Sons of The American Legion Americanism Page

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

"December 7, 1941, is forever emblazoned in history as the day of infamy. But it was more than that. For Americans the attack was personal. In the weeks that followed, recruiting offices extended operating hours to accommodate the thousands of Americans who lined up to answer their nation’s call and exact retribution on those responsible. The day ushered in our nation’s entry into a war that would claim more than 407,000 American lives."

Pearl Harbor: It’s personal The attack on Dec. 7, 1941, was personal for Americans and The American Legion. 

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Host a holiday blood drive The American Legion's annual Holiday Blood Donor Drive is underway.

“These classes help shape the view of young people and develop their reverence for the flag. When these young students become the elected representatives of the people, they will get a flag protection amendment passed. They will do so because of the great respect that was instilled in them by The American Legion.”

Nebraska squadron shares flag etiquette with fifth-graders SAL Squadron 112 helps spread Americanism through program at elementary school.

“I think every boy in America ought to go to Boys State. And if you can, Boys Nation. They are really, really incredible programs. It doesn’t matter what your dreams or goals are; for me, you can see a direct line to Boys State or Boys Nation, and my path as an officer in the military. Whether you want to go into business or you want to be in healthcare, or you want to be engaged in your community in some regard, I think Boys State makes a lot of sense, because we all feel the decisions of our government. So, whether we are directly involved, we’ve got to know how the process works.”

‘I think every boy in America ought to go to Boys State’ Navy Commander and assistant to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff reflects on lessons he learned at Florida Boys State and American Legion Boys Nation.

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Congratulations to fellow Sons of The American Legion member, Preston C Sharp.

Preston C. Sharp of the Haggan Grant Squadron 521 of Rio Linda, California was on Fox Nation and Fox and Friends on November 16, 2023.

Preston was the recipient of the 'Young Patriot Award' for work honoring veterans.

See Preston C. Sharp on Fox & Friends at:
https://news.yahoo.com/preston-sharp-wins-young-patriot-040751157.html

Congratulations Preston!

Please remember to register your flag placements this Veterans' Day weekend.

Flying Flags For Heroes | Home Flying Flags For Heroes is on a crusade to place 1 million flags to honor all veterans laid to rest in national and local cemeteries. Get your community, organization or company involved, because everyday is Memorial Day.

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This is ! Is the Boys State program in your state evolving to meet the needs of today's youth?

Our partnership with the Oklahoma National Guard provides an exclusive look at the job our military men and women perform everyday. Apply today at okboysstate.com for the experience of a lifetime! National Guard Association of Oklahoma

American Legion National Headquarters is looking for volunteers to help with the 2024 National High School Oratorical Contest Finals in its new location, Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Mich., May 18-19. Follow the link for details.

Volunteer at the 2024 National Oratorical Finals The contest will be held for the first time at its new location in Hillsdale, Mich., in May.

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As American Legion youth programs begin ramping up for the 2023-24 season, a one-page flyer promoting each one is now available for download.

Promote Americanism programs with these one-pagers A one page printout about Boys Nation, Junior Shooting Sports, Oratorical Contest and Legion Baseball are available at legion.org/publications.

"Players and coaches from the 2023 American Legion World Series champions from League City (Texas) Post 554 will be guests of Major League Baseball at Game 2 of the 119th World Series. Post 554 became the first ALWS champions from the state of Texas with a 1-0 win over Lincoln (Neb.) Post 3 in August in Shelby, N.C."

ALWS champs staying in state to visit World Series The Legion Baseball champs from League City, Texas, will be special guests at Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday.

"Let’s be steadfast in our support for America. Lend our voices to the chorus of those voicing support for our military. Call on Congress to lead, not squabble. And, most of all, join me in praying for the safety of our servicemembers — and their families — who are defending our nation as this cacophony of alarm bells grows even louder."

Our gravest threat since World War II Acts of terror, escalation of conflict in the Middle East, and other threats jeopardize the safety and security of servicemembers, veterans and all Americans.

Keeping America safe since 1775. Happy Birthday Navy!

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Claudia Lewis of Oklahoma is completing her Girl Scouts of America career, that she has been involved in since first grade, by achieving the highest award given, the Gold Award. To earn her award, she has designed and facilitated the creation and building of a Veteran Memorial at the local Zena Cemetery to honor all the veterans laid to rest there. She had been working with Oklahoma State Representative Josh West and the late beloved Department of Oklahoma Senior Vice Commander Lee Cathey for a year on this project.

The American Legion Post 178 in Grove, Oklahoma, represented by member and Detachment of Oklahoma SRVC Steve Thomas II, presented Claudia the initial set of flags (United States, Oklahoma, and all service branches) to be displayed at the memorial. The project is due to be completed and unveiled by Veterans Day. The Post had the ability to complete the involvement and honor Commander Cathey with this contribution, while also fulfilling the Pillars of Children and Youth and Americanism.

Steve Thomas, II added "Great job and congratulations Claudia! We look forward to seeing your creation completed next month and wish you all the best in your future endeavors. America has a bright future with youth like you stepping forward and taking control." The American Legion Department of Oklahoma Sons of The American Legion Detachment of Oklahoma

The USS Cole was attacked Oct. 12, 2000, in a port in Yemen by al-Qaida. A boat posing as a trash barge motored to the ship and blasted a massive hole. The su***de attack killed 17 sailors and injured 37.

The 17 sailors who were killed were:

Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Kenneth Eugene Clodfelter, 21, of Mechanicsville, Virginia;

Chief Electronics Technician Richard Costelow, 35, of Morrisville, Pennsylvania;

Mess Management Specialist Seaman Lakeina Monique Francis, 19, of Woodleaf, North Carolina;

Information Systems Technician Seaman Timothy Lee Gauna, 21, of Rice, Texas;

Signalman Seaman Cherone Louis Gunn, 22, from Virginia Beach, Virginia;

Seaman James Rodrick McDaniels, 19, of Norfolk, Virginia;

Engineman 2nd Class Marc Ian Nieto, 24, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin;

Electronics Warfare Technician 2nd Class Ronald Scott Owens, 24, of Vero Beach, Florida;

Seaman Lakiba Nicole Palmer, 22, of San Diego, California;

Fireman Joshua Langdon Parlett, 19, of Churchville, Maryland;

Fireman Patrick Howard Roy, 19, from Keedysville, Maryland;

Electronic Warfare Technician 1st Class Kevin Shawn Rux, 30, of Portland, North Dakota;

Mess Management Specialist 3rd Class Ronchester Manangan Santiago, 22, of Kingsville, Texas;

Operations Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Lamont Saunders, 32, of Ringgold, Virginia;

Fireman Gary Graham Swenchonis Jr., 26, from Rockport, Texas;

Ensign Andrew Triplett, 31, of Macon, Mississippi;

Seaman Craig Bryan Wibberley, 19, of Williamsport, Maryland.

"Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance"

The National Emergency Fund (NEF) Update October 6, 2023:

Approved Grants:
2022 – 104 grants (98 members/6 posts) totaling $261,761.75
Florida (Hurricane Ian) – 89 members; 3 posts
Florida (Hurricane Nicole) – 1 member
Kentucky (Tornado & Flooding) – 0 members; 2 posts
Louisiana (Hurricane Ida) – 2 members
Oklahoma (Tornado) – 1 member
Puerto Rico (Hurricane Fiona) – 3 members; 1 post
Tennessee (Wildfire) – 1 member
Texas (Tornado) – 1 member
2023 – 104 grants (94 members/10 posts) totaling $352,640.45

California (Flooding) – 1 member
Florida (Hurricane Ian) – 87 members; 7 posts
Florida (Hurricane Nicole) – 1 member
Florida (Hurricane Idalia) – 3 members
Georgia (Hurricane Idalia) – 1 member
Tennessee (Hurricane Idalia) – 1 member
Illinois (Straight Line Winds) – 1 post
Oklahoma (Tornado) – 1 post
Vermont (Flooding) – 1 post

Hurricane season is upon us, and Hurricane Idalia hit the coast of Florida while we were in Charlotte at National Convention. We have begun receiving NEF grants for this storm, which is the typical timeframe to begin receiving NEF grant activity following a major
disaster.

There was recent flooding due to torrential rains in New York City and New Jersey. New York governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for five boroughs in New York, including portions of Hudson Valley and Long Island, and New York City mayor Eric
Adams declared a state of emergency for the city. New Jersey governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for all 21 counties in the state, and Hoboken, New Jersey mayor Ravinder Bhalla also declared a state of emergency.

Deadly wildfires and devastation in Lahaina, Maui in the Hawaiian Islands in early August should generate 4-7 NEF grants once those members are at a place to apply. The Hawaiian Governor and President Biden declared that area a disaster area. Death toll was
initially thought to be 115, but local authorities believe that number to be 97. The state and Department of Hawaii has asked to NOT send supplies to Hawaii, as they are still trying to navigate how and where to receive them. Many departments have created fundraising campaigns within their state and will dialogue directly with Department of Hawaii leadership on best practices to get those affected the help they need.

And recently deadly flooding in the Northeast and Maine and Vermont have been declared disaster areas by the President of the United States. We have reached out to those departments regarding the National Emergency Fund.

An e-mail went out recently to all national and department leadership about the NEF, with the NEF Grant Application PowerPoint with voiceover instructions on how to complete the NEF grant application. This is done quarterly, usually, to serve as a reminder about the NEF. It also included a link to the video of PNC/IL Department Adjutant Marty Conatser on how they developed an SOP for disaster recovery, to include assisting with NEF grant applications.

There have been other storms and natural disasters throughout the country that we will continue to continue to monitor.

"The application form is aimed at creating a database of Legionnaires, Sons of The American Legion and other Boys State staff who would be interested in also volunteering to serve on the Boys Nation staff."

Boys State staff encouraged to apply to serve at Boys Nation An application form will be available soon as Boys Nation compiles a database of interested, qualified volunteers.

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***REGISTRATION OPEN**** At Boys State, participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county, and state governments operated by students elected to various offices. Instruction will also be presented on the law and court system, parliamentary procedure, and Florida political History.

"A number of American Legion Baseball alumni are on the rosters and coaching staffs of the 12 teams which qualified for the 2023 Major League Baseball postseason, which begins with the four wild-card series beginning Tuesday, Oct. 3."

Legion Baseball alumni chasing title as Major League Baseball playoffs begin Former American Legion Baseball players dot the rosters and coaching staffs of the 12 teams vying to win the World Series.

This is . Recruitment takes effort. Well done Iowa Sons of the American Legion!

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Sons of The American Legion National Americanism Commission Zoom meetings for 2023-2024.

Every 2 months on the Third Mon, 6 occurrence(s)

Oct 16, 2023 07:30 PM
Dec 18, 2023 07:30 PM
Feb 19, 2024 07:30 PM
Apr 15, 2024 07:30 PM
Jun 17, 2024 07:30 PM
Aug 19, 2024 07:30 PM

Join Zoom Meeting: https://legion.zoom.us/j/93540660918?pwd=YU5nK0JON2Y2OElWYm9uMlp5Z05WZz09

Meeting ID: 935 4066 0918
Passcode: 571659

• 877 853 5257 US Toll-free
• 888 475 4499 US Toll-free

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...

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Squadron #6 and Gregory American Legion is honored to provide and to make sure OLD GLORY 🇺🇸 is still in our schools and being a center piece of each classroom. (photo courtesy of Gregory Times Advocate)

“The Sons of The American Legion always strive to support our nation’s veterans and youth, and being able to provide this kind of support all at once to the Veterans & Children Foundation is something that every SAL member should be proud of,” said SAL National Commander Donald L. “JR” Hall, Jr.

SAL donates $250K to VCF The donation to the Veterans & Children Foundation was approved during the SAL’s 51st National Convention.

Happy Birthday United States Air Force!

On this day in 1947: The U.S. Air Force was formed as a separate military service out of the old Army Air Corps. The Air Force’s motto is: “Uno Ab Alto” (One over all). At the same time the Air National Guard is created as a separate reserve component under control of the National Guard Bureau.

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress on this day in 1919.🇺🇸

https://www.legion.org/history

2023 National POW-MIA Recognition Day.

Tomorrow, watch live on Facebook or our website: https://www.dpaa.mil/Livestreams/ the 2023 National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and Hawaii!

Washington, D.C.: Hosted by Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks at the Pentagon at 10am EST/4pm HST.

Hawaii: Hosted by DPAA Principal Deputy Director Mrs. Fern Sumpter Winbush at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at 10am HST/4pm EST.

U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) | |

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Today we remember our brothers Gerald T. Atwood, Edward F. Beyea, and Raymond R. York from the Detachment of New York Sons of The American Legion. The Sons of The American Legion National Americanism Commission honors the memories of our fallen brothers by presenting the Atwood-Beyea-York Memorial Award for best Americanism program annually at our national convention.

"After all is said and done, it is not how or where we finish our journey that champions our greatness. It is how we live"