Portion of proceeds will benefit Legion programs
INDIANAPOLIS (June 9, 2010) – A new documentary detailing the 91-year history of The American Legion has just been released and is currently available through the organization’s Web site and Flag & Emblem Sales division.
“History of The American Legion: A National Legacy” was produced by Blackhorse Productions, a California-based company that specializes in military documentaries. Narrated by actor Neal McDonough (Band of Brothers), the movie traces the World War I roots of The American Legion and follows its history from its founding through its support for the military during the Global War on Terrorism.
“The American Legion has been the leading voice for veterans and the military since 1919,” National Commander Clarence E. Hill said. “While many people know that The American Legion played a pivotal role in the creation of the GI Bill, they don’t necessarily know the fascinating history behind it. From the elevation of the VA to cabinet-status to the administration of some of the most successful youth programs in the country, The American Legion has too many noteworthy accomplishments for me to mention here. I am pleased that we now have a DVD that brings the illustrious history of The American Legion to life. This would make a great gift for any Legionnaire and a great educational tool for the general public.
“The National Executive Committee passed Resolution 6 during its October 2008 meetings, which authorized The American Legion to cooperate with Blackhorse Productions in the creation of the documentary. The project was completed at no cost to The American Legion, with a portion of the sales proceeds being allocated to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, Child Welfare Foundation and National Emergency Fund.
“Preserving history and teaching viewers about the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans is a passion for Blackhorse Productions,” said Jason Heit, Executive Producer and CEO. “We were extremely excited to not just tell the great story of The American Legion, but to include the American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Riders.”
The DVDs cost $19.95 each and are available online at www.emblem.legion.org or by calling 1-888-453-4466. The stock number is 755.906.
With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and the mentoring of youth. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
Congress is on the verge of passing the fiscal 2010 omnibus bill that includes appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs and military construction. It will provide $134.6 billion for programs and projects of critical importance to America’s veterans, military forces and families.
“This level of funding is going to bring a world of relief to many military families,” American Legion National Commander Clarence Hill said. “Some of them had to sell their homes when they were ordered to other locations. With the current housing market, no one envies their situation and the unfair financial burdens they’ve had to deal with.”
The measure gives VA $56.6 billion for its mandatory programs, and another $53 billion in discretionary funding - making the appropriations higher than they’ve ever received ($15.3 billion more than in fiscal 2009).
In a major victory for America’s veterans, the bill (H.R. 3082) includes - for the first time - advance VA appropriations to ensure stable funding sources for veterans’ medical care. For fiscal 2011, Congress has already allocated $48.2 billion for VA health-care programs.
“We made a tremendous effort, over the course of several years, to convince senators and representatives that providing advance appropriations would greatly benefit veterans in the VA health-care system,” Hill said. “That effort finally paid off. The advance appropriations bill is now law, and VA ‘s health care should be delivered in a timely manner from now on.”
Congress will provide $23.3 billion for military construction and family housing, and another $1.4 billion for projects that support U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
“We certainly appreciate the fact that Congress increased the original budget request for construction projects that are critical to the mission and quality of life for servicemembers and their families,” Hill said. “The American Legion heartily urges the House and Senate to continue this level of investment in our active-duty forces and veterans.”
The bill also funds renewable and alternative energy initiatives at military installations that will reduce future energy costs. Housing for military trainees will be modernized and more construction for National Guard and reserve forces will be funded.
The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Act of 1990 will also get more funding so it can be completed on time, with high-quality construction and sufficient environmental cleanup at closed military installations.
President Obama proclaims November as Military Family Month.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2009 - President Barack Obama pledged his support of military members and their families and said Americans have a “solemn obligation” to preserve their well-being in his proclamation declaring November as Military Family Month.
The proclamation reads:
“No one pays a higher price for our freedom than members of our Nation’s military and their families. As sons and daughters, husbands and wives, and mothers and fathers are deployed, military families endure with exceptional resilience and courage. They provide our troops with invaluable encouragement and love, and serve our Nation in their own right. During Military Family Month, we honor the families of our Armed Forces and thank them for their dedication to our country.
“Though only a small percentage of our Nation’s population, our troops bear the great responsibility of protecting our people. They, along with their families, serve us every day with courage and dignity. Ensuring that military families receive the respect they deserve and the support they have earned is a top priority for my Administration.
“The strength of our Nation is measured not just by our success on the battlefield, but also by our ability to support those families who have made so many sacrifices for us. Time and again, military families have shown their heart in the face of adversity. We have a solemn obligation to ensure that while our men and women in uniform discharge their duties, we do all we can to promote and preserve the well-being of their families. We must also support the families of our wounded warriors and our fallen heroes who have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy.
“This month, we celebrate the tremendous contributions of military families, convey to them our deepest respect and appreciation, and recommit ourselves to their support.
“NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2009 as Military Family Month. I call on all Americans to honor military families through private actions and public service for the tremendous contributions they make in the support of our service members and our Nation.”
Congress has made September 16 The American Legion Day! In commemoration of the day The American Legion was chartered by Congress - The American Legion Day, marks the beginning of a three-month period to promote the organization and the good work done to aid America’s veterans, their families and the communities in which American Legion posts are located. This is an opportune time to reconnect with your local community and possibly get some free publicity in your local news media. As I have said many times before “our posts are the window through which our communities view our American Legion”. Posts should make an effort to reestablish programs in the community and the schools in your respective areas and show we are much more than a bar. Make your community a Legiontown! Making your town a Legiontown can begin on The American Legion Day with a ceremony involving city leaders and the public with events and activities continuing through November. Every community interaction is an opportunity to educate the public about the four pillars of The American Legion and the services provided by your post. Other opportunities might include a vetereans’ service day, disaster preparedness education, Halloween safety, Heroes to Hometowns troop support events and other opportunities that directly involve members of your community. The better we educate our communities as to what The American Legion is the easier we will garner participation in our programs and entice new members to join our great organization! Let’s all make our communities Legiontowns!