By coincidence, just 10 years ago in 1954I was privileged to address our Thirty-sixth National Convention in Washington, D. C., and to respond then for The American Legion. I told our delegates then of the great responsibility which confronted us to speak out with courage and realism on the vital issues of that day. I tell you now that we delegates bear a sobering responsibility toward the even greater issues of today, which we will consider in convention assembled.

It is no coincidence, but a part of the continuing strategy of the Red Leaders of the Kremlin, that many of the present issues before us for deliberation have changed but little in this past decade-we still live with conflict with the Reds in Indo-China (now called Viet Nam); with involvement in Berlin; with sea attacks off the south China coast (then at Formosa); with Red obstruction within the U. N. and continuing pressure there for the admission of Red China. To these issues add the five-year-old problem of Castro and Red Cuba and further continuing Red encroachment into our hemisphere; the Communist infiltration into the newly independent nations of Africa; the serious matters relating to trade and alliances; and you get some idea of the vital issues which you will consider, and upon which you will speak out with the determination and realism which characterized your wartime service.

Our right to be heard on cold war issues was earned the hard way-as defenders of liberty on the battlefields of our time. And our voice will be heard, believe me, for through the medium of this convention our delegates will speak for the greatest and largest patriotic organization in the world-dedicated to advancing the ideals of peace with justice, freedom and democracy-under our motto of "For God and Country." The impact of the unanimous support of almost four million Legionnaires and Auxiliary members will strengthen our resolutions. To emphasize your responsibility as delegates, I hold here a national survey printed in the Congressional Record of the 82nd Congress and taken by the public opinion expert Elmo Roper. It points out that The American Legion commands more confidence among our countrymen than any other national organization. As far as I know, no similar poll has ever indicated any conflicting result. Your expressed views will do much to influence public opinion, and let it be said that there is no greater weapon for world peace than informed and expressed public opinion.

Last year I was in Europe on a special mission for the administration at the time of our national convention, and I saw first hand that the news and views emanating from the Legion's national convention were front page items on the press of the old world, as it was in the new. Remember this when you speak out on our positions economic, military and moral-where our allies and enemies are concerned. Remember this as you take every opportunity to confront Communism before the world-and to demonstrate conclusively to all people the inherent advantages of the free, democratic way of life as opposed to Communist dictatorship.

Let me suggest to you, in the words of our great Commander Foley, "The challenge to America and to our free world allies is to seize the initiative in the conflict of ideologies. The American Legion does believe that unless and until foolproof methods of peaceful settlement of international disputes are agreed upon that the

maintenance of the so-called 'balance of terror' is essential-because we face a foe whose ultimate objective is world domination. The American Legion does not believe the Soviets have any desire for permanent peaceful existence as we understand it." Well said, commander, we your comrades, believe that any policy other than that of complete firmness against Communism, backed by physical and moral strength, is repugnant.

The American Legion has been vigilant on the issue of Communism. In 1933, the Legion raised its voice in strong opposition to the recognition of the Soviet Union and to traffic with the evil Communist tyranny. Since then we have repeatedly called for outlawing Communists and atheistic Communism and have supported legislation to accomplish this. Today, the Legion is a rallying point against seating Red China in the U. N. and the recognition of that country by the United States. May we continue to be firm in our resolve that freedom shall triumph over tyranny as we support man's desire for personal liberty everywhere.

The defense of freedom also involves a consideration of our rights in Berlin (which are not negotiable); our determination to support the people of South Vietnam to help beat back the Viet Cong; and the early elimination of the Castro regime-hopefully by the Cuban people themselves, and also through economic blockade.

Secretary of State Dean Rusk told us recently that in the long run our deepest and most vital interest lies in the building of a stable world community. This means strong alliances-worldwide. In discussing alliances let us be discreet and diplomatic toward our traditional friends— talking only of issues-not personalities or sanctions. First let us remember and recognize that the United States has not always been consistent in our foreign policy before we become angry with others and nurse grievances. We may be irritated or even frustrated at Britain's suspicions of West Germany and persistent refusal to contemplate a European deterrence system; the Benelux countries' rejection of France's confederal proposals, Belgium's enthusiasm for a nonaggression pact with the Soviet Union, France's recognition of Red China and her call for neutralism in S. E. Asia; or the stubbornness of leaders of Greece and Turkey over the Cypress issue. Nevertheless, in the interest of unity, remember friendly nations of long standing have also been frustrated at what they considered were our irresolute or confusing policies. They wondered about certain phases of our activities related to Cuba-our differing attitudes toward the Panama and Suez canals and our sale of wheat to the U.S.S.R.

Remember the nations comprising our alliances genuinely oppose Soviet Totalitarianism—and the pattern of alliances is never smooth. Let us not condemn nationalism in others when we embrace it ourselves-remembering our long-time attitude that only aggressive nationalism is evil. It is in the interest of the U. S. as a major power to have allies, not satellites. Strong and confident allies are preferable to sad, divided, confused and dejected allies-as, for instance, France was at times in the '30s and in the post war years. Understanding and unity call for U. S. leadership. Let us give our utmost support to determined leadership which will develop strong and effective allies. In my opinion this leadership should emphasize reciprocation, to the end that we should receive help from the nations that re

ceive our help. In other words, if we give aid for mutual protection, let's provide an effective follow through to obtain the desired result.

In a recent speech Commander Foley called for a "peaceful confrontation with Communism”stating we should force the issue and take every opportunity to collectively confront Communism before the world. To meet this great challenge, free nations must shed old habits and play a new role, necessarily more modern than in the past. In a traditional game of international power politics the stakes are much higher today-with nuclear weapons they are nothing less than the game itself. We cannot afford the luxury of attacking our friends. Rather the emphasis should be on understanding and friendship between allies with unity against the criminal conspiracy of Communism as our goal.

On internal affairs affecting our welfare as a people, I hope that Commander Dan's most able brother Eugene Foley will appear before the proper meetings of this convention. I have been much impressed by his statements and articles as head of the U. S. Small Business Administration.

I have mentioned to you many vital matters which we shall consider in the days ahead. Into the recommendations which shall be ours, for the eyes and ears of the world to see and hear, will go the long experience of the veterans of WW I and the vigor and enthusiasm of WW II and Korea and the wisdom and deliberate judgment of all veterans.

Of one thing I am sure-a spiritual rearmament will have top priority in our strategy for peace as we ask God to give us strength, guidance and inspiration to meet the challenges that need divine guidance to be capable of achievement. In the early days of our country our builders, founders and defenders fell to their knees and asked God for guidance. We received His divine blessing and became a great country. Now as veteransand citizens of the greatest nation in the world today, let us be humble before our God as we ask His help in guiding us to everlasting peace.

NATIONAL COMMANDER FOLEY: We are about ready to conduct the National Convention Memorial Program and before calling on the national chaplain I would ask that all past national chaplains of The American Legion that may be in the audience this morning please come to the podium and be present during the memorial service.

NATIONAL CONVENTION
MEMORIAL SERVICE

I will now call upon the national chaplain, Reverend John Howard of Virginia, to conduct the National Convention Memorial Program.

INVOCATION

Past National Chaplain
Dr. Park W. Huntington

Let us pray. O God, our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee that Thou has spared our lives to continue our peacetime service.

For in this world's largest veterans' organization we are united in a bond formed and fashioned in the crucible of years and strengthened through the years by the hallowed memories of

sacrifice in three wars and service through the years to our country and our comrades.

We are constantly reminded that our service to America did not end when we laid aside our military uniform but in the intervening years we have acknowledged and continue to accept our sacred duty to exalt the free and priceless heritage American citizenship.

We are endeavoring today to carry the torch of freedom handed to us by the men and women who gave their all upon the altar of sacrifice whose hallowed memories we revere in this annual convention memorial service.

Let us honor them as veterans who have fought a good fight, finished their work and answered their final roll call on earth.

So today, we memorialize our distinguished Legionnaire John F. Kennedy, Douglas MacArthur and Alvin C. York, and a host of others now deceased. May their souls rest in peace and may their surviving loved ones be comforted by the Holy Spirit.

our

Inspire, O Lord, in us from those departed increased devotion to the maintenance of peace; to the preservation of our American ideals and institutions and to a renewed consecration in American Legion service to God and Country. May we answer the challenge of our departed comrades in these words:

Fear not that ye have died for naught,

The torch of service ye threw to us we caught; The members of The American Legion will hold it high,

And Freedom's light will never die.

We've learned the lesson that ye taught,

May we so live and die that we will be ever worthy of their sacrifice

We pray in Thy Holy Name. Amen. (The National Championship Chorus rendered a selection "There Is No Death.")

MEMORIAL ADDRESS By National Chaplain Rev. John J. Howard

On a plaque on a clock tower reads this inscription:

"When I was a child and laughed and wept, time crept;

When I was a youth and waxed more bold,
time strolled;

When I was a man, time ran;
Still as I older grew, time flew;

Soon I shall find as I go on, time gone."

The Psalmist says "My days are gone like a shadow" and further on he stated in the 102nd Psalm, "O my God take me not away in the midst of mine age; as for Thy years they endure through all generations."

We are here to remember those whose days are gone upon this earth, but also to take seriously the passing of the very stuff of life-Time, and to praise God for the blessings that He has given us, in the service of these our brothers who now rest from their labors.

We begin with introspection. This can be described as a critical look within ourselves in relation to time. It does not usually take us long to conclude that we are the servants and not the masters of the passing years. We appear to be nothing more than specks on this whirling planet,

in the midst of a gigantic universe, lost in space and at the mercy of the ages. We are mortal spacemen. Our pitiful efforts to control time are easy to illustrate. Notice how glibly we talk of the years and the months and the seasons as if by naming them and counting them we make them our own. "TGIF-Thank God it's Friday."

Secretly and sadly we know that nothing staggering has happened as one of our tiny years rolls into another. In our wiser moments and moments of contemplation, we know that time has not divisions. It goes on and on with unthinkable endlessness.

If we continue to be introspective, we soon see that if time goes on forever, it does not continue endlessly for us. There comes that tragic moment when the light goes out and our window is darkened when the daughters of music shall be brought low-man goeth to his long home and the mourners go about the streets and the soul returns to God who gave it.

There is no respite, my comrades, there is no reprieve.

Most of us are chilled when we realize that there are two-not one, but two-dates of significance for us in every calendar year. There is our birthdate, which we remember, and our death date, which we cannot know and gratefully exclude from our thoughts. There is something much worse to be considered. Most of us can bring ourselves to the place where we can picture life without us, and we did during conflict and battle, for we did not know if and when we would return-but we do not take too easily to the idea that time will also destroy all those we love.

This is disaster indeed. We find ourselves repeating Isaac Watts' famous and mournful words Time like an ever rolling stream, bears all its sons away. They fly forgotten as a dream dies at the opening day."

Halfway between rebellion and resignation we now can understand the mood of the Psalmist when he said "My days are gone like a shadow.' Introspection shows time to be the master of us

all.

"

We now turn to observation; and this is the outside look in relation to time. Quickly we notice that though time still seems to be the master, it is no longer as merciless as it first appeared.

Close scrutiny of the facts of history soon proves that there is more to time than quantity—that there is that quality of living which can cause any life to glow with a brilliance that no mere length of days can bring. In Genesis it is recorded: "All the days of Methuselah were 960 years and nine, and he died." Here is surely a quantity of years but no hint of any quality. We are unimpressed.

In the Acts of the Apostles we read of the first martyr, St. Stephen, his trial and his death, and of him it was written: "And all that sat in the council looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel."

We are deeply moved at such a life as this. We are not impressed by the quantity of his years on this earth for his days were few indeed, but we are touched with the quality of his life. Time has not tarnished it, but caused it to shine even brighter.

We are so reminded of those valiant ones who we remember at the close of each meeting: "The muffled drum's sad roll has beat, the soldiers last tattoo-no more on life's parade shall meet, the brave the fallen few. On fame's eternal camping ground, their silent tents are spread; and glory

guards with solemn round, the bivouac of the dead."

The young men, oh the young men, their blood spilled on battlefields and battle seas; anything that has quality seems to be safe from the ravages of time.

And the measure of quality can be shown in the lives of three Legionnaires who departed this life since we met last.

Douglas MacArthur, the career soldier spanning four wars, with his uncompromising belief in Duty, Honor, Country.

Alvin York, after his stirring achievements in the great war No. I, returning to his native Tennessee and there providing for the education and welfare of his neighbors' children.

John Kennedy, the torpedo boat commander of World War II, rising to great achievements in our nation but never forgetting that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.

Observation shows us further that time is weighed on the side of goodness. Because of value, the spirit of man outlives the armored mastodon, and the soul of a righteous person comes safely down the pathway of years. For this same reason, Pilate is a neglected and tragic man; Judas is thrust aside in detestation while Jesus is exalted to a place of reverence. Benedict Arnold is only remembered with a boot on a monument; George Washington with patriotic fervor. So time chooses and preserves for posterity the best that life has to offer.

"My days are gone like a shadow" says the psalm writer and we agree. But we are rapidly led to believe, be we religious or not, that time can be mastered because it can be used.

Observation tells then that quality of living can outwit time.

Rabbi Mann said: "If something of you isn't living long after your spirit has fled; if your hand ceases toiling and giving the minute your body is dead, you have quitted the world as a debtor and failed in the infinite plan; the earth shall your memory smother, for you have rendered no service to man.”

Finally there is contemplation: We of the Faith look upward to time. Some of you may remember Van Loon's fable in the north country there is a rock which is a mile high and a mile wide; once in a thousand years a little bird lights and sharpens his bill on that great stone. When that boulder is completely worn away, a single day is past in eternity. Is this not a startling illustration of the vastness of time? Are we now awestruck and terrified when we contrast it with our brief moments on earth?

"My days are gone like a shadow." But we, like the Psalmist, are religious men and we refuse to stop there. We are not content with introspection-looking in; nor with observation-looking out; we must take on contemplation and look up and meditate and say, "Thou, O God, art the same, for Thy years endure throughout all generations." Then we realize that time is a river and that there are banks that contain it, and if time is eternity, there is the eternal one who governs it and so contemplation gives us the one true basis for our hope-belief in an all powerful, all knowing, ever present, loving God -Adonnai, Allah-Supreme Commander.

Teach me to number my days that I may apply my heart unto wisdom. This day we pray that our beloved dead, some whose days were short and some who basked in the twilight years, are

now redeemed and have taken on eternal light in the beautific vision of God where time is no more. May Thy light shine upon them always.

Our Father, by whose servants our house was built of old, whose hand hast crowned her children with blessings manifold; for thine unfailing mercies far strewn along our way, with all who passed before us, we praise Thy name today.

Before us and beside us, still holden in Thine Hand, a cloud; unseen of witness, our beloved comrades stand; one family unbroken, we join with one acclaim, one heart, one voice uplifting, to glorify Thy name.

(Lighting of Peace candle ensued.)

BENEDICTION

By Past National Chaplain

Dr. Feltham S. James

Almighty and Eternal God, we have come before Thee as loyal sons and daughters of Thy Kingdom. Make us ever aware of Thy presence in all of life. Make us conscious of Thy guidance in the history of our nation. Continue, we pray, to bless our country that it may ever be a shining star in the galaxy of nations; that it may be a guide to peace and understanding among men and peoples of many tongues. May there come such understanding, void of selfishness and greed, that peace may reign amongst Thy children. May we of The American Legion, accept as a sacred trust the torch thrown to us from falling hands. May we lift it high and not break faith with those who gave their lives that men might live in peace.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon you and give you His peace. Amen. (The ceremony was concluded with the salute to colors.)

REPORT OF NATIONAL COMMANDER
DANIEL F. FOLEY

My fellow Legionnaires, this Forty-sixth Annual National Convention of The American Legion marks the close of another year of service to God and country by the greatest organization which ever has sought to serve those causes.

Yet the conclusion of a chapter is but the beginning of another, and I am confident that the considered action of this convention on the many important matters to come before us will provide a firm foundation for continued effective service by The American Legion in the year immediately ahead.

This morning I come before you to render to you an accounting of my stewardship over the affairs of The American Legion during this past year in which I have been privileged to serve as your national commander. I have traveled some 225,000 miles and visited every state of the union and in 17 foreign countries on behalf of the Legion.

Looking upon the epoch making developments of this year since our Miami Beach convention, in retrospect, it occurs to me that every American has just cause for renewed faith both in his God and his country.

Recognizing that we meet in the city where the tragedy of our times took place just 10 months ago today, we cannot help but be reminded that in an hour of national trial we witnessed a great revival of faith. We found cause for thankfulness to the Supreme Being that our founding fathers

were endowed with the vision to establish a form of government that could continue to function smoothly and effectively despite the loss of a leader.

We were reminded again that the source of our national strength lies not alone in the might of our arms, but that men and nations of faith, courage and integrity look to a higher source to sustain them in an hour of travail.

I told the people of Dallas earlier this year that I felt it most fitting that The American Legion should come to Dallas this September, and here to reaffirm our faith in the principles that have made America great, and to add new strength and vitality to the programs of The American Legion which have served America so well for more than 45 years. We are here, and I know that before we leave our mission will be accomplished.

In

This year, as in so many years in recent history, developments on the international scene have commanded the lion's share of attention of the American people and of The American Legion. order that I might keep American Legionnaires as fully and as authoritatively informed as possible on pertinent developments concerning our national security and that of our free world allies, I have traveled extensively to the Far East, to Europe, and to the Caribbean Sea frontier.

As you know, my trip to the Far East was in the company of members of our National Security and Foreign Relations Commissions, each of whom paid his own expenses for the trip, and I know that the military and diplomatic briefings which we received on that trip will be invaluable to them in preparing the mandates which they will bring before this convention.

Selection of this area of the world for this important trip proved somewhat prophetic since plans were made well in advance of the explosive events of this summer which brought the seriousness of the Southeast Asian crisis into sharp focus.

The American Legion long has been deeply concerned over the situation in Laos and Vietnam, for we believe the maintenance of freedom in South Vietnam to be essential to the defense of freedom of all of Southeast Asia.

We have maintained that America always should be prepared to meet force with forceful retaliation anywhere in the world since this seems to be the only language which the international Communist conspiracy understands. This theory proved true again this summer when the United States was forced to deliver a retaliatory blow against North Vietnam following two unprovoked attacks against ships of the United States Navy operating in international waters.

America struck back swiftly and forcefully. The American Legion applauded that action and we so notified the President of the United States in a telegram to the White House in which we pledged our full support of that decision, and of any other action deemed necessary to the defense of freedom in that or any area of the world.

America's foreign relations and defense policies, as we see it, must be geared to meet the dual responsibilities of inspiring the confidence of our allies and maintaining the respect of our foes. We believe those missions were fulfilled in the strike against the North Vietnamese aggressors, which should serve as notice to friend and foe alike that this nation will not countenance any attack upon her integrity.

There is historical precedent supporting the theory of The American Legion that aggression must

be checked anywhere and everywhere, and whenever the occasion requires. Examples which come readily to mind are the Berlin airlift which successfully countered the red blockade of ground access to Berlin, and the Naval blockade of Communist Cuba which forced the removal of dangerous Communist offensive weapons from that island.

Both of these actions brought considerable bluff and bluster from the Communist world, and in both instances it turned out to be all talk and no action. So far the same has proved true in Southeast Asia, all of which lends credence to the theory of the Legion that when force is properly countered, the aggressor will back down.

International Communism does not want a major war any more than we do, but rest assured that the Communist conspiracy will never cease in its effort to expand its sphere of influence by any means short of war. The Legion firmly believes that the arsenal of democracy must remain the most powerful in the world as a deterrent to further Communist aggression. It is, of course, the fondest hope of the Legion that this mighty arsenal need never be used, but we are convinced that we must be ready for any development.

The threat is ever present, and its scope is world-wide. While our situation in Berlin has remained relatively quiet and stable over the past several months, it must be recognized that the potential for trouble remains as evidenced by the shooting down of unarmed American aircraft which strayed into Soviet air space. Smouldering Berlin could again be fanned into flame at any moment Nikita Khrushchev might decide that such a move would be advantageous to the cause of Communism.

Here in the Western Hemisphere, the threat of Communism continues to flourish in Castro's Cuba. It is our hope that the economic and diplomatic sanctions against Cuba, as adopted by the Organization of American States last July, will be imposed quickly and effectively to further weaken the Castro regime. It is the belief of the Legion that the presence of a Communist regime in this hemisphere is considerably more than a nuisance -it is a real threat to hemispheric security-and the sooner it is eliminated, the better.

The American Legion was pleased with the action of the Organization of American States, which, in meetings in Washington, D. C., last July voted overwhelmingly to impose diplomatic and economic sanctions against Cuba. We look for early and effective implementation of that action to help bring the Castro regime to its knees.

I have visited all of these troubled areas during my term as national commander, and I can report to you that America has staunch allies throughout the world, in Europe, in the Far East, in the Middle East, and here in our own hemisphere. These people look to America to provide effective leadership to the free world cause, and should we fail them we fail ourselves. Our leadership must be of such a nature as to inspire the confidence of our friends and the respect of our foes.

On the whole, we are satisfied with the manner in which the Congress has dealt with matters pertaining to our national security, for many Legion mandates are fulfilled, or partially satisfied, in Public Law 86-446, the defense appropriations bill, signed by the President on August 22.

The work of the Legion, of course, cannot be confined to foreign relations and national securi

ty as vital as these two programs are. We have been this year, as always, active and effective in the comprehensive work of our Rehabilitation, Americanism and Child Welfare programs.

In the important area of Rehabilitation where our concern is for the well-being of the veteran who has served his country in times of crises, we witnessed an important milestone in the history of Legion Rehabilitation-legislative activity with the passage of H. R. 8009 which provides a nursing care program for aged and aging, needy war veterans. This much needed legislation has been a long-time objective of the Legion, and we take this opportunity to express our thanks to members of the Congress, both in the House and the Senate, who provided the leadership and the voting strength to bring this important program into reality.

We also are encouraged by the progress being made with H. R. 1927, the pension reform bill, which would bring about improvements in Public Law 86-211. Both the Veterans Administration and the Bureau of the Budget have expressed opposition to certain aspects of this legislation, but we still are hopeful that some improvement in the present law will be approved by this session of the Congress.

All of our great Americanism programs have been promoted vigorously and successfully again this year. I'm sure that after you have met the young men who represent American Legion Baseball, Boy Scout sponsorship, National Oratorical contest, and Boys Nation, from among our Americanism programs, and our representative of the Sons of The American Legion, that you will agree that we have been successful in working with the very finest of American youth. I think too, that after meeting them you will feel as I do, a renewed sense of confidence in the future of America.

Our Child Welfare program continues its attack upon the problems of children's diseases, juvenile delinquency, and the general welfare of our nation's youth to help our young people avoid as many as possible of the pitfalls of the developing year.

We are deeply concerned with the problems of our youth unemployment, which we believe fits hand in glove with the concern of our Americanism Commission with the school dropout problem and the provision of adequate educational opportunity for all young people. We are concerned about, and working with, the problems of the use of dangerous drugs by young people, of children who are physically abused by adults, and of the plight of the retarded and mentally ill, and are backing legislation aimed at the alleviation of those and many other problems.

During the year ended May 31, 1964, The American Legion and its affiliated organizations contributed $7,965,330.74 to the cause of Child Welfare, bringing the total contributions to this great program to more than $193,000,000 since 1925.

As you well know, in the time allotted here I can only hope to touch upon some of the highlights of the year just ended. The final 36 pages of your convention program contain condensed reports of each of your program divisions, and I recommend that portion of the program to your reading for a more detailed analysis of activities of the past year.

Our accomplishments have been substantial, but, with a program as comprehensive as that of