Section 1 a “Blueprint” for the 21st Century Purpose

Please completely fill out the form on the next page and fax or mail it to the Department Headquarters.

FILL OUT FORM COMPLETELY AND FAX OR MAIL TO

DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS

THIS FORM MAY BE REPRODUCED LOCALLY

SURPLUS MILITARY EQUIPMENT
Regulations, procedures, and prices for obtaining blank ammunition surplus rifles, and other Military equipment available for donation is subject to change without notice. The Department of the Army has made major changes.
Be advised all requests for surplus military equipment must first go through the Washington Office to verify the legitimacy of the Post making the request.
The Washington Office is only authorized to handle requests from chartered American Legion Posts in good standing. Once verification has been made, the Washington Office to the appropriate agencies for processing sends requests. When requests are made to Congressional offices or other military Departments, without the proper verification and endorsement, the acquisition process is greatly slowed down. Separate letters must be sent for each type of equipment being requested. If both rifles and ammunition are needed, separate letters must be sent for each type of equipment being requested. If both rifles and ammunition are needed, separate requests should be forwarded to the Washington Office as two different agencies, Rock Island, IL and Warren, MI will be handling the items. This is a change from past handling procedures.
Requests are to be made on Post letterhead and contain the following:

Post name and number Address (not a P.O Box number)

Telephone number of members in the Post (another new change)

Post Commander or Adjutant must sign request.

telephone number to Executive Director, Washington Office, American Legion National Headquarters, 1608 K Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20006.

2. Ammunition is now provided free of charge. Please do not send any checks or money orders.

3. It is preferred the ammunition be shipped to a residence of an officer and not to the post. Provide a home delivery address in your written request along with a phone number for that residence.

4. At the present time, the only storage facility handling blank ammunition is in Missouri; orders will be shipped from there. You should receive a letter indicating your order has been processed along with a tentative ship out date. Orders are usually received within 5 working days after shipment. Federal Express will not call you to let you know they are on the way to deliver. A signature is required upon delivery. No orders should be left at the door without a signature.

5. Upon receipt of the above information from a Post, the Legion’s Washington Office will place an endorsement on the request stating it is a chartered Post in good standing and eligible to participate in the Veterans’ Program. The request, with endorsement, will be forwarded to Rock Island, IL for processing. No further correspondence should be necessary. Presently, it cannot be estimated how long it will take for ammunition requests to be filled. Requests will be handled in turn as to when received and when ammunition is available.

Officer of AL = Commander or Adjutant

Officer of VFW = Commander, Quartermaster or Adjutant

Officer of DAV = Commander or Adjutant

Officer of MCL = Commandant, Sr. Vice Commandant or Jr. Vice Commandant

Officer of AMVETS = Commander, Vice Commander or Adjutant

• 
  Your request for forms to order blank ammunition and/or clips can be by letter, fax, phone call, or email.
  
• 
  Request for forms must provide home mailing address, phone number of officer, post number, and city/state where the post is located. Forms are sent to the residence of the officer and not to the post. A new form needs to be requested each time you need to order blank ammunition and/or clips.
  
• 
  Address your request for issue of AMSJM Form 725-2 to:
  

Joint Munitions Command POC: Dawn Folland

ATTN: SFSJM-CDS Email: follandd@afsc.army.mil

1 Rock Island Arsenal (309) 782-4608

Rock Island, IL 61299-6000 Fax: (309) 782-7292 or (309) 782-1776

• 
  Prefer to ship ammunition to the residence of an officer, not to the post.
  
• 
  Ammunition is sent 1,240 rounds (2 metal cans in a wooden box).
  
• 
  Quantity is limited to 2 boxes (2,480 rounds) of ammunition.
  

Please do not send any money/checks. Ammunition and clips are provided free of charge (no shipping and handling). ALL checks/money will be returned.

Under the provisions of Public Law 1028, Title 10 United States Code (USC) 4683, the Secretary of the Army, under regulations prescribed, may conditionally lend or donate excess M-1 rifles (not more than 15), slings, and cartridge belts to any eligible organization for use by that organization for funeral ceremonies of a member of former member of the armed forces, and for other ceremonial purposes. The American Legion is only authorized to handle requests from chartered Legion Posts in good standing. The Army facility at Warren, MI is responsible for issuing and management of rifles for ceremonial use. Title 10, USC 4683 allows conditions to be imposed on the use of the rifles as may be necessary to ensure security, safety, and accountability. The Secretary may impose such other conditions as considered appropriate.

An American Legion Post wishing to obtain rifles for ceremonial use should forward its request through the Washington Office of The American Legion. The request should be on Post letterhead with an address, not a P.O. Box number, a telephone number, a contact person, the # of active organization members, and should be signed by the Post Commander or Adjutant. State the number of rifles desired up to a maximum of 15. Failure to include any of these requirements will cause the letter of request to be returned to the Post. The request is endorsed stating that the Post is chartered and in good standing and eligible to participate in the ceremonial rifle program. It is forwarded to Headquarters, U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, Attn: AMSTA-LC-CID, Warren, MI 48397-5000. An e-mail address is: donations@tacom.army.mil. The command may be reached by calling 1-800-325-2920, ext. 46943 or 48469 or visit their website at: www.tacom.army.mil/ceremonial_rifle. E-mail or fax requests cannot be processed, as the signed original must be forwarded.

Once TACOM receives the endorsed request, forwarded by the Washington Office, processing will begin and an eligibility package will be sent to the Post. This package will include the checklist and forms required for completion by the Post Commander or Adjutant. Return the original forms to TACOM. The sooner the forms are completed and returned, the quicker the request will be filled and rifles sent to the Post. Presently it takes approximately ninety days for rifles to be shipped after receipt of the eligibility requirements from the Post. The American Legion National Headquarters has no forms to send to Posts. The only thing done by the Legion is to verify on the request the Post is eligible.

Currently, surplus MI Garand rifles are available for ceremonial use on a conditional basis. These rifles are shipped from Anniston Army Depot located in Anniston, Alabama. Ceremonial rifles remain the property of the United States Government. The rifles cannot be loaned, sold, transferred, or given to anyone else without the written approval of the Donations Program Group Office. If for any reason the Post no longer requires the use of the conditionally loaned rifles, submit a written request to the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, 6501 East 11 Mile Rd., Attn: AMSTA-LC-CID, M/S:419, Warren, MI 48397-5000. The Post is provided with shipping instructions for defective or unserviceable rifles.

Transportation for the return of the rifles is at the expense of the Post. After the rifles are returned, provide a copy of the receipt to TACOM for validation of the return. In turn, they will send a letter to absolve the Post of the responsibility for the returned rifles.

If rifles are no longer in the possession of the Post, it is a requirement to state what happened to them. If the rifles were lost or stolen prior to 1980, a notarized statement signed by the Commander describing the circumstances surrounding their loss and the action(s) taken to recover the rifles is acceptable. For rifles lost, stolen, damaged, etc., after 1980, a police and/or fire Department report is required. Send this information to TACOM for review. After review, a determination is made as to the liability for the missing/lost/stolen rifles. The Post will be notified if reimbursement costs are required.

Slings are not provided through the Donations Program Group Office. The Post may order from Amherst Arms or Fulton Armory: Amherst Arms, PO Box 1457, Englewood, FL 34295. Their telephone number is: 1-941-475-2020. The address for Fulton Armory is: 8725 Bollman Place # 1, Savage, MD 20763. Their telephone number is: 1-800-878-9485.

The following checklist is provided to assist Posts receiving M1 rifles for ceremonial use. The guidance is based on AR 190-11. Physical Security of Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives (AA&E). AR 190-11 should be referred to for specific requirements. The weapons donated are classified as Category IV weapons.

1. 
   Walls. Walls will be constructed of a minimum, 2-inch by 4-inch standard studs on 16-in centers, gypsum board or plaster surface. At least one surface will be covered with 1-inch (nominal) double nailed tongue-and-groove wood sheathing or material: for example, 3/4-inch plywood, which provides a similar degree of security.
   
2. 
   Ceilings, roof, and floors. At a minimum, they will be 1-inch (nominal) double nailed tongue-and-groove wood sheathing or other material: for example, 3/4 -inch plywood, which provides a similar degree of security.
   
3. 
   Doors, windows, and other openings. At a minimum, doors will be constructed of 1 3/4 inch thick, solid, or laminated wood, or be of standard 1 3/4-inch thick hollow metal, industrial type construction with minimum 16-gauge thickness. At a minimum, windows and other openings will be constructed to provide equivalent penetration resistance as that provided by the walls. Windows and other openings will be sealed with material comparable to that forming the adjacent walls and otherwise limited to the minimum essential. Windows, ducts, vents, or similar openings of 96 square inches or more with the least dimension greater than 6 inches will be equipped with any of the following:
   

1. 
   Three-eighth inch or larger hardened steel bars, provided the vertical bars are not more than 4 inches apart with horizontal bars welded to the vertical bars so that the openings do not exceed 32 square inches.
   
2. 
   Number 8 gauge high carbon manganese steel mesh with 2-in diamond grid.
   
3. 
   Number 6 gauge steel mesh with 2-inch diamond grid with number 8 in (2) above, is not available.
   
4. 
   Bars or steel mesh will be securely embedded in the structure of the building or welded to a steel frame that will be securely attached to the wall with fastenings inaccessible for the exterior of arms storage facility.
   

4. 
   Arms stored in unmanned facilities not equipped with an intrusion detection system will be checked by a security/guard patrol at irregular intervals not to exceed 24 hours. Liaison will be established with local civil police agencies to ensure periodic surveillance is conducted.
   
5. 
   Within the arms storage facility, weapons will be stored in metal containers or arms racks. Approved metal wall lockers or metal cabinets may be used. Containers, cabinets, lockers, or arms racks will be locked to prevent weapon removal without leaving visible signs of tampering. Screws, bolts, hinges, and other fastening hardware will be made to prevent disassembly, e.g. bolts and hinge pins spot welded or brazed to prevent easy removal. Arms racks, containers, cabinets, or lockers weighing less than 500 pounds will be securely fastened to the structure. Chains used to secure racks, containers, etc., will be heavy duty hardened steel, welded straight links steel, galvanized of at least 5/16-inch thickness or of equivalent resistance.
   
6. 
   Doors used for access to arms storage rooms will be locked with an approved high security locking device or high security padlock and hasp providing comparable protection to the locks.
   
7. 
   Tools such as hammers, bolt cutter, chisels, crowbars, hacksaws, and similar items which could be used to gain unauthorized access should be removed from the vicinity of the arms storage room. High value items subject to pilferage should not be stored with the arms.
   
8. 
   Key and lock control procedures will be established. AR 190-11, paragraph 3-8 provides regulatory requirements. Highlights of key and lock control requirements include: development of a key control register and inventory, appointment of a key and lock custodian, authorization roster for signing out keys, key container specifications, lock specifications, and protection of combinations.
   
9. 
   Stored weapons will be rendered inoperable. For M1918 rifles, the firing pin series will be removed. For M1 rifles, the bolt assembly will be removed. The removed items will be tagged with the weapon's serial number to ensure return to the same weapon and stored in a locked container away from the arms storage facility, e.g. in another building. Etching of the weapon's serial number on the removed part is prohibited.
   
10. 
    Personnel having access to the arms storage facility should be kept to a minimum. A current roster of those authorized access to the facility should be maintained. A security screening process should be developed to determine trustworthiness and reliability of those individuals assigned duties involving control and accountability of the weapons. Recommend local law enforcement authorities be contacted for assistance.
    
11. 
    Lost, stolen or missing weapons. An investigation will be made of lost, stolen, or missing arms to determine the circumstances surrounding the loss or theft and to fix responsibility as necessary. As soon as a loss or theft is discovered, notification to the local law enforcement authorities and the TACOM Police Desk at (810) 574-5564 will be made. The notice will be as complete as possible but will not be delayed because of incomplete data.
    

Alternative acceptable methods of storage are:

• 
  In a locked gun cabinet/safe located in a non-public access area
  
• 
  In a gun cabinet with a chain running through the trigger guards to prevent removal.
  

• 
  In a private residence
  
• 
  In a gun cabinet located in an area accessed by the public
  
• 
  In a glass faced cabinet without additional security
  
• 
  Openly displayed in a public area
  

Local law enforcement is required to inspect the Posts arms room. The police have three options: (1) the room meets specifications; (2) the room does not meet specifications but is considered adequate, or (3) the room does not meet specifications and the police do not recommend storage of the weapons in the room. The Donations Program Group office usually upholds the police recommendation.

The following organizations are presently authorized to acquire through donation obsolete condemned surplus combat equipment for decorative and/or monumental purposes:

Municipal Corporations Soldiers' Monument Associations State Museums

An incorporated museum, operated and maintained for educational purpose only, when charter

denies it the right to operate for profit.

A Post of The American Legion

A local unit of any other recognized war veteran's association
Equipment is for static display only and is not in working condition. For instance, this program would not have jeeps in condition for driving or other movable vehicles. Equipment in working order should be obtained at military R&R activities or at bases with surplus sales.

All requests for tanks, field artillery pieces, mortars, etc., should be directed to the Washington Office of The American Legion, 1608 K Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20006. This Headquarters is only authorized to process requests from American Legion Posts. Requests are to be made on Post letterhead and contain the following: Post name and number; address (not a P.O. Box number); Telephone number and name of contact person; number of members in the Post; and all requests must be signed by the Commander or Adjutant.

Donations of combat equipment for display are made at no expense to the government. The costs for handling, demilitarization, where applicable, and transportation , must be paid by the requesting organization. The method of transportation may be chosen by the receiving organizations if such choice is economically advantageous and the item to be transported does not exceed weight or measurement limitations established by State Highway Departments if truck transportation is indicated.

Once the Washington Headquarters receives the request for a piece of equipment, it will be endorsed stating the Post is chartered and in good standing and eligible to participate in the program. The request is forwarded to the proper agency at TACOM in Warren, MI. The Washington Headquarters does not have any forms or information as to what is available. Once TACOM receives the request, they prepare an official packet and sends it to the Post. The Post then reviews all rules, regulations, requirements, and can then make a final decision if the equipment is still desired.

Membership in the American Legion Auxiliary is limited to the mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, granddaughters, great-granddaughters and grandmothers of members of The American Legion, and to the mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, granddaughters, great-granddaughters and grandmothers of all men and women who were in the Armed Forces of the United States during any of the following periods: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918; December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946; June 25, 1950, to January 31, 1955; February 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975; August 24, 1982, to July 31, 1984; December 20, 1989, to January 31, 1990; August 2, 1990, to the date of cessation of hostilities as determined by the Government of the United States, all dates inclusive, or who, being a citizen of the United States at the time of their entry therein, served on active duty in the armed forces of any of the governments associated with the United States during any of the said periods, and died in the line of duty or after honorable discharge; and to those women who of their own right are eligible for membership in The American Legion.

1. If applicant is joining on her own service record, the Auxiliary Unit to which she is applying for membership will be responsible for verification of her eligibility for membership. It’s not necessary she be a member of The American Legion.

2. If applicant is joining on the basis of her relationship to a member of The American Legion, a Post officer of the Post to which that relative belongs must certify the Legionnaire’s membership in that Post.

3. If any applicant wishes to join a unit or a Post other than the one to which her Legionnaire relative belongs, the unit to which she is applying for membership should check the eligibility with the Post of her Legionnaire relative.

4. Under no circumstances, when the eligibility for American Legion Auxiliary membership is to be based on relationship to a deceased veteran, should an Adjutant certify an application for membership without checking the

discharge papers of the deceased veteran to determine the dates of service fall within those time periods which determine eligibility for American Legion membership. The deceased veteran need not have been a Legionnaire for the applicant to qualify for membership in the Auxiliary.

Sons are urged to participate in American Legion and public observances. Holidays generally observed by the squadrons include Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Veterans Day, etc. SAL uniformed groups are quite popular. Many squadrons have active drill teams and color guards that participate in patriotic observances in their local communities.

Since the age eligibility begins from date of birth, activities and programs of any squadron should be determined by: (1) age groupings of those eligible; (2) apparent needs of youthful eligibles; (3) needs of the community for the programs and activities which could be provided by SAL; and (4) capabilities of those serving as leaders and advisers.

Just as each Legion Post determines the extent of its service to the community, state and nation, each squadron is permitted flexibility in planning programs and activities for the needs of its own age groups.

The initiation of candidates for membership is important in the life of the squadron. New members taken into the Sons of The American Legion should be initiated with full ceremony. The first impression is often the most lasting.

Make sure you have copies of the SAL Squadron Handbook available when initiating your new candidates. The Squadron handbook contains a wealth of information on the “Initiation Ceremony,” “Installation of Squadron Officers,” the “Ceremonial for Regular Meetings,” the “Official Uniform of the SAL,” “The Ten Ideals” program and the “Five-Point Program of Service.”

Two copies of the handbook per squadron are available from your Department for the Squadron Commander and the Squadron Adjutant. Additional copies may be purchased from National Emblem Sales, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1055.

Membership in the Sons of The American Legion is limited to “All male descendants, adopted sons and stepsons of members of The American Legion, and such male descendants of veterans who died in service during World War l, World War II, Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, and the Persian Gulf War, during the delimiting periods set forth in Article IV, Section l, of the National Constitution of The American Legion, or who died subsequent to their honorable discharge from such service, shall be eligible for membership in the Sons of The American Legion.

The Internet is the worldwide connection of many computers and networks. The American Legion has established its own presence there and the Post members can find much information about the Legion.

Via the computer, one can locate the address of National Headquarters and see a map of the locations in Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. There is background material of programs, news releases, articles from The American Legion Magazine, Emblem Sales items and other valuable information, some of it similar to what you see in this guide. Unlike this printed book, however, the Legion’s web pages are updated as soon as the information changes. There are visual images, such as clip art that can be downloaded or sent to a computer printer. News releases and statements of late-breaking importance, such as our close work with Gulf War veterans and our support of the flag protection amendment are on site within hours of release.

Our Legion family is also represented with information about the Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion. There are also references and links to government information, such as jobs and benefits, via web sites for the Department of Employment and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Home Page is not only to be read. Messages may be sent via the Guest Registry or e-mail function. National Headquarters can be reached with your questions, comments or concerns and a response, when required, can often be returned quickly. Not only will you save the cost of a stamp, but you will probably have an answer days sooner than in the more traditional U.S. Mail fashion. In addition to e-mailing National Headquarters, there are lists of other offices with similar computer capabilities, such as Department Adjutants and Service Officers. At present, there are only a few Departments with their own web sites, but whenever a Department site is found, it is included, along with their e-mail address.

Below the Department level, many Posts, Counties and Districts are developing their own web sites. Though we neither encourage nor discourage other American Legion web sites, we hope any Post establishing a site provides only local information related to Legionnaires and other veterans. These local sites should link to the Department or National Headquarters sites for details at those levels. Departments will make the determination whether these local sites will be linked to or listed within the Department web pages.

The American Legion will not abandon the printed page as a source of information. Because of its speed and efficiency, the Internet is here to stay, and those Legionnaires with access to computers should take advantage of the wealth of information available on the Internet from National Headquarters. The American Legion’s World Wide Web address is: www.legion.org

The American Legion’s e-mail address is: tal@legion.org.

Following is a list of basic handbooks and publications issued by the National Headquarters. These publications are generally available free through your Department Headquarters. In many cases, one copy of a publication can be provided per Post without cost, but a modest change may be required for additional copies. (See Emblem Catalog for current prices of sale items.) General publications include:

Action Programs of Americanism

Adult Literacy

American Education Week

American Legion School Award Medal Program

Americanism Manual

Baseball Handbook

Boys State Program

Department Americanism Chairman’s Guide

Education Chairman’s Guide

Eight and Forty Nurse Scholarship Fund

National High School Oratorical Rules

PACT in Education Handbook

The American Legion and Scouting

Chairman’s Guide to the Oratorical Contest

Saga of Four Chaplains

Chaplains Prayer Manual

Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States of America

Flag of The United States (code)

Guide for Parents and Students

I Pledge Allegiance (comic book)

Know Your America

Let’s Be Right on Flag Etiquette

Need a Lift? (Financial Aid and scholarship information)

Our Country’s Flag (comic book)

Service to God and Country

World Geography Coloring and Activity Book

Children & Youth - Free Items:

American Legion Child Welfare Foundation Brochure

American Legion Child Welfare Foundation Brochure - Awards

American Legion Child Welfare Foundation Brochure - Grant Guidelines

American Legion Child Welfare Foundation Contribution Envelopes

Annual Children & Youth Program Brochure

April is Children & Youth Month

Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Brochure

Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Fund Raising Guidebook

Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Walk-a-Thon Guidebook

Family Support Network

Gateway Drugs (Drug Prevention)

Make Halloween A Safe and Fun Night

National Family Week

Play It Safe Booklet (Child Safety)

Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA)

Unit Children & Youth Report Form

Warning Signs (Youth Suicide Prevention)

We Want A Children & Youth Report From Your Unit or Salon

Children & Youth - Cost Items: (See National Emblem Sales Catalog)

Nathan’s Visit (Safety Comic Book)

Employment Service Awards—booklet containing rules and official nomination forms

Employer Awards Program—booklet containing rules and official nomination forms

A Resource Guide For The Homeless Veteran—pamphlet

Job Fairs for Veterans—explains how Posts and Departments can plan and initiate job fairs

Pocket Guide to The American Legion’s Economic Award Program

Questions and Answers About Your First Resume—pamphlet

Veterans Preference—pamphlet

Foreign Relations Statement of Positions and Resolutions POW/MIA Fact Book

Legislative Handbook ($6.00 per 100 copies)

“How a Thought Becomes a Bill—How a Bill Becomes a Law” ($9.00 per 100)

“Effective Grassroots Lobbying” (See Emblem Sales Catalog; stock # 75204, $1.95 per copy)

Digest of National Convention Digest of National Executive Committee

Post Adjutant’s Manual (available on our web site)

Post Officers Guide & Manual of Ceremonies (available on our web site)

Post Operations Manual - Guidelines To Post Building Program

Why You Should Belong—membership promotional material

Paid Up For Life (P.U.F.L.) Brochure and P.U.F.L. Applications

Post Membership Team Training Guide

National Security:

The American Legion Blood Program

The American Legion ROTC Achievement Program

The American Legion Fire Protection/Prevention Program

The American Legion National Crime Prevention Program

National Security Statement of Positions and Resolutions

The American Legion Certificate of Commendation, Post Officers

The American Legion Certificate of Commendation, Fire Fighters

The American Legion Certificate of Appreciation, Civil Air Patrol

Public Relations:

Public Relations Handbook (also available on our web site)

Speakers Guide (now included in PR Handbook)

Message Points (available on our web site)

American Legion Fact Sheets

(Speeches are available for The American Legion Birthday, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Veterans Day, Our Preamble, Americanism, Flag Retirement Ceremony, Civic Groups, GI Bill of Health, We Call Ourselves Legionnaires, Post Home Dedication, and Women Veterans.

Star Service Banner, Patriotic Holidays; "A Day To Remember" Sept 11th Remembrance spots; and

American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.

Print: Blue Star Service Banner ad slicks, "Day to Remember" promotional materials, Membership ad slicks; Family Support Network ad slicks, American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund ad slicks, and general clip art for external and internal publications.

Sons of The American Legion:

SAL Squadron Handbook SAL Brochure

SAL Why I Belong Brochure SAL VA & R Brochure

Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation:

The GI Bill of Health: A Vision For Excellence In Veterans Health Care For All Generations

The American Legion Guide to: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

The American Legion Guide: Women Veterans

Is There Value In VA?

Gulf War Era Benefits and Programs: A Guide for Veterans and Families

Vietnam Veterans: Guide to Agent Orange Benefits

Sourcebook for Military Personnel and Veterans

Post Service Officer's Guidebook

Volunteer Hospital Workers Handbook

The American Legion - What To Do Before A Veteran Dies

The American Legion - Guide To Filing Military Discharge Review Board and Board for Correction

of Military Records Applications

The American Legion - Debt Management Guide
Histories Are Important

It has been a well-established policy of The American Legion to encourage the preparation of Post histories. Such information on the Post’s activities will be of considerable value in the years to come.

The National Headquarters is also aware in many Posts a professional historian does not fill the position of Historian. This need not deny a proper recording of the respective Post’s activities. The scope of the information included is the main consideration, keeping in mind, however, the comprehensiveness, readability, and arrangement, so as to make it not only an interesting account of your Post but a reference source as well.

You, as Post Historian, should start now to make a permanent record of your organization for the year ahead, from the installation of officers, up to and including the Department Convention. To help you gather the specific details concerning your post, you may want to ask your Post Adjutant for a copy of the year’s past Consolidated Post Report. That statistical summary will indicate the type and amount of activity that can help you put together as complete picture as possible. Make plans to compile a complete history of your Post since its founding, but concentrate, for the present, on a one-year history. Then go back into the files and gradually write up the back history.

The National Historian will normally conduct annual one-year narrative history or scrapbook/yearbook (pictorial) history on the Post level. It is felt that these ongoing National Contests will add stability and continuity to the recording of Post events for future generations of Legionnaires. Your Department Historian will inform you of any National Contest changes that may occur during your tenure as Post Historian.

You will find herein, comprehensive outlines to compile a One-Year Narrative History or Scrapbook/Yearbook with their respective Judging Standards for competition in the National Contests.

To be eligible for the National Contests, your entry in either category must be a “first place winner” in your Department Contests and must be “certified” as such by your Department Historian before being forwarded to the National Historian.

The work of collecting, preserving and recording the activities of The American Legion is an important endeavor and demands much detail work; hopefully you will find it inspiring and rewarding.

It is suggested you contact your Department Historian for additional ideas and information regarding your Department contest qualifications.

You can appreciate the fact Departments of The American Legion have their own particular set-up and policies. You will find it advantageous to adapt these suggestions of your Department to your own needs, keeping in mind your compliance with the National outlines for the contests that are usually conducted for the Posts.