June 15, 2016
The Julian News 11
POST NOTES
by Bill Fink
The American Legion
by Bic Montblanc
Did you miss me? I guess you should never ask a question you don’t know what the answer will be. Anyway, El Editoro knew I was really booked with “The Dance” so he gave me the week off. While this is being written predance, the response of the Julian community and our merchants has been overwhelming, so pre thank you, thank you, thank yous from the Sons of the American Legion are extended to all of you that bought a ticket, banner or table or just plain helped out. We hope you enjoyed the show. What the American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons do in Julian is still a mystery to some but to those that have experienced the Legion’s largesse, they’ve been gracious in their acknowledgement of what they do. There are over 13,000 American Legion Posts worldwide. Some are very active in their communities and some are not. In my experience though, there aren’t many posts countrywide that are as active as Julian. Part of the reason (based on my very unscientific reckoning) may be that membership in Post 468 represents about a third of the town of Julian. The American Legion is the largest Veteran’s organization in the country. There are over two million members and membership fluctuates from a high of over three million ten years ago. As we are losing our members from WWII and Korea and our Vietnam era members are aging, Legion numbers have
been shrinking. Coupled with the fact that our military is much smaller than it was during those major conflicts it appears that the organization’s membership is in decline. The American Legion was founded in Paris in 1919 as a result of hundreds of thousands of bored soldiers whose morale was crumbling awaiting months of logistic delays waiting for transportation back to the U.S. after WWI. Fearing potential unrest amongst the troops like the uprisings occurring by foreign troops in Russia, Finland, Germany and Hungary, Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. the son of the 26th President Teddy Roosevelt, was instrumental and forceful in the creation of the organization. Paris is the home of the first post and there are or have been posts in Belgium, Germany, Poland, Turkey and China among other countries. There is a misconception that the American Legion is a political organization or a political action committee for right wing organizations. While the Legion does not to hesitate to enter the political fray when it comes to the welfare of Veterans, support of one particular party over another is not part of the agenda of the organization. In a national communique, the Legion Judge Advocate reminded members that the Legion is nonpartisan. The organization is prohibited from contributing, helping or endorsing a candidate. Additionally, if attending a political event, The American Legion cap, or any clothing with the (Legion) emblem visible, should be removed so as not to imply endorsement by The American Legion. In my own experience in our own post, as well as others I have visited, all political thought and political party preference are represented. Some Legion Posts host candidates but all candidates must be represented and all Legion flags and emblems are to be removed. Even though it’s technically legal, any contribution offered by candidates, parties or PACs are declined to avoid any
perception of supporting any candidate or political party. The American Legion Constitution states that “The American Legion shall be absolutely nonpolitical and shall not be used used for the dissemination of partisan principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment.” Some would be surprised that even though the Legion is very pro in its support of Veterans, one of the resolutions passed in a founding convention stated; 1. That a large standing army is uneconomic and unAmerican. National safety with freedom from militarism is best assured by a national citizen army and navy based on the democratic principles of equality of obligation and opportunity for all. 2. That we favor universal military training and the administration of such a policy should be removed from the complete control of any exclusively military organization or caste. 3. That we are strongly opposed to compulsory military service in time of peace. Membership in the American Legion is contingent upon having served in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and in some specific instances when the Merchant Marine was federalized during times of hostile conflict. It is open to men and women. The Auxiliary is comprised of women and girls who are the wives and daughters and granddaughters of Veterans who meet the criteria of being a Legion member. The Sons of the American Legion are men and boys whose fathers and/or grandfathers served during the times of hostility. Notable members of the American Legion have been Presidents, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush. Other members were Douglas MacArthur, George Patton, Theodore Roosevelt Jr., and Sergeant Alvin York. Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable were also members.
There have been some ugly chapters in American Legion history but on the whole, the Legion is a national leader in its assistance to Veterans, the communities in which they reside and to America’s youth. In Julian it is a force in financial support to the community and providing assistance to those in need and the promotion of Americanism. If you would like to join the Legion, stop by the very friendly Post at the corner of Washington and 2nd and pick up an application. Almost anyone there can give you guidance on the process of joining this great organization.
PETS OF THE WEEK
Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
The Fourth of July, Independence Day, a uniquely American holiday is coming soon and there’s big haps coming to the Legion and the 76th annual “Deep Pit BBQ” and you’re all invited. More on the event in the weeks to come.
Orangina is a 3 year old spayed orange tabby who weighs 9lbs. She is a unique gal as the majority of orange felines are male. Orangina may be shy at first meeting but warms up, enjoys being petted and will seek out your attention when she wants it. She is used to being an indoor cat and would do best in a quieter home. Meet Orangina by asking for ID#A1716466 Tag#C128. She can be adopted for $58.
Ray Redding Grad; Abigail Lopez joined other seniors in thanking the teachers and staff who had helped her get to graduation.
Patrick is a 4 year old neutered Terrier Mix who weighs 31lbs. He is a happy, spunky guy who has big dog energy in a portable, medium size package. Patrick will make a great companion for an active household and looks forward to adventures with his humans whether it be hiking, jogging or playing at the beach. Meet Patrick by asking for ID#A1716479 Tag#C109. He can be adopted for $69.
Salutatorian; Colin Riccio
All adoptions will include vaccinations, spaying/neutering (upon adoption), a microchip and free Vet visit. Dog fees also include a 1 year license. Patrick and Orangina are at our Central County Shelter, 5480 Gaines Street, San Diego . The Shelter hours are 9:30AM to 5:30PM, Tuesday through Saturday or visit www.sddac.com for more information.