The American Legion 70Th National Convention: Official Program and Annual Report [1988]
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THE AMERICAN FOR GOD AND COUNTRY fiTfn • f National Emblem Sales Presents the 1988 American Legion Decanter Limited Collector Edition Commemorating the 70th Annual National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky September 1-9, 1988 The traditional, tinne-honored Kentucky Colonel fashioned as a commemorative decanter complete with 16 oz. non-alcoholic Mint Julep mix. Only 5,000 of these handsome decorative decanters have been made. Be sure you have a Complete collection. Available for purchase now at both National Emblem Sales Locations Convention Center Lobby Galt House Lobby $29.95 plus applicable tax Orders for GPS shipment may be made using the coupon in the back of this program. Fulfillment will depend on availability. Decanter produced by McCormick Distilling Company, Weston, Missouri FOR GOD AND COUNTRY WE ASSOCIATE OCJRSELVES TOGETHER FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES THE AMERICAN LEGION 70th To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States ofAmerica; to National Conoention maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent 7\mericanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles ofjustice, freedom and SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION 17th National Convention democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY 68th National Convention LA BOUTIQUE DES HUIT CHAPEAUX ET QUARANTE FEMMES 70th National Convention 67th Marche Nationale September 2 thru 8, 1988 • Louisville, Kentucky 1 The American Legion 1988 Convention Program Louisville, Kentucky Contents Agenda, The American Legion 18 Military Project Officers 71 Annual Reports 76 Officers, National Convention Corporation of Kentucky 38 Auxiliary Program 50 Parade Information 72 Board of Directors, National Convention Corporation of Kentucky 38 Past National Commanders 46 Commission and Committee Patriotic Religious Service 45 Meetings 30 Regional Leadership Convention Commission 35 Seminars 29 Convention Committee Meetings 34 Registration, Information and Tickets 4 Convention Corporation Committee Chairmen 49 Reunions and Dinners 37 Delegation Hotels 26 S.A.L. Convention Program 64 Distinguished Guests 22 Standing Rules of Convention 40 Distinguished Service Membership Awards Medal Recipients 47 Program 32 8 et 40 Program 59 Youth Leaders 67 ABOGT THE COVER: When people combination of horses and the think of Kentucky, horses come to downtown skyline are presented on mind. Especially Louisville with their the cover for the 1988 National famous Churchill Downs race track. Convention program. Cover photos Not only is Louisville noted for courtesy of Louisville Convention & Churchill Downs, they are also a Visitors Bureau. major business center. So a 2 Welcome to Legion was involved in the continuing search for freedom and democracy in Central America. Our efforts to Louisville and influence Congress to continue support to the Nicaraguan freedom The American fighters were reflected in the closeness of the vote. The aid was narrowly Legion’s 70th defeated, but we made a difference. By contacting your representatives you Annual National demonstrated The American Legion was aware of their actions and we Convention would continue to keep an eye on their activities relating to Central America. This year millions of Americans will go to the voting booth to elect the 1 was elected When your National leadership of this nation for the next last year in I Commander San Antonio four years. In support of those challenged each of you to this make a elections we developed a campaign to year to remember. I am happy to report remind Americans that voting is not that you have met the challenge. This just a right — it’s a duty. In a recent John P. “Jake” Comer year has been one of tremendous survey of American Legion Magazine growth throughout The American readers it was noted that 90 percent of Legion. Our growth has been seen not our membership votes on election day. only in our membership, but also in the As veterans we know the struggle number of participants in American I asked you to contact your involved in maintaining a free and Legion programs and our influence in representatives in Washington to democratic society. By voting we have the nations capitol. express our views on a variety of issues a voice in how our democracy is One specific challenge I raised for surrounding the Veterans maintained. Do your duty — vote. you was to raise $1 million for The Administration. I was extremely pleased The American Legion is growing American Legion Child Welfare with your overwhelming response. stronger everyday. Foundation. Your response has been Congress considered several pieces In order to keep us on the road to fantastic. During my travels throughout of legislation vital to the future of growth, each of us, you and I, must the year I had the opportunity to see, America s veterans — ranging from the keep talking with veterans about the first hand, how Legionnaires, when elevation of the Administrator of the benefits of being a Legionnaire. faced with a challenge, rise up to meet Veterans Administration to Cabinet- Legionnaires support the values and and surpass that challenge. Your efforts level status, to the annual VA budget, to ideals upon which this nation was are commendable. Each of you Judicial Review, I found that the best founded. To be a Legionnaire is to be demonstrated the true spirit of The way to voice our concerns was through an American. Stand tall and be proud American Legion giving in service — direct help. You responded quickly and to be a veteran, a Legionnaire and a to God and country — to help those powerfully. When a senate committee citizen. There is no better place on less fortunate. was considering the legislation to earth to live and grow than in America. But your giving did not stop there. elevate the VA Administrator, they also To all the Legionnaires around the We have more young people involved were considering an amendment to world, I say thank you for giving me the in Legion sponsored Boy Scout alter the current Judicial Review policy. privilege of serving as your National programs, American Legion Baseball On that occasion we made a difference Commander during the 69th year of and the National High School and the amendment was dropped. But our long tradition of service to God Oratorical contest than ever before. For again, in another Congressional and country, it truly has been a year to the first time, the final game of The committee, the issue of Judicial Review remember and I will never forget you American Legion Baseball World was being added to other important and the support you provided this year. Series was televised nationwide by national legislation. And again I asked As we begin our 70th convention ESPN. This was a significant you to voice our concerns and you did. session, I want to challenge you once accomplishment because the The American Legion wants the issue again. Make our coming year still television exposure helped spread the of Judicial Review discussed, but we another year of growth and prosperity. word about our fine baseball program feel that it should be discussed Through your efforts we can keep The — and I hope it helps us attract more separately. American Legion the largest and young people next year. Through your actions on the fastest growing veterans organization in As we were able to provide more grassroots level we have continued to the nation — dedicated to service to help to the youth of this nation, we also be an effective voice for the nations God and country. Through your efforts increased our efforts in support of our veterans in working with Congress. we will continue to make a difference nations veterans. On several occasions Again this year The American for those who come after us. 3 Where to Register and Obtain Information Registration and Information Booths will be operated in Louisville for the convenience of conventioneers. Booths will be located in the — Commonwealth Convention Center The Galt House East Booths will operate form 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Friday, September 2 through Thursday, September 8. The Registration Booths will operate for those persons who have not previously registered and wish to attend Convention Sessions. All persons (except those under age 12) are to be reminded that the official convention badge or other approved credentials are required to gain entry to the General Convention Sessions. Teamwork: Profile in (Quality #6: At Ford Motor Company we’ve all made a commitment to quality And the results have been rewarding. Nationwide surveys have shown that for 8 years running, owners ofLincoln, Mercury MERCURY and Ford cars and light trucks have reportedfewer problems, on average, than owners ofany other vehicles designed and budt in North America * This is another example ofwhat happens when management and LINCOLN employees work togetherfor a common goal. At Ford, that goat is quality. One more reason Fbrd Motor Company has designed and built the highest quality American cars and trucks for 8 years running. Quality is Job 1. FORD • LINCOLN • MERCURY • FORD TRUCKS • FORD TRACTORS Buckle up—Together we can save lives. Based on an average of owner-reported problems in a series of surveys of ’81-'88 models designed and built in North Amenca. THE WHITE HOi;SE WASHINGTON I am delighted to extend warmest greetings to fellow members of the American Legion as you gather in Louisville for your 70th National Convention. Legionnaires have always had a special place in my heart.