Minutes of Americanism Committee Meeting – October 19, 2007

Attendance:             Dave Victor

                                 Dave Meaney Sr (District 4 Commander)

                                 Dale Mitchell

                                 Ruth Wriggley (District 2 Commander)

                                 Russell F. Cantlin (District 6 Commander)

Excused:                  Bill Cowie (District 8 Commander)

                                 Wayne Beauregard

Guests:                    Chuck Lewis (Department Commander)

                                 Bill Roy (Department Vice Commander)

                                 John Graham (District 4 Sr Vice Commander)

The meeting opened with a salute to our flag, a welcome to all, and a review of the purpose of the committee (chairman committed to emailing a copy of the Authorization Document that is now before the Internal Affairs Committee to all members.)  (Subsequent to the meeting, a “What is Americanism?” article was distributed to the committee – excellent article – see attached.) 

Commander Lewis presented the committee with four copies of a CD about the four pillars of the organization.  It was discussed that the committee would obtain enough copies to hand out at the Winter Conference.  Commander Lewis thought he might distribute them at the DEC meeting in November.  (Subsequent to the meeting and after a review of the video, the chairman decided that the video was only 60 seconds long and very little tangible information was on it; therefore, unless further instructed to do so, will not distribute it at the Winter Conference.)

The chairman then proceeded with the meeting as scheduled in the agenda.

    ·Operation Ol’ Glory.  Dave Victor gave a brief description of the accomplishments of Operation Ol’ Glory and Commander Lewis briefed the members of the conclusion of the project ceremony that took place Labor Day weekend.  Discussion then ensued concerning the future of our commitment to place flags in classrooms:  while all classrooms now have flags, requests are now being received within the posts for more flags due to classroom renovations and additions.  The committee decided to recommend to the DEC the following strategy:  that because the posts and districts would have first hand knowledge of the needs of the community, they would continue to purchase and supply flags in response to requests with the financial help of the department.  The Americanism Committee shall provide in its budget an appropriate amount of money ($500 a year to build to $1,000) to supplement the needs of the posts and districts.

    ·National Topics.  A brief review of our national priorities (flag amendment, etc.) and the state of the programs, Oratorical and Boys State.

    ·Awards and Judging.  The date, time, and place of the judging of awards were established:  MAY 16, 2008, 6:30pm, TILTON POST 49.  It was agreed to that Chairman Victor would contact all committee chairmen who have contests involved in their programs informing them of the date and inviting them to do their judging at that time.  Again, the committee volunteer to judge those contests not addressed by the committee in charge of the contest if they did not judge their winners by that date or have intentions of doing their judging in time for the Trophies Committee to purchase trophies.

    ·Americanism Council.  Discussion ensued concerning what projects should the committee be involved with or that they should initiate.  Two suggestions were discussed:  flag education in our schools and disaster relief.  After some good input from the committee as to the projects, it was realized that there are existing committees whose charge is flag education and disaster relief.  The committee felt that education and youth programs are part of their responsibility and that the Americanism Committee chairman should call for an Americanism Council at which coordination and cross relations would be addressed as well as the subjects discussed in this meeting. The chairman was also charged with inviting the other committee chairmen to the council.

    ·Authorization Document.  The committee agreed that the Internal Affairs committee should be contacted and be requested to approve the Americanism Committee authorization document presented to them last year.

Next Meeting:

                           Day – Saturday

                           Date -  January 12, 2008

                           Time – 9:30am

                           Place – Concord, Post 21

AMERICANISM

BY: RICHARD E. LEE

WHAT IS AMERICANISM?

The American Legion was officially formed on November 11-12, 1919, at its first National Convention.  All activities are based on the “Preamble” to its Constitution.  In that Preamble it says, “…to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism....”  But do we know what Americanism means? 

The national Americanism Commission of the American Legion was created by a recommendation made to and adopted by the National Convention held in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1919.  The Commission is composed of a determined number of regular members. The term of each member is three years.  In the Legion Americanism Manual, “Americanism” is defined as follows:

“Americanism is love of America; loyalty to her institutions as the best yet devised by man to secure life, liberty, individual dignity, and happiness; and the willingness to defend our country and Flag against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

It is a vital, active, living force.  Americanism means peace, strength, the will and the courage to live as free men in a free land.  It means a friendly hand to people everywhere who respect our institutions and our thinking.  It is not a word; it is a cause, a way of life – the best way of life ever known – a challenge and a hope in this world.

Americanism is an ideal of loyal patriotism, religious tolerance, righteous freedom, fearless courage, honest integrity, abiding faith in the commanding destiny of the United States, and a fathomless love for the principles which led our forefathers to found this country.

It is complete and unqualified loyalty to the ideals of government as set forth in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.  It is respect for, and ready obedience to duly constituted authority and the laws of the land.  It is freedom without license, religion without bigotry, charity without bias, and a desire to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.”

The objective is to translate Americanism precepts, principles and ideals in an understanding and practical manner to Legion Posts and other groups and individuals, including young America.  Specific objective are as follows:

To promote understanding of the principles of democratic government, developing interest in governmental problems, and bringing more citizens to think seriously of the duties of citizenship;

To give sound, practical service in our communities, working to make these communities better and safer places in which to live;

To emphasize religion, encouraging its continuation in the life of every citizen;

To encourage education in every possible manner, presenting school awards, conducting oratorical contests, cooperating with education and citizenship groups, promoting proper Flag etiquette and display, and sponsoring objective youth development programs;

To do important work for the youth of America;

To work for the assimilation of aliens through schools of citizenship and other agencies;

To combat subversion and all un-American groups and activities which have for their aim the downfall of democracy in America.

MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA