NATIONAL
SECURITY/FOREIGN RELATIONS & HOMELAND SECURIGTY
"To uphold and defend the
Constitution of the United States of America"
The American Legion, Department of Maryland, Inc. is a civilian organization,
membership therein (open to wartime veterans) does not affect nor increase liability for
military or police service.
The Constitution and By-Laws of The American Legion, Department of Maryland, provides,
among others, that a National Security / Foreign Relations Commission shall be permanently
established and that such Commission shall consist of nine members with representation
from each of the Department's seven Districts.
COMMISSION - The
Commission is supported by the following councils and Committees (1) National Security
Council, (2) Foreign Relations Council, (3) Blood Donor Committee, (4) Crime Prevention
Committee, (5) Law and Order Committee, and (6) ROTC Committee.
The Commission, assisted by the Councils and Committees, conducts three Regional NS/FR
Field Forums or Programs annually at participating American Legion Posts around the state.
The success of these forums can be attributed, in large part, to the professional caliber
of our keynote speakers, all of whom hold high level positions in the Department of
Defense, Department of State or The American Legion. All regional forums are open to the
public and are well advertised in advance. In addition, the commission, councils and
committees meet at each Department Executive Committee Meeting. They keep the Committee
and the General Membership in attendance appraised of national security and foreign policy
events occurring around the world. Also, we conduct a comprehensive Legion College Class
in conjunction with the Annual Department Convention.
Finally, the Commission, Councils and Committees serve a vital role for the Department
of Maryland and the national organization of The American Legion, by functioning as a key
part of a larger grass roots organizations reaching throughout the land to recognize and
keep abreast of the unprecedented changes sweeping the world, urging the U.S. government
to adopt sound bipartisan national security/foreign policy relations of "Democratic
Activism " promoting democratic values, maintaining adequate military strength to
deter or defeat aggression, cooperating with allies, encouraging free and fair trade, and
assisting developing nations. Since the world operates on a national basis, U.S.
sovereignty must not be abridged unless required by important U.S. national security
interests.
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NATIONAL SECURITY/FOREIGN RELATIONS
COUNCILS - These Councils keep the Commission and the General Membership
appraised of national defense and foreign policy matters as well as on U.S. Government
positions and relations dealing with Foreign Governments. In addition, they assist in
drafting proposed major policy positions (Resolutions) for review, consideration and
adoption by the Department of Maryland and the national organization of The American
Legion.
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ROTC - The Reserve Officer Training
Corps, established in 1916, has long been the largest source of junior officers for all
branches of the military. The American Legion traditionally has supported ROTC and has
remained at the forefront of legislative efforts to retain and expand the program. During
the Vietnam War era, The American Legion lobbied to increase the number of college ROTC
scholarships and subsistence payment to ROTC students. Also, the Legion sponsors ROTC
medals as an incentive for outstanding ROTC cadets. Last year, 7,224 cadets, many of whom
attend schools in Maryland, were recognized with medals from local American Legion Posts.
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BLOOD DONATIONS - .The
American Legion remains the largest identifiable blood donor group in America and sponsors
blood drives during the holidays when accident rates are high and hospital blood supplies
are low. Many Maryland American Legion Posts sponsor blood drives throughout the year
which brings the gift of life to countless people in communities around the state.
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CRIME PREVENTION - Many
Posts have a crime prevention chairperson who works with the Department Crime Prevention
Committee and local law enforcement agencies to set up effective crime prevention programs
in their communities. The Chairman of the Crime Prevention Committee regularly visits many
schools and senior citizen groups in communities throughout the state offering common
sense tips on crime prevention measures. These seminars are FREE. If interested, contact
Department Headquarters to arrange a visit at your facility.
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LAW AND ORDER - The Legion
recognizes outstanding law enforcement officers for their service to the community. Many
Legion Posts and most County and District Councils hold annual ceremonies at which plaques
and certificates are presented. Also, the Department participates in the National American
Legion Law Officer of the Year Program. All law enforcement organizations may contact
Department Headquarters for information on how to participate. |
