, stated The American Legion would exert its effort toward the planning, establishment and conduct of a continuous, constructive educational system designed to accomplish total citizenship goals and that, in fact, quality education is the first requisite of good citizenship.

The Commander then reviewed American Legion involvement in education and reflected upon the organization's participation in the creation of the educational GI Bill; initiating American Education Week; the fight against iliteracy; the development of schools to teach reading, writing and promotion of physical fitness; the printing of guidelines for teaching about Communism as well as the numerous American Legion youth activities designed to promote the principles of Americanism through education.

Commander Wagonseller then stated the changing education scene is cause for concern to The American Legion and has advised this new Committee to study the current and numerous educational problems, redefine The American Legion's policy and position and recommend guidelines that will create Legion membership involvement in promoting the highest quality education throughout each community in the United States. He said the thrust will be to establish an ongoing and functional operation within The American Legion to assure input and influence educational decisions and directions on a continuing basis.

Commander Wagonseller announced this Committee will meet during the forthcoming National Convention in Minneapolis with subsequent meetings taking place prior to the 1975 Fall meeting of the National Executive Committee and the 1976 Spring meeting of the National Executive Committee with a final report being presented to the National Commander prior to the 1976 National Convention in Seattle, Washington.

-alns- 01J9 EJMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION—THE AMERICAN LEGION

C. D. DeLoach, Chairman James C. Watkins, Director

HEADQUARTERS C3 P. O. Box 1055 1608 KSt., N. W. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 Washington, D. C. 20006 (317) 635-8411 (202) 393-4811

For release 6-27-75

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—The American Legion believes that the designation of land from the Manassas Battlefield to be used as an adjunct to Arlington National Cemetery, would be "satisfactory and appropriate."

In a statement before the House Subcommittee on National Cemeteries, Committee on Veterans Affairs, Robert E. Lyngh, Deputy Director of the Legion's National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, told the Subcommittee that the continuing restrictions on burial at Arlington is "unjustified and indefensible." He noted that the restrictions were established in early 1967, and that it restricts burials at Arlington to active duty personnel, retired members of the Regular Establishment, Congressional Medal of Honor winners and present or former high officers of the Federal Government who are also veterans. He further noted that the Legion protested the restriction order at the time it was issued and that the Organization has continued to protest it since that time.

As proof of this assertion, Lyngh added: "Historically, Arlington National Cemetery has been a burial ground for veterans - for all veterans who desire burial there, regardless of their place of residence at time of death. For many years this honor and privilege was accorded to all veterans who requested it. As a result of that long-standing policy, Arlington contains the remains of veterans of all of America's wars, dating from the Civil War. Now, as a result of the discriminatory order, entitlement to burial at Arlington depends upon time of service. If one serves currently, he may be buried at Arlington. If he served in an earlier war, one now receded into history, he may not be buried there. Consider, for example, the instance of a veteran who was wounded and decorated at Chateau Thierry, and who now dies. Is his service of less value to the nation that that of the young man who answered the call to serve in Vietnam? It is certain that in 1918 no price was put on his service. Yet the one may be buried at Arlington, and the other may not. We say this is the most obvious form of discrimination."

Lyngh said that the Legion accepted the fact that unrestricted burials would result in an earlier closing of Arlington, at which time it would be designated a National Shrine, in perpetuity. "In our judgement, it is the way the utilization of Arlington should be managed," Lyngh added.

He said that a partial solution to the Arlington problem, is the Manassas National Battlefield Park, now under the management of the Department of the Interior, and that subject to engineering studies that have yet to be made, The American Legion believes that the designation of land from the Manassas Battlefield to be used as an adjunct to Arlington National Cemetery, would be satisfactory and appropriate. Lyngh noted that the management of the National Cemetery System "has vastly improved" since its transfer to the jurisdiction and management of the Veterans Administration and that the Legion had supported the change.

Lyngh also emphasized in his statement that The American Legion is encouraging its state organizations to work with state governments, looking to the development of state veterans' cemeteries. -alns-