HF 3304

as introduced - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 03/03/2010 03:47pm

1.1A resolution
1.2memorializing Congress to amend the charter for the American Legion to authorize
1.3all veterans to join the Legion.
1.4WHEREAS, the American Legion was chartered by Congress on September 16, 1919,
1.5and millions of American Legion veterans have provided countless hours of service to their
1.6communities, states, and nation through the Legion; and
1.7WHEREAS, Legion membership is limited because it is restricted to veterans who have
1.8served at least one day of active duty during a period of wartime defined by Congress; and
1.9WHEREAS, particular Legion posts, particularly in rural areas, have been severely affected
1.10by a reduction in membership attributable in part to the wartime service restriction; and
1.11WHEREAS, there is extensive support among Legion members for the expansion of
1.12membership in the Legion by making it available to all veterans, and many otherwise ineligible
1.13veterans wish to join the Legion; and
1.14WHEREAS, Legion leadership has refused to expand eligibility for membership in the
1.15Legion because of concerns regarding the authorization provided in the Congressional charter;
1.16NOW, THEREFORE,
1.17BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota that it urges the President
1.18and the Congress of the United States to amend the charter provided for the American Legion to
1.19authorize the membership of all veterans in the Legion.
1.20BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota is
1.21directed to prepare copies of this memorial and transmit them to the President of the United
2.1States, the President and the Secretary of the United States Senate, the Speaker and the Clerk
2.2of the United States House of Representatives, the chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans,
2.3the chair of the House Committee on Veterans, Minnesota's Senators and Representatives in
2.4Congress, and the national Commander of the American Legion.