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Articles
The
American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, war-time
veterans organization, devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is a not-for-profit
community-service organization which now numbers nearly 3 million members,
men and women, in nearly 15,000 American Legion posts worldwide.
VOTE
The American Legion encourages all Americans to
register and vote in all elections. Legionnaires have traditionally
responded to the call and are among the groups of individuals most likely to
cast their ballots on Election Day.
Americans have the right to vote for whom they choose to represent them in
our representative form of government. They also have the duty, a
responsibility, to use their right to vote and to familiarize themselves
with the candidates and the issues up for decision on Election Day.
Every election is important, as the individuals elected to office will
establish laws under which we must live and they will make important
decisions for spending the tax dollars we pay to our government.
Citizens must be reminded that good government is established when concerned
citizens participate in the electoral process. They must also understand
what is expected of them and they must know clearly and simply how to go
about doing it. The American Legion Get Out the Vote program strives to do
that.
Each year we elect hundreds of thousands of public officials whose decisions
directly influence the lives and well being of all citizens. The benefits
derived from voting are produced by electing officials that are in tune with
the wishes of the citizens and their concerns in providing a community in
which it is suitable to live, work and raise a family.
The electorate must be reminded that their vote guarantees all other rights,
builds schools, paves highways, collects taxes, maintains the Armed Forces,
directs the foreign policy, and influences how our friends overseas view our
Republic. History has proven that one vote can make a difference so it is
important that every single voice be heard. Each citizen must be made aware
that their vote is important and that you are willing to help provide an
easy access to the election process for them.
Voting is a powerful way for a citizen to participate in their government.
It gives them a voice in issues that affect their lives. It is the goal of
The American Legion and its Get Out the Vote program to encourage more
Americans to vote, to suggest activities on how American Legion Posts can
increase the turnout and serve as a resource to get the job done.
POPPY
The
Poppy Program is the oldest and most widely recognized Auxiliary program.
Each year around Memorial Day, Auxiliary volunteers distribute millions of
bright red crepe paper poppies in exchange for contributions to assist
disabled and hospitalized veterans. The program provides multiple benefits
to the veterans and to the community. The hospitalized veterans who make the
flowers are able to earn a small wage, which helps to supplement their
incomes and makes them feel more self-sufficient. The physical and mental
activity provides many therapeutic benefits as well. Donations are used
exclusively to assist and support veterans and their families. The poppy
also reminds the community of the past sacrifices and continuing needs of
our veterans. Auxiliary members endeavor to explain the true meaning of this
little flower to all those who receive it. The poppy has become a nationally
known and recognized symbol of sacrifice and is worn and used by Auxiliary
members to honor the men and women who served and died for their country in
all wars.
Support our Troops
WASHINGTON
(Army News Service) - The U.S. Postal Service will begin offering a discount
Priority Mail rate March 3 and a larger box for care packages sent to
military members overseas.
The new flat-rate box is 50 percent larger than the current Priority Mail
package and it will be delivered for $10.95 to an APO/FPO address -- $2 less
than for domestic destinations.
"This is the first time the Postal Service has offered a special price
for our armed forces serving overseas," said Postmaster General John
Potter. "We're proud that family and friends will be able to use this
new larger-sized box to send much appreciated packages from home to our
dedicated troops overseas."
The new Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Box (12" x 12" x 5 inches or
800 cubic inches) will be available in Post Offices nationwide beginning
March 3, but customers can begin ordering them Feb. 20 at usps.com/supplies
or by calling 800-610-8734. Some of the new boxes are co-branded with the
logo of America Supports You, which is a Department of Defense program that
connects citizens offering support to the military and their families.
"It's terrific that the Postal Service continues to think of ways to
help Americans support our troops and their families. Postage is always a
concern when shipping care packages, and this new flat-rate box means our
home front groups and supportive citizens can do more with their
resources," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of Defense.
"We're especially pleased that some of the boxes will bear the 'America
Supports You' logo reminding our service members that they have our nation's
support"
The $2 discount is applied when the Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Boxes are
shipped to an APO/FPO destination. The two existing flat-rate boxes (11 x 3
x 13 inches and 11 x 8 X 5 inches), which currently retail for $8.95 for
U.S. addresses, are not available for the military discount, postal
officials said. They said all flat-rate boxes could still be used for
international shipping.
BY
USPS Public Affairs
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