VOLUME LXXXVII The Reveille, March 2020 NUMBER 3 SPECIAL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS EDITION 40/8 GREETINGS

CONGRATULATIONS! VOITURE 97 Auxiliary Unit 1 extends its congratulations to the 40 & 8 for its WISHES TO CONGRATULATE Centennial celebration of 100 years of THE AUXILIARY exemplary service to Veterans and their families.

A job well done. CENTENNIAL – 1919-2019 Enjoy your year and look forward to another 100 and beyond. GOD BLESS OUR VETERANS FROM YOUR LCW POST 1 COLOR GUARD Greetings And Congratulations To The Auxiliary and 40 & 8 On Celebrating 100 Years Of Service To Veterans, Active Military, And Communities. If We All Keep Doing Our Part, The Next Century Will Be More Successful Than The First.

In honoring our fathers, grandfathers, mothers and grandmothers who serve or served this great nation, the Sons of The American Legion Squadron 1 congratulate the Auxiliary and 40 & 8 for 100 years of service to our Veterans and Communities. Page 2, THE REVEILLE, March 2020 WHAT IS THE 40 & 8? March of 1920, Joseph W. Breen, a member of the newly formed American Legion and an officer of Breen-McCracken American Legi- on Post 297, met in Philadelphia with 15 other prominent Legion- naires where they originated the idea of The Forty and Eight. The organization was named La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux (The Society of For- ty Men and Eight Horses). Its mem- bers were called Voyageurs Mili- taire (military travelers) and candi- dates for membership were called Prisonniers de Guerre (Prisoners of War). The cargo capacity sign “40 Hommes/8 Chevaux” emblazoned on each French boxcar that carried American doughboys to the front, and “French horizon blue” color, Eight’s Promenade Nationale (na- partner with The American Legion became symbols of the new society. tional convention) in City, and The American Legion Auxili- The first statewide Forty and a national constitution was adopted, ary, all with common interests in Eight Promenade (meeting) was and a national headquarters was es- Child Welfare. Forty and Eight Wel- held in June 1920, following the tablished in Seattle, Washington. fare Program funds ($24,823.91) 2nd Annual Convention of the 1922 — During the Promenade were safely invested to grow to meet American Legion’s Department of Nationale in New Orleans, a Chil- future needs. A joint policy commit- Pennsylvania. dren’s Welfare project was estab- tee of members from all three organ- The new Forty and Eight organi- lished, with monies to be raised via izations was established. zation agreed to send a delegation an annual assessment of 50 cents 1926 — At Promenade Nationale to the Legion’s national convention from dues collections, to be used in Philadelphia, Forty and Eight in Cleveland, Ohio, with as much for the care of orphaned children. membership was reported to be fanfare as possible in order to intro- 1923 — The National Headquar- 32,449. A major focus of discussion duce the Forty and Eight to the na- ters of the Forty and Eight was mov- was the growth of American Legion tion and to other Legionnaires. ed to . The Forty and membership, which had previously 1921 — During the Forty and Eight was integrated as an equal been declining annually since the Le- gion’s inception. Much of the Le- 40 & 8 Charter gion’s new growth was attributed to extraordinary recruiting efforts by tims, sponsored anti-juvenile delin- donors for transport to the strug- The Forty and Eight’s Voyageurs who quency programs, and supported gling people of post war France and had brought in more than 17,000 new Legion Baseball and Scouting. Italy. members for the American Legion. 1941 — During World War II, The , composed of Voyageur William Mundt of Voiture The Forty and Eight rolled up its 49 cars, and filled with “gifts of 24, Bloomington, Illinois, was rec- sleeves. Individual Forty and Eight gratitude”; the Merci Train arrived ognized for having signed up 509 members volunteered for military in New York City on February 3, new Legion members. service, served as air raid wardens 1949, and was divided amongst the 1928 — Forty and Eight pro- and in other civil defense capacities, 48 states with the remaining car to grams expanded in concert with The aided in salvage drives, bond drives, be shared by the District of Colum- American Legion. Membership, blood drives, visited hospitals, and bia and Hawaii. Child Welfare, Junior Baseball, helped recruiting efforts for the Donations from the Merci Train Americanism and Emergency Re- Armed Services. came from over six million citizens lief became key Forty and Eight The Forty and Eight made a spe- of France and Italy in the form of programs. Annual donations contin- cial effort to ensure every service- dolls, statues, clothes, ornamental ued to the Child Welfare Fund, with man on transport ships overseas had objects, art, and furniture. $18,960 earmarked for 1928. Addi- a deck of cards. Over 60,000 decks 1955 — The Forty and Eight for- tionally, Voitures Locaux devised were initially distributed, 610,498 mally established its Nurses Train- their own charitable programs, such decks in the second year, and a mil- ing program. as Voiture 220 of Chicago sponsor- lion decks in 1943-1944. Ultimately, 1959 (1960) — The Forty and ing a youth summer camp. over 4 million decks of cards were Eight severed ties with the Ameri- During the depression years, The distributed. can Legion and became an indepen- Forty and Eight and The American The Forty and Eight also began dent organization. Legion grew steadily. Forty and issuing Nursing Scholarships. By There had been ripples of dis- Eight Voyageurs enrolled 27,000 September of 1942, over 100 nurs- content for several years. The orga- new members in the Legion during es had received education grants. nizations were fundamentally dif- 1928-1929 and were instrumental in Increasing American Legion ferent. The American Legion was helping The American Legion to membership was deemed vital to large, easy to join and non-fraternal. pass the one million members mark. organizing veterans to help the war The Forty and Eight was elite, by- 1932 — The Forty and Eight de- effort. The Forty and Eight exceed- invitation only, and racially restric- clared War on Childhood Diphthe- ed its goals by gaining 211,301 new tive. The Forty and Eight had mon- ria. Vaccination toxin was distribut- Legion members, thereby helping to etary resources many in the Legion ed via Voiture Nationale to children bring the American Legion to an deemed theirs. Conversely, The whose parents could not afford it. all-time high in membership. Forty and Eight objected to funding Physicians donated their services, 1947 — The Forty and Eight be- (Continued on Page 4) and educational campaigns were gan its long association carried out to combat the disease. with the Hanson’s Dis- THE REVEILLE From 1932 through 1936, The ease (leprosy) research Forty and Eight sought to influence hospital in Carville, Published Six Times A Year, Congress regarding veteran’s bene- , by funding Jan., March, May, July, Sept. and Nov. by The American Legion, fits. These were the “Bonus March” all publication costs for Leyden-Chiles-Wickersham Post No. 1 Depression years when WWI vet- the hospital’s patient- 5400 E. Yale, Denver, 80222 • 303-757-1919 erans and the federal government published magazine in Mile High Denver, Colorado, the Heart of the Rocky Mountain West. were at times in open conflict. The “The Star.” The Forty Subscription Rate: $1.00 per year. Forty and Eight sponsored national and Eight purchased a Periodicals Postage Paid at Denver, Colorado, USPS 463-400. radio programs, featuring well printing press and other known political figures, to bring equipment to help the POSTMASTER: Send form 3578 to: equitable treatment of war veterans patients carry on “their 5400 E. Yale Ave., Denver, Colorado 80222 to the national forefront. Realizing fight against the igno- Approved as an advertising medium by the that power came with numbers, The rance which surrounds DENVER RETAIL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION. Forty and Eight brought in 111,159 this disease.” Commander Tom Yagley, Senior Vice Commander Ken Burge, Junior Vice new American Legion members. 1949 — The Forty Commander Tony Jones, Junior Vice Commander Lenny Mares, Adjutant The efforts of The Forty and Eight and Eight welcomed Patrick Burch, Finance Officer Jeff Pitchford, Chaplain John Holland, ultimately helped convince Con- The Merci Train, also Sergeant-At-Arms Alan Jaffe,Veterans Service Officer Richard Hassell, gress to pass, over a presidential known as the French Historian Don Roche. veto, the compensation act for Gratitude Train. America’s war veterans. The Merci Train was 1938 — The Forty and Eight be- the 1949 Europe to gan sponsoring Boys State in 20 U.S. response to the states. Charitable efforts increased as 1947 Friendship Train, Voitures provided negative pressure which collected food- ventilators (iron lungs) for polio vic- stuffs from American March 2020, THE REVEILLE, Page 3 About The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1 The power of service to others not to self This is your Invitation to join the grams of The American Legion American Legion Auxiliary LCW • To foster patriotism and respon- Unit One. sible citizenship We are located at 5400 East Yale • To award scholarships and promote Avenue, Denver, CO. We meet on the quality education and literacy second Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 • To provide educational and lead- p.m. monthly September through ership opportunities that uphold June. Membership applications can the ideals of freedom and democ- be obtained at the Post building or can racy and encourage good citizen- be downloaded at www.legion-aux ship and patriotism in government .org. Fillable or printable applications • To increase our capacity to deliv- can be obtained after clicking on mem- er our Mission by providing bership at the auxiliary web site. Unit meaningful volunteer opportuni- will have memories and develop 1 dues are $30 per year which includes ties within our communities life-long friendships. Your knowl- unit, department and national dues. • To empower our membership to edge will give you the ability to Senior membership is offered to achieve personal fulfillment mentor younger members as they anyone over the age of 18 who is an through Service, Not Self learn life experiences and also as an immediate family member of an We support the legislative agen- adult member. The services provid- American Legion member or a de- da of The American Legion with ed by the American Legion Auxil- ceased veteran. Junior membership elected officials at all levels of gov- iary directly and indirectly touch is offered to anyone from birth to the ernment (local, state, national). Learn the lives of all Americans. age of 18 who is immediate family how you can get involved. If you love your country and have member of an American Legion Our Mission a patriotic heart and want to learn member or a deceased veteran. The In the spirit of Service, Not Self, more about the Auxiliary programs exact dates of eligibility are found the mission of the American Legion as well as other worthwhile chari- on the application form. Auxiliary is to support The Ameri- ties, join us in our endeavors to par- As the world’s largest women’s can Legion and to honor the sacri- ticipate and contribute to the accom- patriotic organization, the American fice of those who serve by enhanc- plishment of the aims and purpos- Legion Auxiliary sponsors volun- ing the lives of our veterans, mili- es of The American Legion. teer programs on the national and lo- tary, and their families, both at home The following are brief descrip- Auxiliary Unit 1 Charter cal levels, focusing on three major and abroad. For God and Country, tions of some of the programs Unit areas: veterans, young people and we advocate for veterans, educate One is involved in. For further infor- the community. Through your vol- our citizens, mentor youth, and pro- mation contact the unit president or unteerism in various programs and mote patriotism, good citizenship, unit member. services involving veterans and peace and security. Americanism: We work with communities, you can become a Our Values Post One to provide flag education strong leader in your community, Our statement of values is pred- and other education to promote pat- have the chance to educate children icated on the founding purposes: riotism and citizenship in the youth and advance the programs of the • Commitment to the four found- and community. American Legion Auxiliary. ing principles: Justice, Freedom, Auxiliary Emergency Fund: Our Vision Democracy, Loyalty Members helping members in time The vision of the American Le- • Service to God, our country, its of crises. This fund, administered gion Auxiliary is to support The veterans and their families through the national auxiliary organi- American Legion while becoming • Tradition of patriotism and citi- zation, is designed to assist eligible the premier service organization and zenship auxiliary members who have suffer- foundation of every community pro- • Personal integrity and family val- ed a financial crisis, require food and viding support for our veterans, our ues shelter due to weather-related emer- Unit 1 President Donna Thompson presenting National Auxiliary military, and their families by shap- • Respect for the uniqueness of gencies and natural disasters, or re- President Nicole Clapp with a check, a donation to her project to help ing a positive future in an atmos- individual members quire educational offerings due to life Veterans obtain adaptive sports equipment. phere of fellowship, patriotism, • Truthful open communication in changes such as a death of a spouse, peace and security. dealing with the public and our divorce or separation. To be eligible bers graduate to senior membership. chases poppies to distribute to the Our Purpose members the auxiliary member must have The mission of this program is to public for monetary donations to In fulfillment of our Mission, the • Adherence to the adopted policies maintained membership for two years promote volunteerism and services the poppy fund. These donations American Legion Auxiliary adheres and rules and dues must be current. Contact the that involve veterans and to teach are used for veterans rehabilitation to the following purposes: Getting Involved unit president for an application. Unit the principles of loyalty to God and and children and youth programs. • To support and advocate for vet- Volunteering alongside women One has at least one fund raising country, justice, freedom, and dem- Veterans Affairs & Rehabilita- erans, active military and their of all ages and different life experi- project for this program per year. ocracy. tion: The mission of this committee families ences, by giving of your time and Education: Unit One has a Membership: The life blood of is to initiate, sponsor, and participate • To support the initiatives and pro- heart to the auxiliary programs, you scholarship fund to provide educa- any organization is its members. in programs and services that assist tion for veterans at a local college. This committee focuses on recruit- and enhance the lives of veterans Girls State: The unit sponsors ment and retaining members to and their families; ensuring restora- delegates to attend a week at the reach established goals and to tion and/or transition to normally American Legion Auxiliary Colora- broaden public recognition of the functioning lives-physically, men- do Girls State. The purpose of this American Legion Auxiliary, its mis- tally, socially, and vocationally. week is to provide citizenship train- sion and programs. Fundraising: The unit sponsors ing to girls who have completed their National Security: This commit- Sunday breakfasts, Wednesday junior year of high school. The del- tee maintains and promotes a strong hamburger nights, Holiday fair egates are then eligible for election national defense by providing the (craft fair), and spaghetti suppers to serve as delegates to Girls Nation necessary means to strengthen our to raise money to fund our donations held each July in Washington, D.C. military families and prepare our to benefit the state veterans nursing JuniorActivities: This program citizenry for response to natural and homes and other projects such as involves members from birth to 18 man-made disasters. Past Presidents Nurses Scholarship, Unit 1 President Donna Thomp- years of age. At age 18, junior mem- Poppies: Each year, the unit pur- and the Auxiliary Emergency Fund. son giving Welcome Address for the Auxiliary 100th Anniversary Dinner (cake at right).

School supplies collected for Kenton Elementary School. Page 4, THE REVEILLE, March 2020 WHAT IS THE 40 & 8? (Continued from Page 2) Legion programs with large amounts of money without adequate recog- nition in return. The Legion pressed The Forty and Eight to change its constitution to be racially inclusive. These differences brought the two organizations to an impasse. Even- tually, the American Legion refused to allow The Forty and Eight to hold its Promenade Nationale in the same city as the American Legion Na- tional Convention. 1963 — The Nurses Training Program sponsored 2,129 nurses 40 & 8 Boxcar in . for a total of $248,047 in scholar- 2001 — The September 11, 2001, voting in the affirmative; the pre- ships. terrorist attacks on New York and requisite for American Legion La Société de Femme, a fraternal the Pentagon occurred one day be- membership was abolished. All organization of women is formed by fore The Forty and Eight Promenade honorably discharged American vet- female relatives of Forty and Eight Nationale was scheduled to begin in erans and active duty U.S. service members. This non-political, non- Hagerstown, Maryland, not far from members are eligible for member- sectarian organization was formed Camp David. Terrorists crashed a ship. for the sole purpose of supporting civilian airliner just north of town. Formal invitation by a member in the programs and principles of La Voyageurs already at Hagerstown good standing remains a require- Société des Quarante Hommes et were briefly isolated by security ment. Huit Chevaux. Cabanes (units) were forces. Many Voyageurs and spous- 2014 — The Promenade National formed in 15 states with over 1,000 es were stranded at airports, some brought change to the Constitution initial members. Visiting the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado, are, left were mid-air during the attacks, and of La Société. Wishing to more ac- 1973 (1974) — The Forty and to right, standing: Glen Stenson, Marilyn Vroman, Tom Yagley and several found it impossible to reach curately reflect the demographics Eight, by a vote of 1,280 to 467, Jim Atkins; seated: Don Oldfield. Hagerstown. The organization voted of our membership, a new preamble amended its constitution to prohib- total support for America in its war was approved: it any Voiture from restricting its 6,481 pints of blood. The Carville rial services for and to be part in and on terror. “For God and country we asso- membership based on race. Star program had 100 percent parti- to encourage others to participate in The Forty and Eight immediately ciate ourselves together for the 1977 — The Forty and Eight es- cipation and contributions exceeded the proper observance of all days began around-the-clock delivery of following purposes: To create a tablished the Outstanding Law Of- $93,000. honoring veterans, to preserve the relief goods to New York and Wash- charitable and non-profit veter- ficer of the Year award program. 1980 — The Forty and Eight be- memories of our Services in the ington, D.C. 215 tons of relief goods ans organization; to uphold and John C. Wodetzki, Chief of Police gan its partnership in the Veterans Armed Forces of our Country; to valuing $881,000 were reported defend the Constitution of the of Lincoln, Illinois, was selected as Administration Voluntary Service actively participate within our mem- delivered in the aftermath of the of America; to assist the first recipient of the award. program. By 1985, Voyageurs were bership in projects relating to (a) attacks. 11 trips by truck were made and promote the welfare and well- 1978 (1979) — The Charles W. participating in 230 medical facili- the welfare of the children of Amer- over 24 days to “ground zero” in being of those who have served or Ardery Child Welfare Trust Fund ties serving veterans. ica; (b) the health of our Nation by NYC. are now serving in the Armed granted $15,600 to the National 1991 — The Forty and Eight re- fostering a nurses training program; 2006 — Women veterans become Forces of the United States and Jewish Hospital in Denver to pur- vised its Preamble to reflect its char- and (c) selected charitable endeav- eligible to join The Forty and Eight. their widows, widowers and or- chase special medical equipment. itable, non-profit nature. — “For ors.” Like their male counterparts, wo- phans; to participate in all memo- A second grant of $10,000 was God and country we associate our- 1994 — This year marked both men too must be members of the rial services for and to be present made to Children’s Hospital of St. selves together for the following the 100th year founding of the Gillis American Legion and be invited to at the funerals of departed com- Petersburg, Florida, for Newborn purposes: To create a charitable and W. Long Hanson’s Disease Center join The Forty and Eight. rades; to take part in and encour- Intensive Care Unit equipment. non-profit veterans organization; to (leprosy research) in Carville, Loui- The debate on this issue was be- age others to participate in the $16,600 was granted to Saint Jude uphold and defend the Constitution siana, and the 50th anniversary of tween honoring the all-male past proper observance of all days Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, of the United States of America; to The Forty and Eight’s sponsorship that created the founders of this or- honoring veterans; to preserve to purchase a new spectropho- assist and promote the welfare and of the patient-published Carville ganization and honoring today’s the memories of our Service in tometer. $6,329,276 was reported well-being of those who served in “Star” Magazine. male-and-female combat veterans the Armed Forces of our Country; expended in money, materials, mile- the Armed Forces of the United The Forty and Eight established who make up America’s modern to actively participate within our age and man hours throughout The States, during all wars and conflicts, a national Youth Sports program, military. It was decided that the best membership in projects relating Forty and Eight for the Child Wel- recognized the Congress of the to encompass and expand beyond way to honor the past, is by recog- to (a) the welfare of the children fare program. United States, and their widows and the narrower scope of the existing nizing all of America’s veterans. of America; (b) the health of our Voyageurs contributed a total of orphans; to participate in all memo- Junior Olympics program. 2008 — The Promenade National Nation by fostering a nurses train- brought a major change to the Con- ing program; and (c) selected stitution of La Société. With two- charitable endeavors.” thirds of the members at the Prom- enade Nationale in Orlando, Florida, Visit LCWPost1.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 Help VOITURE 97 OF THE 40 & 8 Celebrate Their 100 Years And Annual Awards Dinner Tickets Available At The Bar • $20