AMERICANISM
The Americanism work of the Auxiliary includes all activities tending to perpetuate American ideals
and to uphold the principles of American democracy. The security of America lies in a citizenry in
whose minds and hearts is ingrained a true understanding of and love for those ideals and principles
upon which the nation was founded; a citizenry awake to the duties of citizenship and willing to perform
these duties even at the cost of great personal sacrifice. Americanism work is largely educational
in character and is usually divided into three phases: work with the youth, the adult, and the community.
All matters pertaining to the flag or patrioticeducation are rightly classified as Americanism activities.
Patriotic Education
Every citizen should have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Constitution
of the United States. Therefore, the Auxiliary has a very definite objective in emphasizing through
its Americanism program the teachings of good citizenship.
Five-Point Program
Active Americanism in the home; active Americanism in the Unit; active Americanism
in youth groups; active Americanism in adult groups; and active Americanism in our community.
Home
Revitalize our personal patriotism. Be able to answer "What kind of an American am
I?" Take an interest in our country's affairs. Express our belief in our love for America in
our words and deeds. Inspire children and young people in our homes and schools to develop
fine characters, high ideals and a sincere appreciation of our heritage. Be tolerant in thought
and deeds towards others. Vote intelligently after careful study of candidates and issues.
Unit
Appoint an active Americanism chairman. Sponsor study classes for the
Constitution, Declaration of Independence, flag etiquette, and great American characters.
Plan a patriotic conference. Observe patriotic holidays. Display the flag, keep it clean,
and fold it properly. Distribute flag etiquette brochures.
Youth Groups
Present Americanism awards in schools. Sponsor debaters and essay contests.
Present flags to schools. Encourage formation of student councils in elementary schools.
Present records and/or tapes of the Star-Spangled to Banner to schools. Sponsor Boy and Girl
Scout Troops.
Adult Groups
Sponsor citizenship classes and present flag codes, American Creed, and small American
flags to new citizens. Hold Americanism meetings and Community forums. Place flag
study course in night schools for foreign-born.
Community
Plan Town Meetings and other study groups, presenting both sides of a question.
Help with community observance of patriotic holidays. Present flags where needed. Use both printed
and electronic media when presenting Americanism programs. Watch for subversive group activities
and report to proper authorities. Visit local government groups in action and show interest
in school boards, City Councils, County Boards, and Town Meetings. Plant trees as memorials
and study conservation programs.
Cooperative Effort
The Americanism program of The American Legion embraces a multiplicity of activities.
It necessitates real, honest, unselfish effort on the part of all members of The American Legion.
The members of the Auxiliary can effectively make patriotism a personal matter and they can select
and successfully carry out projects adaptable to the needs of their communities.
National Emblem Sales
The American Legion
P O Box 1050
Indianapolis, IN 46206
Phone 1-888-4LEGION
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| Sugested Material From Emblem Sales
Americanism and Essay Medals
Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States
Flags
Flag Appreciation Certificate
The Flag Code
Know Your America
Let's Be Right on Flag Etiquette
Light of Liberty
OurCountry's Flag Comic Book
Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance Comic Book
AND MANY MORE
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RESOURCES
AMERICANISM & ESSAY CONTEST FORMS
http://www.legion.org
American Legion National web site. Browse
for information on Americanism.
http://www.usflag.org
A lot information on the United States Flag.
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/index.html
Deals with flag history, trivia, and Betsy Ross.
http://www.cfa-inc.org
Up to date information on the Citizens Flag Alliance.
http://flagday.org
The National Flag Day Foundation.
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