Commander's Message | April 2017

April is all about Children and Youth, one of the American Legion Four Pillars. The roots of the fourth pillar - Children & Youth - reach back to the combat-weary doughboys who founded The American Legion. They survived trench warfare, machine-gun firefights, mid-air dogfights and mustard gas. When they called their first caucus at Paris in 1919, they focused not on themselves but on the children and youth of America. They knew that children were made orphans by the war, and that many had little chance to succeed without help. The slogan they coined resonates today: "A Square Deal for Every Child." Millions of dollars have since been raised and innumerable hours have been volunteered by Legionnaires, in order to help children who are sick, in need or simply looking for opportunities to achieve their goals.

Today’s American Legion is as focused on the welfare of our country’s children and the issues facing our young people as it has ever been. The structure of this organization is forever supported by the balance that our founding architects envisioned. Therefore, this pillar – Children & Youth – and its programs remain committed to serving the nation’s youth. Members of The American Legion Americanism Commission’s Committee on Children & Youth have been entrusted with the awesome responsibility of upholding this pillar – the one that braces our nation’s veterans by caring for their children, and our nation’s children.

The purpose of the committee is to formulate, recommend and implement plans, programs and activities designed to:

• Assure care and protection for the children of veterans.

• Improve conditions for all children and youth, with due concern for maintaining the integrity of the family home.

• Prevent social and physical ills of children and youth where possible.

• Maintain a balanced program that provides for their physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs.

Go to: https://www.legion.org/sites/legion.org/files/legion/publications/April-is-Children-and-Youth-Month.pdf for more information.

 Don’t forget Nominations for the Officers and Executive Committee members for Post 43 is this month on April 3rd (see details below). As I mentioned in the last newsletter it’s time to start thinking about leadership and how you can get involved in the decision process of the Post and the Legion. For all our new members that have shown an interest in getting involved this is the time to stand up and be recognized. Following this date will be our Nominations for Department Convention! So, Don’t just talk about it.. Do It!.. Get nominated! Let your voice be heard..

This year our Department Convention will be held in Riverside, CA June 21st – 26th. Delegates have an opportunity to learn more about the American Legion and meet fellow Legionnaires from all over California who, like you, want to get involved. As a delegate you will represent the Post in the various committee meetings as well as the convention floor at all sessions. The Post will cover the cost of attending but the delegates’ job does not end when the convention is over.  If elected as a delegate please consider the commitment and investment of time to serve your fellow Legionnaires throughout the upcoming Legion year. 

In closing, thank you all for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Commander. It’s been a privilege to be a part of this great organization and the history of Hollywood Post 43. Tim :0)