Senate Concurrent Resolution 626

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE MISSISSIPPI CHAPTERS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION ORGANIZATION ON THE COMMEMORATION OF ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY.

WHEREAS, the United States Congress chartered the American Legion on September 16, 1919. 2019 is the 100th Anniversary of this historic and vital service organization; and

WHEREAS, to mark this momentous occasion, the Mississippi Legislature is joining the celebration of the service and dedication of the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces and then joined the organization to serve veterans and their families as well as advocate for their rights and well-being; and

WHEREAS, for God and Country, the American Legion has the following purposes:

· To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America;

· To maintain law and order;

· To foster and perpetuate a 100% Americanism;

· 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 goodwill on earth;

· To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy;

· To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness; and

WHEREAS, the American Legion organization has played a major role in the drafting and passing of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, which is also called the "G.I. Bill." In addition to organizing commemorative events, members provide assistance at Veterans' hospitals and clinics. The American Legion is active in issue-oriented U.S. politics. Its primary political activity is lobbying on behalf of the interests of veterans and service members, including support for benefits such as pensions, improvement of the Veterans Health Administration, and access to benefits and improved services; and

WHEREAS, the organization has also historically promoted "Americanism," which is the time-honored view that there is more that unites us than divides us and that despite our differences in background, we all hold dear the ideals that founded the United States; and

WHEREAS, the American Legion organization was founded on March 15, 1919, at the American Club in Paris by members of the American Expeditionary Forces who served there in World War I. It is a U.S. war veterans service organization with membership open to those who served at least one day of active duty during World War I or II, Korean War, Vietnam War or served during actions in Lebanon, Grenada and Panama. People who served after August 2, 1990, are also eligible for membership. Members must have an honorable discharge or still be serving. The American Legion's headquarters is in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is made up of regional departments and local posts both in the United States and a few locations abroad; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we join in the celebration which honors our Mississippi veterans whose selfless service is a debt we cannot repay to them and their families:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the Mississippi Chapters of the American Legion organization on the commemoration of its 100th Anniversary.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Mississippi Department of Veterans and Military Affairs for proper distribution to the local chapters of the American Legion and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.