The Key West Citizen

Legionitems

By JUDSON STEPHENS,
Arthur Sawyer Post No. 28, American Legion

Emblem:

I hope that you Legionnaires have noticed the new column heading for the last three weeks now. Thanks to our good friends in The Citizen we have a nice heading for our weekly column now.

Perhaps you would like to be refreshed though about what the emblem should mean to you. For a veteran and Legionnaires it is their badge of distinction, honor and service. It has and always will stand for God and country.

Of the several parts that go to make it up, each has its own significance. The rays of the sun which form the background are emblematic of the principles of the American Legion for Loyalty, Freedom and Democracy will dispel the darkness of violence, strife and evil.

The first two rings around the field of blue are gold and typify two of our four main objectives; rehabilitation of our sick and disabled comrades and care for the children of America. Within these rings is placed a wreath in remembrance of those who died that our liberty might live.

The star set upon the wreath reflects the glory of Victory and promises to the World the perpetuation of those cardinal principles of our Great Organization.

Upon the star are set two more rings made of bronze which typify the other two of our main objectives; a better and more loyal Americanism and service to the Community, State and Nation.

The inscription U. S. demands that the wearer shall ever guard the sanctity of home and country.

Membership:

We haven't talked membership for some time now and I have it is most important that we do. Membership can never be stressed or urged upon you Legionnaires too much. It is our lifeblood. Without it we can never survive.

We are constantly being picked at by forces trying to undermine us and to combat it we must have members.

Right now the American Legion is carrying out one of its hottest battles with the American Medical Association over their pressure of reducing the veterans' benefits.

They want to push the disabled vets into state or county health operated hospitals, which are not able and cannot accommodate the large number that need constant care. How about joining in this fight and sign up as many members as possible?

Maybe you will say, "Oh, well, my little help won't count on such a large project. They won't even know I am helping." If you take that attitude then we will never succeed in winning this most important of issues.

The AMA is fighting us tooth and nail in Congress but so far haven't won because they don't have enough concrete facts to support their desires. They don't mind taking the money from the vet as long as it lasts but when all he has is gone, they want to shove him off on someone else.

We, as Legionnaires, have an obligation to uphold and with a big membership drive we can do our part. Someday you might be one of those that are being pushed out of the Veterans' Hospital and need help.

Don't ever forget that you too can get sick. Just don't say to yourself, "Well, why should I worry about someone I don't even know" because as I have said, that someone might be you one of these days. Get to work, now, and bring in those renewals and new members. Don't wait until it is too late!

Bowling Team:

Well, the team last Tuesday night rolled hard to win at least second place in the Civic League but lost by only one game, and that one by only 50 pins. But we still have the next time to look forward to.

Plans are now going ahead to get into the Mid-Winter League which will be organized shortly. Our team has improved quite a bit since this trial summer session began and I believe we will do much better in the future.

"For God and Country..."

Frank Thomas, outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, once studied for the priesthood.