It's time to join together
Published 5:41 am Wednesday, July 12, 2006
By By Adam Prestridge
A few months ago while covering an event at the Atmore American Legion Post 90, I was asked to take on a project that has never been done within the City of Atmore.
I'll be the first to admit that I was reluctant at first to take on the task. But now that I've had time to think things over, I'm honored.
Hopefully I'll still feel the same following this column and the responses I receive.
Commander Aubrey Stanley and some members of various American Legions from the across the state asked me to from a Sons of The American Legion and become a part of The Legion Family.
The Sons of The American Legion was created in 1932 as an organization within The American Legion. The S.A.L. is made up of men and boys of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the United States military and became eligible for membership in The American Legion. Together, members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion make up what is known as The Legion Family.
All three organizations place high importance on preserving our American traditions and values, improving the quality of life for our nation's children, caring for veterans and their families, and perhaps most importantly, teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship. Sons have always assisted Legionnaires with Legion Family programs.
The Legion Family boasts a combined total membership of nearly 4.2 million members. This year, Sons attained an all time high national membership of over 295,000. The largest Detachment, Pennsylvania, has over 38,000 members. Trophies and awards are given to Detachments and Squadrons for the largest membership and the largest increase in membership.
Just as each Legion post determines the extent of its service to the community, state, and nation, each S.A.L. squadron is permitted flexibility in planning programs and activities to meet its own needs. The S.A.L. has study programs recommended for younger members. One such program, called "The Ten Ideals," teaches the elements of patriotism, health, knowledge, training, honor, faith, helpfulness, courtesy, reverence, and comradeship. If a member completes the Ten Ideals program, he is eligible to continue with another program called the "Five-Point Program of Service." This program covers patriotism, citizenship, discipline, leadership, and legionism.
Sons focus on much more than just membership. At all levels, Sons support The American Legion in promoting a wide variety of programs. Sons assist their Posts in other activities such as Veterans programs, Veterans Administration home and hospital volunteerism, Children Youth projects, and fund raising.
It's time to join forces and honor our family and loved ones by serving our community just as they served our great country.
If anyone would like to be a part of the Atmore Sons of The American Legion, which is in its startup stages, please contact me.
Adam Prestridge is publisher of The Atmore Advance. He can be reached at at 368-2123.