The American Legion, like the rest of society, enters 2021 with a sense of reflection about what place we have in this world. The problems of 2020 would seem to be out of our control, but we are all responsible for our actions and reactions to that world.
As a non-partisan organization, The American Legion typically abstains from public political debates, but we exist in this world and so do our members. Of particular focus these days is our divided nation and the emergence of radical thinking and groups that leverage that perspective into hate.
When the scenario turns to hate, The American Legion cannot stand silent. It is no longer about free speech or simple political discourse, rather it morphs into an affront to both Legionnaires and our communities, states and nations. As sworn defenders of this country, when lines are crossed, we must take a stand. A prime example occurred in 2017, when a resolution was passed that reaffirmed an 84 year old position of The American Legion. The original resolution resolves that:
“The American Legion considers any individual, group of individuals, or organizations, which creates, or fosters racial, religious or class strife among our people, or which takes into their own hands the enforcement of law, determination of guilt, or infliction of punishment, to be un-American, a menace to our liberties, and destructive to our fundamental law.”
Each member of The American Legion takes an oath and lives under the Preamble to the Constitution of the organization. That Preamble is recited at the start of every meeting and is printed on the back of the very membership card that all members carry. These words are defining of both the individual and the larger organization. We pledge, among other things, to support ideals such as:
- – “to promote peace and goodwill on Earth” – In this promotion of peace and goodwill, we endeavor to be an inclusive organization, and in that mission, must reject the principles of hate.
- – “to maintain law and order” – To this end, we cannot become lawless by creating, encouraging, or magnifying the chaos of violence, even if the individual feels a sense of moral justification.
- – “to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation” – This clause binds us to the larger world. In this world, we lead by example, thus conducting ourselves with conduct becoming a Legionnaire. Violating this principle can be grounds for expulsion.
It should be clear that The American Legion has no room for hate in its membership, nor will we silently tolerate hate in any form. With the current tone of the nation’s dialog, these principles, without discipline and attention, can be lost in the fray. This cannot and will not be tolerated. The American Legion has internal mechanisms to deal with actions of malintent that violate the core values of the organization, as voted on by the members of the organization.
The core values are not a reaction to any news of the day. They are printed and carried in our wallets. They are recited at our gatherings, and they reside if the hearts of those members who conduct themselves in congruence with the principles expected of Legionnaires.
Author: caLegion Contributor
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