355 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington. D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/V57

LEGION NEWS IN A NUT SHELL

Twenty-eight graduates of American Legion junior , divided equally be- tween both teams, were included on the playing rosters of the and the Milwaukee Braves in the 1957 .

The American Legion "Junior Baseball Player of the Year," Fred Fox, third base- man on the national championship team of Bentley Post 50, Cincinnati, has earned an athletic scholarship to help meet his expenses at the University of Cincinnati.

"Let's give the people all the facts of arms reduction and find out if they really want a cut in overall military strength, "urges The American Legion's "Air Review."

A thousand copies of "Saved by the Bell," l6-page, full-color presentation of The American Legion story in popular comic book format, will be delivered anywhere in the U. S. for $22.

The week of October 7 to 13, 1957, marked The American Legion's 10th annual participation in "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week."

Mrs. Verna Grimm, who built The American Legion's national library and archives Into one of the nation's principal repositories of wartime documents and veteran in- formation, retired as head librarian Sept. 30, after 3^ years with the National Headquarters in Indianapolis.

A new distinctive emblem is now available for issue to certified American Legion blood donors.

Life membership card No. 1 in The American Legion Press Association has been issued to long-time association Secretary-Treasurer Jack R. C. Cann.

The American Legion is best expressed in the community service work of its many posts, and the rehabilitation of disabled war veterans is an important aspect of community service, the Legion's National Executive Committee has asserted. 356 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W.. Washington, D. C. :EA8Ebne MEIrose 5-841 I Phone Executive iwW57

NEW YORK, N. Y. (ALNS) The top spectacle of organized baseball received several major assists from its American Legion junior prototype as play began at the opening of the in Yankee Stadium on Oct. 2.

Before a capacity crowd of 70,000 and a TV-radio audience of more than 60 million, Fred Fox of Cincinnati, Ohio picked as The American Legion junior baseball player of the year," started the whole show by throwing out the first ball to

Yankee , . With Fox were the members of The American Legion cham- pion baseball team of 1957, sponsored by Bentley Post 50 of Cincinnati.

They were guests of The American Legion at the first two world series tilts.

In addition to the junior baseball stars in the stands, the diamond was studded with graduates of Legion baseball.

Fourteen players on the Yankee roster and an equal number of Milwaukee Braves took the first step up the ladder of diamond fame via The American Legion junior circuit.

They are, for the Yankees, , Yogi Berra, , Alva Circotte,

Gerald Coleman, , , Darrell Johnson, , ,

Gil McDougald, Bob Richardson, and .

Ex-Legion ball hustlers with the Braves were , , Del

Crandall, Ernest Johnson, , Vernal Jones, John Logan, Ed Mathews, Andy

Pafko, William Phillips, , Melvin Roach, and .

Bentley Post's championship team won the right to wear the 1957 American Legion junior baseball crown at the Legion's national finals in Billings, Montana, early in September. The team was flown to New York by Trans World Airlines on Oct. 1.

ATLANTIC CITY, N. J.---(ALNS)---Jack R.C C^nn, spark plug and long-time secretary-treasurer of The American Legion Press Association, was the recipient of ALPA's gold life-membership card No. 1, at the annual meeting of the Legion editors in Atlantic City during the 39th National Convention. 357 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W.. Washington, D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR RELEASE ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 1, 1957 10/U/57 CINCINNATI, Ohio---(ALNS)---Frederick Fox, of Robert E.

Bently Post 50's championship American Legion Junior Baseball team here for 1957, is being called the "Cinderella boy of baseball" by his rollovers in the Queen City.

Instead of a fairy god mother, the pint-sized (5 feet 8, 155 pounds) slug- ger owes his rise to the pinnacle of American Legion Junior Baseball to personal determination plus a lot of help from his team mates and from Bentley Joe Hawk and Athletic Officer Pete Outcalt.

Fred couldn't make the Legion team in 1956 and spent most of the spring warming the bench of his Western Hills High School club. But with the realization that 1957 was to be his last year of junior baseball and that third sack was open, he told his father early last summer that he "was going to put everything I have into the game and see if I can't make something out of it."

The rest is a matter of record. His booming .Ul2 batting average in regional, sectional and final tourneys sparked the Bentley team to the 1957 American

Legion junior baseball championship and won for him the Hillerich and Bradsby Batting

Trophy. Then, at the national playoff in Billings, Montana, early in September,

Fred was named The American Legion Junior Baseball player of the year. His name will be inscribed among the all-time greats of the junior game at Baseball's Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, N. Y. But, his small size and his lack of an impressive high school athletic record still plagued him even after these honors. Colleges which he contacted seem- ed to be fresh out of athletic scholarships, at least they were until Hawk and Outcalt began putting out feelers. At the University of Cincinnati, Glen Sample, freshman football coach who had played Legion ball on Bentley's 19^7 junior championship team, helped Hawk bring Fox's plight to the attention of the head baseball coach, Ed Jucker. As a result, Fred is enrolled as a freshman at UC and, after paying for his first quarter, will receive a scholarship and a campus job to help meet expenses. Pete Outcalt says that Fred's selection as "the most valuable player" only echoes what his own team mates think of him, and his Cincinnati fans are expecting the "Cinderella boy" to write new chapters of baseball history when he takes to the UC diamond next spring. 358 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St.. N. W.. Washington. D. C. ft $£2? > Phone MEIrose 5-8411 Phone Executive 3-4814 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/4/57 WASHINGTON, D. C. (ALNS) Referring to recent additional cuts in the nation's military and civil service manpower ordered by outgoing Defense Secretary Wilson, the October issue of The American Legion's "Air Review" asks, "Do the American people truly want reductions in our overall military strength?"

"The time has come for The American people to be told the full significance of the reductions," the Legion publication states, "and American Legion Posts can help to make the facts known. When the people are given all the facts, we can see whether further cuts are 'what people seem to want.'"

WASHINGTON, D. C.---(ALNS)---Following recommendations made by The American

Legion, the Departments of Defense and Labor have jointly initiated a program of job protection for reservists and national guardsmen who leave their jobs to participate in active duty training. Congress recently enacted legislation to insure job pro- tection in these cases.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (ALNS) Mrs. Verna Grimm, known to thousands of visitors to The American Legion National Headquarters, retired Sept. 30 after 3h years of service with The American Legion as librarian.

Mrs. Grimm joined the National Headquarters staff in May 1923, coming to Indianapolis from Centralia, Wash. Under her supervision, the Legion's library and archives grew into one of the nation's principal repositories of veteran in- formation and wartime documents.

The Legion's collection of World War I and II posters is probably the most complete in the country. Bound volumes of unit histories, post and department publications, and now out-of-print books on military and veteran affairs have turned the Legion library into a veritable treasure house for research workers.

Mrs. Grimm is now making her home in Hammond, Ind. Thomas V. Hull, who has been Mrs. Grimm's assistant, has been named librarian, effective October 1. Hull is a member of Hochstedler Post 318 of The American Legion, at Westfield, Ind., his home community. He came to The American Legion headquarters after seven years experience in the Indianapolis Public Library. He received an M-A. degree in library science from the University of Kentucky this year. AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-8411 Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/U/57

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (ALNS) A new and distinctive American Legion blood donor emblem is now available for issue to qualified Legionnaires upon certification of eligibility by Legion posts .

Now available from National Emblem Sales, The American Legion, P.O. Box 1055,

Indianapolis 6, Ind., the pin was authorized by the 38th National Convention. The basic emblem authorized for one-pint donors incorporates the Legion's bronze seal on the familiar red blood droplet of the American Red Cross.

For donors of one to five gallons a silver pin has been provided, while donors of five or more gallons are entitled to a gold pin. All three types are 90 cents each. To be eligible for one of the Legion's blood donor awards, a Legionnaire must be certified by his post as a bona fide donor to a recognized blood bank. Ad- ditional information, including the required certification forms, may be obtained from National Security Division, The American Legion, 1608 K St. N.W., Washington,DC.

"SAVED BY THE BELL'. Don't forget to order your supply of The American Legion's new cartoon book publication - "Saved by the Bell'" It is a natural for use during AL Weeks, Oct. 20 to Nov. 11, and for Veterans Day observances. Here's an order form which will bring you whatever quantity of the comic books you can use:

TO: National Emblem Sales, The American Legion P. 0. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Indiana Please send me copies of "SAVED BY THE BELLI" ♦Enclosed is payment in full, including 10$ for shipping, of $

Name Address Post Name & Number ♦Cost: 1 to k$ copies, 10(2 each; 50 to 99 copies, % each; 100 to 999 copies, 34 each; 1,000 or more copies, 2$ each - plus 10$ of total cost for shipping and handling. Example: total cost delivered to you of 1,000 copies - $22.00. 360 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

* VETERANS DAY SPEECH AVAILABLE * * A suggested address for the use of American Legion speakers on Veterans* * Day, Nov. 11, 1957', is available upon request, from National Public Relations # * Division, The American Legion, P. 0. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. * *******************************************

************************ * < X * ****************************************************** * CORRECT ELIGIBILITY DATES FOR AMERICAN LEGION MEMBERSHIP * * - Mail is still reaching National Headquarters calling attention to a * * typographical in the printed American Legion News Service No. 283 (the * * "Clip Sheet"). The mistake occurred in a box listing dates of military service* * which qualify veterans for eligibility to membership in The American Legion. * * For the record, veterans who have had honorable military service during any one* * of the three following periods are eligible to join the Legion: * * World War I - April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918 * * World War II - December 7, 19U1, to September 2, 19^5 * * Korean Conflict - June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953 ' * ********************************************w************w FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/V57

ATLANTIC CITY, N. J.—-(ALNS)---Wilson T. Swea, Firestone Tire and Rubber

Company executive of Charlotte, N. C, was elected national commander of the World

Wars Tank Corps Association at the groups annual reunion held in conjunction with

the 39th National Convention of The American Legion.

ATLANTIC CITY, N. J.---(ALNS)---Sedley Peck, national executive committee-

man of the Department of France, was named chairman of the organization of Foreign

and Outlying Departments and Posts of The American Legion (FODP0L) at the group's

annual breakfast in Atlantic City during the 39th National Convention. John B.

Finucane, executive committeeman of Canada, is secretary-treasurer for 1957-58.

WASHINGTON, D. C.---(ALNS)---The National Employment Committee of The

American Legion has announced plans for awarding citations to employers who have

done an outstanding job of hiring physically handicapped veterans during the 10th annual observance of "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week" October 7 to

13- AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington. D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/V57

ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. — A dramatic picture of rehabilitation in terms of community services was approved by the National Executive Committee and the 39th National Convention of The American Legion in Atlantic City.

The outline was submitted to the NEC and the 3>H8 delegates by Robert McCurdy of Pasadena, Cal., chairman of the National Rehabilitation Commission.

The NEC directed that widest possible publicity within The American Legion be given to this newsworthy declaration.

Newsy Statement

Entitled "Rehabilitation in Community Service," the statement follows:

"The American Legion is expressed in the post community service program'.

"An important part of community service lies in..care of the disabled war veteran who is your neighbor down the street.

"An American Legion Post should never cease to work for the disabled war veteran, whether his disability is physical, Rental or economic

Death Forecasts

"Official estimates tell us that in the year ending June 30, 1958, there will be 94,000 deaths among World War I veterans, 64,000 deaths among World War II veterans and 8,000 deaths among Korean War veterans.

"Many of these mortality cases will have been residents within the juris- diction of American Legion Posts. From these deaths there will stem an estimated 127,000 claims. There is an obligation to see that the surviving dependents have the expert guidance of American Legion service officers in perfecting claims for veteran benefits. Retirement Brackets

"Official estimates also say that 1,0^7,000 World War I veterans will be in the age group of 65 and up by June 30, 1958. There will also be 22,000 World War II veterans in the same age brackets on that date.

"This means 20^,000 war veterans will be reaching the arbitrary retirement- age during this fiscal year. (More; 362 A dramatic picture of rehabilitation, etc. - Page 2

"Each American Legion post commander has an obligation to see what his post can do in assisting war veterans in this age group eligible for Part III pensions, for private retirement plans and for Social Security retirement benefits.

Training Benefits

"Official estimates all indicate there will be an average of 552,000 Korean War veterans living as trainees under Public Law 550 during this fiscal year. It is the responsibility of each post commander to see that every eligible K-veteran is advised of the advantages of training under Public Law 550.

"The workload of the post commander also includes responsibility for see- ing that no eligible war orphan neglects the training that is available under Public Law 63U. There will be an average monthly load of 7,000 orphans over the nation during the year ending June 30, 1958.

Disability Claims

"The settlement of claims for disability benefits under existing government programs is an important function of American Legion service officers. Some 18,200 war veterans will be seeking settlement of disability claims under National Service Life Insurance and another 2,200 veterans will have disability claims under United States Government Life Insurance during this fiscal year. Each post commander has an obligation to see that such claimants have an opportunity to use the expert assistance of American Legion service officers in perfecting such claims.

Hospitalization

"About 500,000 war veterans will be seeking VA medical and hospital care during this fiscal year. In addition to their need for medical care, these veterans have family problems to be met while they are under medical treatment. Each post commander has the responsibility of seeing that the eligible members in his community get the benefit of all the assistance the rehabilitation and child welfare programs can provide.

"There will also be some 203,000 new claims for disability compensation and disability pensions. Filing a claim is the first step in securing assistance for the disabled war veteran. The post commander has an obligation to see that eligible veterans in his community have assistance of American Legion service officers in the consideration of such claims. Summary "The department service officers and the claims workers are available to exert their greatest efforts in behalf of these seven different groups in The American Legion and the general war veteran population. "It is the original responsibility of the post and the post commander to see that no deserving war veteran, no deserving dependent of a war veteran, fails to secure veteran benefits by reason of neglect in any community where there is an American Legion Post'. "This policy statement of the estimated workload for veteran benefits and The American Legion Post responsibility in relation thereto is approved by the Nation- al Executive Committee and by the 39th national convention in Atlantic City, N. J., September 15 to 19, 1957•" 363 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington. D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE REIZASE 10/11/57

LEGION NEWS IN A NUT SHELL

The American legion will climax its celebration of "AL Weeks/' Oct. 20 to Nov. 11 with home town observances of Veterans Day in practically all of its 17,000 posts.

The National Executive Committee of The American Legion will hold its annual fall meeting at National Headquarters in Indianapolis Nov. 20 to 22, with other key national Legion meetings scheduled from Nov. 15 to 19.

The National Child Welfare Commission of The American legion will hold five area conferences throughout the nation between Oct. 31, 1957; and Jan. 25, 1958-

Twenty-three musical numbers have been recorded on one 12-inch platter by the national championship drum and bugle corps of the Skokie (ill-) American legion Post 320.

Legionnaires high in the ranks of business and government have been named to man a new public service commission appointed to advise the District of Columbia De- partment of The American Legion.

American Education Week, to be observed this year from Nov. 10 to l6, has be- come a nation-wide institution under the quadruple sponsorship of The American Legion, the National Education Association, the Congress of Parents and Teachers, and the U.S. Office of Education.

Special Certificates of Most Distinguished Service will be awarded to all posts of The American Legion which enroll an advance 1958 membership equal to or greater than their 1957 membership by Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 1957-

For the current year, Indiana boasts a next-to-the-top national officer in The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Forty and Eight, and the Eight and Forty.

Following intercession by The American Legion's National Security Division, the Department of the Navy has announced that honorable discharge certificates will be awarded eligible officers who previously received only certificates of satisfac- tory service upon separation, but will issue the new certificates upon request only. 364 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St.. N. W., Washington. D. C. M\NS Phone MEIrose 5-8411 Phone EXecutive 3-4814 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/11/57

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—(ALNS)—As The American Legion's more than 17,000 posts

completed plans for the gala celebration of "AL Weeks," Oct. 20 to Nov. 11, National

Commander John S. Gleason, Jr., expressed the hope that a record number would qualify

for his Special Certificate of Most Distinguished Service.

The certificates will go to every post which by Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 1957 has

enrolled an advance membership for 1958 equaling or surpassing its 1957 membership.

A special mat for co-operative "AL Week" ads, distributed by the National Member'

ship and Post Activities Section, has received an unusually high rate ©f acceptance.

The mat, offered in both three and five-column size, carries a pictorial message of

flag education suitable for use at any time during the year. Because of the timeli-

ness of the appeal, many posts have found local merchants eager to sponsor the ad on

a co-op basis.

Many alert post commanders have also seized on the new American Legion cartoon-

book "Saved by the Bell" as an ideal promotional weapon for their Veterans Day ob-

servance. The full-color, l6-page booklet, which was carried as an insert in the

October issue of "The American Legion Magazine" is available to posts at $22.00 per

1,000. Mass printing was rushed so that shipments could be made beginning Oct. 1*4- in

ample time for Nov. 11 celebrations.

Further push was given to the early enrollment drive by this statement from

National Commander Gleason: "One of the greatest tasks facing The American Legion is to keep alive with all patriotic Americans the value and traditions that make up the root stock of our free Republic. With this in mind, we should invite all eligible veterans of the World Wars and the Korean War to join with us in our American Legion membership march for 1958." So convinced is the National Commander of the importance of the early campaign that he has announced plans to send a personal letter of commendation to all posts reaching or surpassing 100 percent of their 1957 membership for 1958 by Veterans Day. 365 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W.. Washington, D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/11/57

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.--(ALNS)--The National Child Welfare Division of The American Legion has announced plans for holding area conferences in five key cities throughout the United States. Area A (New England) Jan. 10-11, 1958 Portland, Me. Eastland Hotel Area B (Middle Atlantic)Jan. 2U-25, 1958 West Point,N. Y. Thayer Hotel Area C (Southern) Dec. 5-7, 1957 St.Petersburg, Fla. Soreno Hotel Area D (Mid Western) Nov. 8-9, 1957 St. Louis, Mo. Chase Hotel Area E (Western) Oct.31-Nov. 2, 1957 San Diego, Cal., U.S. Grant Hotel

WASHINGTON, D.C,—(ALNS)---The Department of the Navy has advised The American Legion National Security Division that honorable discharge certificates will be issued to Naval officers discharged prior to Feb. 1, 19^8, provided the character of separa- tion warrants. Discharge certificates will be issued upon the request of affected officers. The Legion's 39th National Convention in Atlantic City, N. J., directed the National Security Division to intervene with the Navy to obtain this action. Honorably discharged Navy officers who were not issued discharge certificates but did receive certificates of satisfactory service may forward their requests to Chief of Naval Personnel (RERS-B131), Navy Department, Washington 25, D. C, together with adequate identifying information.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — (ALNS)—A new department publication was launched in Octo- ber with the first edition of "The Nation's Capital Legionnaire", official publication of the Department of District of Columbia, American Legion.

WASHINGTON, D.C —-(ALNS)—Enthusiastic support for The American Legion's re- cently announced blood donor program is shown in many letters received by the National Security Division. Department officials, responding to the initial distribution of a colorful program booklet, advise that the new and distinctive blood donor emblems and certificates authorized to recognize Legion donors will revitalize the much-needed program. 366 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6. Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington. D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/ll/57

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.---(ALNS)---Dates for the annual fall meetings which will

bring several hundred key Legionnaires to American Legion headquarters in Indiana-

polis have been announced by National Adjutant E. A. Blackmore.

Conference of Department Commanders and Adjutants - Nov. 17, 18 and 19

National Commission and Committee meetings - Nov. l8 and 19

National Executive Committee - Nov. 20, 21 and 22

Dates were set by the National Executive Committee at its meeting in Atlantic

City immediately following the 39th National Convention there. Official notification

to those authorized to attend any of the scheduled meetings will be mailed from

National Headquarters.

Also scheduled is a national conference of department chairmen of Boys States

on Nov. 15 and 16 under the sponsorship of the National Americanism Commission.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—(ALNS)—The Hoosier state, which some years ago called

itself the home of vice presidents, may be on the way to regaining that title. For

the current year, Indiana has provided a next-to-the-top national officer in The i American Legion and its three affiliated organizations - Isadore E. Levine of

La Porte, Ind., national vice commander of the Legion; Mrs. Robert H. Hoey of New

Haven, national vice president of the American Legion Auxiliary; Wick Barber of

Anderson, sous chef de chemin de fer (vice commander) of the Forty and Eight; and

Mrs. Ann Manford, also of Anderson, demi chapeau national (vice president) of the Eight and Forty.

* CORRECTION * * The American Legion News Service of 9/15/57 erred in reporting the third * * place winner of The American Legion senior band competition at the National Con- * * vention in Atlantic City. The band taking third honors was the Woodbury American* * Legion Band, sponsored by Wm. Stokes Bonsai Post 133, Woodbury, N. J. The ALNS * * incorrectly stated that the Post was located in Sewell, N. J., which is the home * * of the band's business , Lindley V. Carpenter. Our apologies to Post 133 •* *-X^*-X^^Xfc-*^X-VX-**-X-**X~X^^ AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE JJ67 National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W.. Washington, D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/ll/57

SKOKIE, 111.-—(ALNS)—The spine-tingling music of the Skokie Indians, which has helped earned threee consecutive American Legion senior drum and bugle corps national championships, has been caught by Epic Records in a 12-inch, 33 1/3 rpm platter.

The discs' two sides include 23 numbers, ranging from standard marches sucn as

"The Stars and Stripes Forever" to pop classics like "St. Louis Blues." The versatil- ity of the precision-schooled corps Is shown in their versions of "Onward Christian

Soldiers," "I Love You Truly," "Nobody's Sweetheart," and "Semper Fidelis," all on the same recording.

The platter may be ordered from Ed Mueller, Skokie Indians, American Legion

Post 320, Skokie, 111., for $3.98- Local record dealers can also supply under Wo.

LN 33M.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (ALNS) A 1958 wall calendar showing all post meetings, parties, district meetings, and other special events has been issued by Corp. John

Loudenslager Post 366 of The American Legion here.

FLUSHING, L. I., N. Y.— (ALNS)---A three-month celebration of the Tercentenary of the signing of the Flushing Remonstrance which marked the birth of religious freedom in the United States was launched here Oct. 9 with a gala parade sponsored by Wm. A. Leonard Post ^22 of The American Legion. More than a dozen bands and 2500 marchers passed in review before federal, state and local officials, high ranking military officers, and consular representatives of the British, Canadian and Dutch governments.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas-—(ALNS)---Herman G. Nami, past commander of the Texas De- partment of The American Legion, died suddenly en Sept. 28. He was currently serving on the National Aeronautics Committee. Burial was October 1, from the St- Sophia Grftek Orthodox Church, San Antonio. 368 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W.. Washington, D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/ll/57

WASHINGTON, D. C, (ALNS)---A new commission on public affairs, including prominent members of The American Legion, has been appointed by District of Columbia

Department Commander CD. DeLoach to present the Legion's programs and objectives to citizens of the greater metropolitan capital area.

Among those appointed are four past national commanders: George N. Craig, of

Craig, Sumners and O'Hara law firm, former governor of Indiana, Paul H. Griffith, executive vice president of Buchart, Inc.; Louis Johnson, former secretary of defense now of Steptoe & Johnson law firm; and Lynn U. Stambaugh, first vice president and vice chairman of the board, Export-Import Bank.

Department Commander DeLoach said the new commission would be an advisory body of experienced Legionnaires willing to give time and effort to acquaint the public with the humanitarian purposes of the Legion's programs and its desire to render public service.

"We are deeply interested in obtaining the public's support for the various welfare programs of the Legion," DeLoach declared. "Only through proper understand- ing of the humanitarian purposes of Legion programs can the individual and the com- munity benefit. We are indeed fortunate in having obtained the services of these individuals who will serve on the new commission."

Other Legionnaires appointed to the commission on public affairs for the District of Columbia Department are: Ceasar L. Aiello, Claude L. Dawson, Dr. W. Palmer Dearing, Philip F. Dodson, William F, Hauck, Herbert J. Jacobi, who will serve as vice chairman of the commission, J- Monroe Johnson, Watson B. Miller, Gustave Mirman, Dr. Winfred Overholser, Rear Adm. Harold E. Parker, Rear Adm. LaMont Pugh, Brig. Gen. Louis H. Renfrow, H. C. John Russell, who will serve as commission chair- man, Charles I. Schottland, Arthur Clarendon Smith, Jr., John Lewis Smith, Dr. A. J. Suraci, Miss Marion C Swubodo, Garland E. Taylor, the last two named also to serve as vice chairmen.

CINCINNATI, Ohio (ALNS) The American Legion national champion junior base- ball team of Robert E. Bentley Post 50 returned to Cincinnati October 3 after spend- ing three memorable days in New York City. In addition to attending the first two World Series games, the junior champs were taken on a whirlwind sight-seeing tour of the city and met many of the stars of the Braves and Yankees. When the junior player of the year, Fred Fox, was posing with Red Schoendist, Brave ls , one of the photographers asked Red to show Fred his batting stance. Red's answer was, "Heck, no. Fred batted Al2. I want him to shew me how to hit'." AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE 'Ssja&S?" National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington. D. C. 0 Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814 ■^"ti^P

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/11/57

DETROIT, Mich. (ALNS)—One of the sidelights of The American Legion Pilgrim- age for Peace which departed for Europe immediately following the 39th National

Convention in Atlantic City, N. J., was the repayment of a debt to Le Havre, France, which Legionnaires of Detroit incurred a quarter of a century ago.

In the early 1930's a group of French veterans of World War I toured the

United States. When the group reached Detroit, they were met at the railroad station by members of the Forty and Eight, the Legion's fun and honor society, with

Voiture 102's replica of a French locomotive.

Scorning more conventional transportation, the French veterans - most of them from the Le Havre area - clambered aboard the locomotive, and with whistle tooting and bells ringing, rode to The American Legion club in the heart of downtown Detroit.

Detroit Legionnaires played host to the French vets, their hospitality includ- ing a trip from the then prohibition-ruled U. S. to Canada. On the evening before their departure, the French group asked how they could show their appreciation for the hospitality, and one of the Detroit voyageurs facetiously replied, "Just send us one of those French box cars.1' To the surprise and delight of the Detroiters, the Le Havre veterans did just that. The French box car, christened La Madelon, mounted on rubber instead of iron wheels, has paraded at almost every American Legion National Convention since then, including Atlantic City in 1957- In 1935 Edsel Ford, then head of the Ford Motor Company, had 1,000 medallions of La Madelon struck off and presented them to Detroit's Forty and Eight Box car crew. In the years since, all but three of these.medallions have been distributed. Crew Chief Charley David had carefully preserved three, and one of them went on the Pilgrimage for Peace in the possession of Arthur J. Kurtz, a member of Detroit Forty and Eight Voiture 102. Kurtz, who had been on the Legion's threee previous pilgrimages to Europe, was charged with the responsibility of presenting thy medallion and a letter from the Detroit Forty and Eight to the Mayor of Le Havre. 370 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington, D. C. ALNS Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/11/57

Suggested Editorial AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK

Annual observance of American Education Week "will take place throughout the Nation, November 10 to l6. Through the classrooms of our schools everywhere there will be a parade of parents and others interested in the accomplishments of our Public Educational System. Comparatively few may be aware that American Education Week originated with The American Legion in what may be referred to as its cradle days. The founders of The American Legion were wise and farsighted men. They appreciated the value of an edu- cation. Some soldiers in World War I could not write and had to mark crosses on the Company payrolls. The founders of The American Legion knew that the preservation of our cherished American Freedoms and Rights depended upon an alert citizenry and that this alertness was in direct ratio to the schooling and education of the citizen. Free people must be able to think for themselves and be articulate. At the same tine, the early postwar depression brought the schools of America many serious problems. Lack of funds became so acute in many areas that classrooms were shut down and teachers were not paid. Many American Legion Posts led community campaigns to raise money to keep their local schools going. The leadership of The American Legion felt the need for a dramatic focusing of public attention upon the needs, problems and accomplishments of American schools. So back in 1921 they initiated the idea of a week set aside once a year for getting all the people acquainted with their schools. The American Legion found a ready co-sponsor for its project in The National Education Association. For many years, The American Legion and the NEA sponsored observance of the Week together. Later they were joined by The Congress of Parents and Teachers and the U. S. Office of Education. Under this quadruple sponsorship, American Education Week has become a great institution featured by community programs throughout the Nation. We salute The American Legion on originating American Education Week as one of its massive accomplishments for God and Country) AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington. D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/18/57

LEGION NEWS IN A NUT SHELL

An editorial in the "Chicago Daily News" hails National Commander John S. Gleason, Jr., of The American Legion, as a war hero who has demonstrated in civilian life both business ability and talent for leadership.

"Saved by the Bell," the l6-page story of The Anerican Legion in cartoon form, has won plaudits from the nation's public relations experts.

The beep-beep of Sputnik I, whizzing about the earth, has been a call to action on two major Anerican Legion goals - stepped up aeronautic research and development, and full educational opportunities for all youth.

Participation of Anerican Legion Departnents and Posts in the year-long centen- nial observance of the birth of Theodore Roosevelt, Oct. 27, 1951, to Oct. 27, 1958, has been urged by the Legion's National Executive Conuittee.

Posts of The Anerican Legion which enroll by Decenber 31, 1957, an advance nem- bership for 1958 greater than their total 1957 nenbership will be awarded an Honor Ribbon for the staff of the post banner.

Presentation of the flag-training novie, "Stars and Stripes on Display," to local school systens provides an excellent opportunity for posts to further a basic Anericanisn progran and at the sane tine win the good will of school officials.

The Skokie Indians, national championship drum and bugle corps of Skokie (111.) Post 320 of The Anerican Legion, provided the half-tine entertainnent for a national- ly televised pro football game on Oct. 13•

An exhibit, featuring an exact scale model of The Anerican Legion National Head- quarters, has been installed in the Indianapolis Union Station.

Massillon (Ohio) Post 221 of The Anerican Legion will convert its post home into an annex to the City Hospital in the event of emergency and has a stand-by staff of professional and volunteer workers designated to nan it. AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington. D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-8411 Phone EXecutive 3-4814 10/18/57

(The following editorial appeared in the Sept. 23, 1957, issue of the "Chicago Dally News.) LEGION'S GLEASON

"Our congratulations to the 2,800,000-member American Legion for choosing an ener- getic and popular Chicagoan, John S. Gleason, Jr., as its new national commander.

"His Chicago friends have been supporting hin for the post since 19*16, when he returnee1 with a distinguished record and wartime decorations as a hero after five years in New Guinea, the Marshall Islands, Guadalcanal and the Philippines.

"We are happy to see their persistence reworded. For Chicago it neons the first Legion connandership since 1933- For the state the first since 19U5, when John Stelle was chosen. "A U2-year-old vice-president of the First National Bank, Gleason has demonstrat- ed his business abilities and his talent for leadership in other fields. He is president of Chicago Helicopter Airways and headed the group that recently organized the new Chicago Airlines Terminal, Inc. "A Democrat, Gleason was named to the Illinois Veterans Commission by Governor Stevenson in 19^9- "An obvious clue to his popularity is the wide-ranging interests of Gleason's nature. Active since World War II in veteran affairs, he also has served as presi- dent of the Irish Fellowship Club and as general chairman of the 19^9 Girl Scout campaign in Chicago. "We offer him our best wishes for his term in his new high office."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEW YORK, N. Y.-(ALNS)—"Saved by the Bell," the new l6-page presentation of

The American Legion story in cartoon form, was favorably mentioned in a page-2

article in the Oct. Ik issue of "Public Relations News," the only weekly public

relations periodical for business executives.

Describing vividly the purpose and contents of the book, the compact, informative news item tells how the Legion's national organization has informed posts and de- portments of the book, its price and the public relations job it can do. By em- phasizing the role of the more than 17,000 American Legion posts in this unique project, the article lets the nation's top public relations experts know the Legion's strength in this field. AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10-18-57

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.-—(ALNS)---The launching of Russia's earth satellite Sput- nik I has given fresh impetus to parallel programs being pushed by two major commis- sions of The American Legion. For months the National Security Commission has been carrying on an intensive educational campaign to drive home the importance of scientific research and develop- ment, particularly in the whole field of aeronautics. At the same time,the Legion's Child Welfare Commission has been stepping up its scholarship activities.

A new weapon in the battle of science and technology was forged by the Legion's 39th National Convention in Atlantic City when it asked Congress to set aside

$100,000,000 from the proceeds of enemy property seized during World War II to pro- vide scholarships and fellowships for children of veterans.

Latest reports from the U. S. Office of Education show that for the first time i n nearly 50 years American youngsters are showing an increased i.nterest in technical subjects. Small but significant percentage increases were noted between I 195^ and 1956 in the number of high school students taking courses in chemistry, | physics, biology, and higher mathematics.

Also found encouraging by Legion observers were reports that percentge of high schools offering courses in chemistry, physics and advanced math had climbed a few

points. "The fact that more students are taking high school courses xjhich will prepare them for college work is a first step in meeting the nation's critical shortage of

trained personnel in many fields," Randel Shake, American Legion child welfare direc- tor said. "The next step is to make sure that all qualified youngsters have an op- portunity for higher education. "The action of the National Convention in approving and endorsing the Veterans' Children Scholarship Bill provides the spring board to meet at least a part of that problem," Shake said. He pointed out that more than half of the nation's children

are of veteran parentage. 374 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St.. N. W., Washington. D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/18/57

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—(ALNS)—With the beginning of the year-long Theodore

Roosevelt Centennial observance on Oct. 27, 1951, C A. Tesch, national Americanism

Director of The Anerican Legion, has called attention to a resolution adopted by the

Legion's National Executive Committee in May 1957-

The resolution urges "all departments and posts of The Anerican Legion to plan appropriate programs and ceremonies to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Theodore Roosevelt in 1958."

The Theodore Roosevelt Centennial Commission, created by an act of Congress, has designated "Responsible Citizenship" as the thene of the observance. Vice President

Richard M. Nixon is chairman of the connission and Sen. Joseph C O'Mahoney

(D-Wyo.) is vice chairman.

According to an announcement by Hermann Hagedorn of New York City, commission director, the Centennial year "will summon the resources of the past to help men face the challenge of the present."

Theodore Roosevelt was born Oct. 27, 1858, in a brownstone house at 28 East 20th

Street, New York City. The same house now serves as the headquarters of the

Theodore Roosevelt Association, which is cooperating closely with the government- created commission on all centennial plans. Aims of the Centennial are "not to hold a series of birthday parties or glorify the man, but rather to establish in the American heart a tradition that may change the course of history," according to the commission. The five-fold aims of the Centennial, said Hagedorn, will bring into sharp focus the "Rough Rider's" philosophy as it affects family life and the home, youth and adventure, citizens' participation in government, defense, and the moral and spirit- ual foundations of a free society. The elder Roosevelt's son, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., was a moving spirit in the founding of The American Legion. He served as temporary chairman of the St. Louis (Mo.) Caucus, May 8 to 10, 1919, and was voted the title of Past National Commander by the 31st National Convention in Philadelphia, Penn., in 19^9- 375 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington. D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10-18-57

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (ALNS) An Honor Ribbon will be awarded to all American Legion Posts which by Dec. 31 > 1957 > have enrolled an advance membership for 1958 equal to or greater than their entire 1957 membership. The ribbon, in The American Legion traditional colors of gold and blue, is flown from the top of the staff of the post's banner. The Gen. John J. Pershing honor award is won by the department with the greatest percentage of its posts' earn- ing Honor Ribbons.

CHICAGO, 111.—(ALNS)—Naval Post 373 of The American Legion presented a print of the all-color movie "Stars and Stripes on Display" to Dr. Don C. Rogers, as- sociate superintendent of the Chicago Board of Education, for use in the schools of this city. The presentation was made by Clarence E. Harper, a member of Post 372. Harper is currently serving on the National Trophies, Awards and Ceremonials Committee of

The American Legion. The film, produced by Indiana University with the assistance of the Legion's National Americanism Division, illustrates proper methods of displaying and showing . respect to the flag. It has been hailed as a classic in its field. The l6-mm, 1^-minute, sound movie may be purchased in color at $150 per print or in black and white at $75, from Audio-Visual Center, Indiana University, Blooming- ton, Indiana. Hope has been expressed that many other posts will follow the lead set in Chicago.

AACHEN, Germany—(ALNS)-—An American Legion grave marker honors the final resting place of Francis J. Van Lohn in a civilian cemetery in Aachen, Germany. When Van Lohn, a member of Eddison Post k^l, Los Angeles, Calif., died and was buried in Germany, his post made arrangements through an American Legion Post in Germany to have the marker placed on his grave. Had Van Lohn been buried in Los Angeles, cemetery rules there would not have permitted the placing of the marker. But the world-wide cooperation of American Leg- ion Posts made it possible for his home post to extend this final respect to one of its departed members. AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W.. Washington. D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/lS/57 MASSILLON, Ohio—-(ALNS)—If a sickness or disaster emergency strikes this

city, the home of Massillon Post 221 of The American Legion will become a hospital

with its own special staff of key personnel from the Massillon City Hospital, local

physicians and 175 Red Cross volunteers.

Arrangements worked out between the post, Red Cross and city officials provide

that in case of emergency the post home would become an annex to City Hospital and

persons carrying hospitalization insurance would be covered while being cared for

there.

WASHINGTON, D. C— (ALNS)---The Jane A. Delano Post 6 of the District of Colum-

bia American Legion has announced a new service available to all nurses1 posts. When

a member of any such post is to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery, the B.C.

nurses' post will, on request, have one of its members attend the services.

Arrangements may be made through the commander of Jane A. Delano Post, Mrs.

Ware W. White, U928 Battery Lane, Bethesda, Md.

SMITHPIELD, R. I. —(ALNS) —Rep. John E. Fogarty was the principal speaker at

the dedication of the new $25,000 home of Balfour-Cole Post 6U of The American Legion

here Sept. 28. The Rhode Island Congressman lauded the Rhode Island Legion's blood

bonk program, its Legion Town camp for boys, and its junior baseball program.

CHICAGO, 111.—(ALNS)—The nation's millions of pro-football fans saw a top-

flight performance by The American Legion's three-times national champion drum and

bugle corps, the Skokie Indians of Skokie (ill.) Post 320, Sunday, Oct. 13- The

colorful corps provided the half-time entertainment during the nationally-televised

gome between the Chicago Bears and the San Francisco Forty-Niners. AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/l8/5T

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.---(ALNS) Visitors to Indianapolis will see in the Union

Station here a scale model, accurate to the last detail, of The American Legion Na- tional Headquarters and portions of the adjoining World War Memorial plaza.

The nodel is a part of an exhibit formally opened by Anerican Legion National

Adjutant E. A. Blacknore on Oct. 16. It is the newest of the nany exhibits sponsored by Indianapolis* business and organizations in the city's railroad station.

The modern-type show cases housing the exhibits were provided by the Indianapolis

Chamber of Commerce. A representative of the chanber is on hand at all tines to answer the questions of travelers.

The new American Legion display, which features colored photographs of major

Legion programs in addition to the model of the national headquarters building at

700 North Pennsylvania, is expected to be a permanent addition to the imposing array of exhibits depicting Indianapolis community and industrial life which greet visitors to the Hoosier capital.

WASHINGTON, D. C---(ALNS)---A basic fact sheet setting forth a major definition of The American Legion's rehabilitation program has been distributed to members of

the National Rehabilitation Commission and key service officers throughout the

country. The fundamentals of the present work of The American Legion in aiding disabled veterans was formulated at the 3rd annual convention in Kansas City, Mo., in 1921. The fact sheet shows that throughout the total plan of operation runs the basic con-

cept of service There is no provision for instituting separate rehabilitation projects in programs, Rather, emphasis is placed upon representation of and service to veterans in con- nection with benefits provided by the federal government. While the National Rehabilitation Commission has no administrative or directive authority over department, district or post service officers, it strives to maintain through its staff, area committees and national commission, a closely-knit working arrangement with all service officers and accredited representatives to the VA. AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/18/57

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.—(ALNS) "Filned entirely without Array cooperation" is the way

Columbia Pictures describes its zaney, new GI conedy release, "Operation Madball."

Filned entirely off limits, the movie is certain to raise the question - "Did the nurses really prefer enlisted men?" The film producers visualize many an argument over the answer to this question when veterans get together at American Legion meet- ings or similar gatherings.

Ernie Kovacs, the cigar-smoking TV comedian, makes his screen debut in "Operation

Madball." As the captain he is determined to stymie the plans of Jack Lemmon, Mickey

Rooney, Dick York and other Army characters for throwing a big, out-of-bounds dance for the nurses in a military hospital in post-war France.

Army regulations, of course, forbid the fraternization of officers - in this case, nurses - and enlisted men, and before the Mad Ball is over, the GIs are involved in a whole series of fantastic events with German prisoners of war, French civilians, their own C. 0., as well as a bevy of nurses, headed by lovely Kathryn Grant.

RENO, Nev.---(ALNS)---Raymond I. Smith, owner and proprietor of the famous

Harold's Club, Inc., of Reno received the 1957 award for the employment of the physically handicapped from the Nevada American Legion. The award was presented by Department Commander Victor F. Whittlesea as a part of the Nevada observance of

"Employ the Physically Handicapped" Week, Oct. 7 to 13.

DELAWARE, Ohio---(ALNS)-—Dudley A. White, past department commander of the Ohio

American Legion (1929-30), died of a heart attack Oct. l4 at Delaware, Ohio, while enroute to Columbus for treatment of a nerve ailment. He was publisher of daily newspapers at Norwalk and Sandusky, Ohio, and had served one term in Congress. 379 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10-25-57

LEGION NEWS IN A NUT SHELL

National Commander John S. Gleason, Jr., of The American Legion has made a public appeal for "a massive demonstration of national unity" on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Impressive Veterans Day ceremonies in Birmingham, Ala., will be headed by John S. Gleason, Jr., national commander of The American Legion.

You can be a "Gleason Gunner" - with a miniature howitzer on your cap to prove it - by enrolling before December 31, 1957, 12 members in your American Legion post for 1958.

October 25 was homecoming day for the newly-elected president of the American Legion Auxiliary, Mrs. J. Pat Kelly, in Atlanta, Ga.

A 10 percent, cost-of-living boost in compensation rates for two million veter- ans with service-connected disabilities went into effect with VA checks mailed at the end of October.

Mayors of many cities are giving a boost to American Legion plans for the ob- servance of Veterans Day through the issuance of proclamations calling on American citizens to reaffirm their loyalty in the face of new Communist challenges.

"Display of the American flag on state and national holidays - and on holidays so proclaimed by the President of the United States - will familiarize young people with proper flag etiquette, aid them in becoming good citizens," according to the "Post Script" of Glendale, (Calif.) Post 127 of The American Legion.

The 29th annual National Telegraphic Roll Call, when department commanders pledge the advance membership to be turned in by Dec. 31, will be held at American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis at 1:45 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19, during the annual conference of Department Commanders and Adjutants.

Alex D. MacKinnon is the new Department Adjutant of the Vermont American Legion. 380 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington. D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-8411 Phone EXecutive 3-4814 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/25/57

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.---(ALNS)-—Neutral and friendly nations throughout the world are frightened by reports of dissension among the American people and this makes them more vulnerable to Communist propaganda blackmail with which Soviet Russia is now exploiting its scientific break-through.

With this summary of his impression while on a Crusade for Freedom trip in

Europe, National Commander John S. Gleason, Jr., of The American Legion, in his first public statement following his return home, called for an American "patriotic break- through" on November 11 by making Veterans Day the occasion for a massive demonstra- tion of national unity. Join Ranks

"I feel it is now urgent to remind the whole world - friends, neutrals and enemies alike - that while Americans may differ on domestic issues, they always have and always will join ranks and stand together to meet a common danger," he said.

"In an every-day average home, Mr. and Mrs. Jones may have their scraps but let an

interloper attack either and they will present a family team in defense. That's

traditionally American*." Commander Gleason emphasized that the free world at this time "does need the moral uplift of a convincing evidence of this traditional solidarity of the American people in every new emergency that confronts human freedom and our national survival."

Unity on Vet Day

"As a united nation we can give both leadership and courage to all men who

desire to be free," he asserted. Declaring that The American Legion can well serve as the patriotic organiza*

tion to give impetus to such a new national unity demonstration, Commander Gleason

said he had sent telegrams to all department commanders urging them to stimulate by

every means at their command "everybody's getting in on the unity act by taking part

in some way in observing Veterans Day'." ^^ 381

Neutral and friendly nations throughout the world, etc. Page 2

Sacred Anniversary

"Veterans Day is an ideal occasion for such an exhibition of American Unity/' he pointed out. "It is an anniversary sacred to the memory of the valor and

sacrifice for freedom of every generation of Americans."

Commander Gleason said he was aware that many communities would have Veterans

Day parades. He urged all good citizens to march if they can, or at least to turn

out to see others march. He urged all Americans to fly the American Flag. He sug-

gested that schools and churches have special programs. He urged the ringing of

bells and blowing of whistles and a universal pause for a one-minute prayer for

peace by every American. (NOTE TO EDITORS: The above story was released to the public press on Oct. 23, 1957)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — (ALNS)— The 29th annual National Telegraphic Roll Call

will be held at American Legion Headquarters here at 1:1+5 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19,

during the conference of department commanders and adjutants.

The commander of each of the Legion's 58 departments will pledge the number

of advance memberships for 1958 which his department will turn in by Dec 31, 1957-

The 10 departments which pledge the highest percentage of their quota will make up

the Legion's Big Ten for the coming year, provided they meet their pledges by the

Dec. 31 deadline. The annual Telegraphic Roll Call has become a dramatic high light of the

commanders1 and adjutants' conference and is regular featured by spirited challenges,

and counter-challenges between competing departments. «» m *•

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—(ALNS)---Continuing a policy of regionalized observances of Veterans Day by the National American Legion, National Commander John S. Gleason,. Jr., will head impressive ceremonies in Birmingham, Ala., on Nov. 10 and 11. Plans which have been made by the Birmingham National Veterans Day Committee under the direction of Raymond Weeks of this city, include a massive community parade with • participation by all veteran groups, a National Veterans Award Dinner on the eye^ of the mammoth celebration, a reception for National Commander Gleason and Auxiliary National President Mrs. J. Pat Kelly at City Hall, and an American Legion dance. AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington. D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-8411 Phone EXecutive 3-4814 -^H^j*-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10-25-57

INDIAHAPOLIS, Did.—(AIMS)—You will soon be seeing at post and district meetings American Legionnaires proudly wearing a new cap ornament - a miniature cannon or howitzer identifying them as "Gleason's Gunners". The new, distinctive award has been authorized by National Commander John S. Gleason, Jr., as his personal way of thanking the front-line membership workers of The American Legion. "As I travel about the country I want to be able to pick out the Legionnaires who are doing a real membership job," Commander Gleason says. "If they'll wear the new membership award, I can spot them in any crowd." The 1958 enrollment campaign previously announced by National Headquarters

provided an award of a membership card in the 1958 "Here's Howitzer Club" for all

Legionnaires credited with 12 memberships, either renewals or new, for the coming

year. However, Commander Gleason decided that a card, which would go into the bill- fold, wasn't enough and authorized the issuance of the miniature cannons or howitzers to all Legionnaires who qualify for the "Here's Howitzer Club" by enrolling 12 members.

Those who win one of the new awards will be known as "Gleason's Gunners". They

will be the American Legionnaires who put the explosive push into the drive to equal

or surpass last year's record advance membership of 2,009,0^4 which was set on Dec.31, 1956. The dues increase which went into effect on Dec. 1, 1956, acted as an auto-

matic early membership getter last year.

ALBANY, N.Y.-(ALNS)—Edward N. Scheiberling, past national commander of The American Legion, was awarded the Silver Antelope of the Boy Scouts at a dinner in Syracuse Oct. 12. Scheiberling, an Albany attorney, has been active in the Scout movement for many years and received the Silver Beaver award in 19k6.

0B m «•

MONTPELIER, Vt—(ALNS)—Alex D. MacKinnon, World War I Marine Corps veteran has been appointed department adjutant of the Vermont American Legion to ^ ™* vacancy caused by the resignation of Emilio S. Iglesias. A ^^ivil service em- ployee in the Social Security Administration, MacKinnon has been active in Legion worK in the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania and Vermont since 1920. AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington. D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-8411 Phone EXecutive 3-4814

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/25/57

ATLANTA, Ga.---(ALNS)---Friday, Oct. 25, was "Mildred Kelly Day" as Atlanta

(Ga.) Post 1 of The American Legion honored the newly-elected National President of

the American Legion Auxiliary with a homecoming dinner.

Mrs. Kelly returned from a brief Crusade for Freedom trip to Europe on

Oct. 23 in time to arrive in Atlanta for her homecoming. National Commander John S.

Gleason, Jr., of The American Legion, and other national officials were on hand to welcome her home.

WRANGALL, Alaska—-(ALBS) —-The local Jail was home for a 79-year old,

honorably discharged veteran "just because he didn't have any place else to go." At

least, it was until his plight was discovered by American Legion National Field

Representative Joseph H. Chillington and officials of the Department of Alaska during

a tour of the vast territory. A hurry-up call to the VA office in Juneau soon had

the aged veteran on his way to the VA domiciliary at Camp White (Medford), Oregon.

IiroiANAPOLIS, Ind.---(ALNS)---A heart-warming story of service to shut-ins

has come to The American Legion's National Motion Picture Section from Cincinnati.

There Louis H. Nicholson, a member of the B. & 0. Post of The American Legion,

provides free movies for homes for the aged, convalescent homes, institutions for

handicapped children and other similar gjroups, with films provided by the Legion's

National Headquarters.

An active railroader, Nicholson uses his two free days each week to show

the movies without any charge, "It's two great loves that keep me doing this," he

says, "first, to entertain those who are in need of a bit of cheer and second - I

love to show movies." AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington. D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-8411 Phone EXecutive 3-4814

10/25/57 (. IHH^ggg^HHHHHHf*** XX X XX » X X X X X XX X X X ******** X X X XX X X *********************************** # * SUGGESTED ADDRESSES AVAILABLE * L # Three new speeches are available upon your request from the National Public * i Relations Division, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. (l) "Voltage for Member- * I *8hip," prepared primarily for an American Legion audience to build interest in the * ( *1958 membership campaign; (2) "Building Character," appropriate to be given before * \ *civic and community groups; (3) "Community Service," describing American Legion * I ^contributions and obligations in this important field of service. * ^fr-frS-EX x-X X !i X X X*X X X X X X X X X X *************************&Hr****X*~^^^ X'X X X-**************** I FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DENVER, Colo.-—(ALNS)—-J. Frank Binder, adjutant of the world's largest i American Legion post, has retired after 27 years' service. Binder, who lost a leg

and suffered other severe injuries while fighting with the Marines in World War I,

became adjutant of Leyden-Chiles-Wickersham Post 1 in 1930.

He is credited with playing a large part in bringing the Denver post to the

top of the heap. He is a part of the history of The American Legion in Denver and in

Colorado. Binder has been succeeded by Richard F. Witherall, World War II Air Force veteran, who has been an employee of the post since December 1, 19^5•

WASHINGTON, D. C-—(ALNS)—-More than two million veterans with service-con-

nected disabilities received an increase of approximately 10 percent in VA compensa-

tion checks received at the beginning of November. The cost-of-living increase was

voted by Congress last summer with the active support of The American Legion and went into effect with the checks mailed at the end of October.

TRENTON, N. J. —(ALUS)— The American Legion and Auxiliary of New Jersey have

made plans to construct a $100,000 memorial amphitheatre for the use of 2,000 mentally

ill patients at the VA Hospital at Lyons, N. J. Construction is expected to begin

I early next spring on the outdoor theatre, which will offer movies, boxing bouts, t musical concerts, stage shows, etc. 385 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington. D. C. Phone MEIrose 5-841 I Phone EXecutive 3-4814

10/25/57

(NOTE TO LEGION EDITORS: We have received several requests for suggested proclama- tions to be issued by mayors or governors in connection with Veterans Day and Nation- al Education Week. Copies of such suggested proclamations are included in the ALNS with the thought that Legion editors, realizing the publicity value of such proclama- tions, will want to follow through with their mayors or governors. If and when either proclamation is signed, don't forget to make sure that your local papers get copies.) VETERANS DAY 1957 WHEREAS, November 11, 1957, is the 39th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice ending World War I and the fourth annual observance of Veterans Day honoring the patriotism, service and sacrifices of the veterans of all wars; and WHEREAS, the United States faces a great, new Communist challenge to its freedom and its survival; and WHEREAS, there is a pressing need for the United States to demonstrate clearly to the world that, while its citizens may differ on domestic issues, they have always and do now stand together in the face of common danger; NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vesttd in me, I,

do hereby call upon all citizens and residents of "to observe Veterans Day, November 11, 1957, by re- affirming and demonstrating national unity in the face of common peril, by dis- playing the Flag of the United States over every home and building, and by halting their normal pursuits at 11:00 A.M., November 11, to join with the members of Post No' of The American Legion in silent prayer for peace and national solidarity. (Signed) AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK, NOV. 10-l6, 1957 WHEREAS, American Education Week was established by The American Legion in 1921 as a time for focusing public attention on the accomplishments and needs of our schools; and WHEREAS, the week of November 10 to l6, 1957, is being observed as American Education Week under the joint sponsorship of The American Legion, the National Education Association, the National Congress of Parents and Teachers, and the United States Office of Education; and WHEREAS, the role of our educational system in preserving the American way of life has become of paramount importance;

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me, I of " ', do hereby proclaim the period from November 10 to 16, 1957, as American Education Week, and urge all citizens to visit our schools at designated times, to familiarize themselves with the accomplishments and problems of the schools, and to lend their support to further progress in education.

(Signed) AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE National Headquarters Washington Office P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Ind. 1608 K St., N. W., Washington. D. C. SLNS Phone MEIrose 5-8411 Phone Executive 3-4814 10/25/57

(The following editorial is reprinted from the Aug. 7, 1957, issue of the "Post Script" of Glendale (Calif.) Post 127 of The American Legion.)

RESPECT DUE OUR FLAG

"At the Moscow Youth Festival in Moscow, the students of the American delega-

tion dipped the Stars and Stripes in salute to Communist Party Chief Nikita Krushchsv.

"Although there is no restriction on American citizens visiting the Soviet

Union, the U.S. State Department had recommended against American youth taking part

in the Moscow Youth Festival. A spokesman for the State Department had warned, 'It

is a Dig show, set up strictly for propaganda purposes.'

"It is regrettable that students living in a free nation have lent dignity

to the festival by attending. It is also regrettable that the American delegation

apparently lacked knowledge of respect due the Stars and Stripes. That the delega-

tion would dip Old Glory to anyone -- let alone a Communist boss of enslaved

people — prompts the thought that perhaps American students require more informa-

tion about our flag. "The Post Script recently carried a series of articles on Flag Etiquette in which was stated: *That no disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United

States of America, the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing.r This quote is part of Public Law 820, applying to display and use of the American flag. "Our flag is the emblem of a free nation, hard fought for, bravely achieved, proudly defended. It is of primary importance that youngsters in our country grow up in an atmosphere of American patriotism, with respect and appreciation for our flag and its great significance. "Display of the American flag on state and national holidays -- and on holidays so proclaimed by the President of the United States -- will familiarize young people with proper flag etiquette, aid them in becoming good citizens. "The American Legion has always been foremost in the promotion of Americanism projects. Let us as Legionnaires, individually, by displaying our flag, by teaching young people in our midst proper respect for our flag. "Let us be an example of proud Americanism in our communities. "If you did not clip the series of articles on Flag Etiquette, a copy of 'Let's Be Right on Flag Etiquette' can be had for 10^ from National Emblem Sales, American Legion Headquarters, P. 0. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Indiana."