What is Americanism? Americanism is an unfailing love of country; loyalty to its institutions and ideals; eagerness to defend it against all enemies; individual allegiance to the flag; and a desire to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and posterity. The many activities of the National Americanism Commission are designed to acknowledge and preserve that heritage, recognizing all of the unalienable rights of man and the human qualities of mind and heart.
A few Legion Americanism programs include the Oratorical Contest, which instills a greater understanding and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States among high school students; Boys State and Boys Nation, where high school juniors learn the wheels of policies as they operate their own government, acquiring the knowledge and practical experience that is vital to the development of responsible citizenship; and Legion Baseball, a program that has taught thousands of youth the importance of sportsmanship, good health and active citizenship.
Flag education is another Americanism program that is very important. Therefore, I want to promote the education DVD, "For Which It Stands," to educate youth on flag etiquette. I would also like to see us educate youth on the Pledge of Allegiance with the American Legion book marker and comic activities book, "I Pledge Allegiance." I hope by educating the youth on the American flag, we will eventually help in the passage of the flag amendment. We need to keep pushing our senators and representatives for the passage of the amendment.
The Americanism programs I have mentioned are just a few of the many available. Please look at the American Legion National Consolidated Report by visiting www.legion.org/american-legion-consolidated-national-report-2011and find a program that will work for your squadron.
Last but not least, report what you are doing. I know you are thinking that I talk about this all of the time, and you are correct, I do. As we always state, filling this report out is very important to the Sons of the American Legion and The American Legion. When we report what the Sons of the American Legion has done for Americanism, The American Legion can use these numbers in their reporting when they go in front of Congress to fight for the veterans of our country. So report what you are doing for the veterans of our country. What can be reported on the Americanism report can be found online at www.sal.legion.org/.
Thanks for all that you do for Americanism.
Sons of the American Legion
National Americanism Chairman