Flag resolution passes at Legion College

Thursday afternoon during National Legion College in Indianapolis, the class of 55 students participated in a mock department convention. During the convention, the students defended their resolutions that their respective group created, as only one resolution passed out of the five delivered.

The approved flag resolution calls for posts to work with their local cemeteries to allow for a designated area to spread the ashes from unserviceable U.S. flags. The idea originated from the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, which has an approved area for the ashes of the U.S. flag and military branch service flags to be spread in a dignified manner.

"It’s giving the flags an honorable place of rest with the (men and women) who fought and died for it," said Matthew Wrobel of Post 113 in Meridian, Idaho.

The two resolutions that were tabled for further review called for:

The implementation of a unified Legion email address, such as @GALegion.org, for all levels of Legion leadership for the purpose of security, branding, record keeping and archiving. The financial cost to posts and turnover in leadership tabled the resolution.
The Sons of The American Legion to allow membership for grandfathers, fathers, brothers and male spouses of eligible Legion veterans. Several IRS rules keep the organization from changing eligibility, but the resolution was still tabled for further discussion due to the popularity of it.

Legion College chancellor and Past National Commander Buth Miller challenged the students to not "give up on this issue when you get back home. There’s a solution; we haven’t found it yet."

The two resolutions that were rejected called for:

The American Legion to state "For God and Country, In God We Trust" at the conclusion of all official public comments and Legion meetings in effort to honor the national motto and Legion motto. The resolution committee felt a resolution was not needed to allow Legion members to use the motto at their discretion.
A beret headgear to be worn in place of the Legion garrison-style cap.

Before the department convention adjourned, Denise Rohan, Legion college facilitator and a leading candidate for national commander, left the students with empowering words.

“As we come together as a group, we have a great light for this country," she said. "There is great hope that The American Legion gives this country, not only for our veterans and their families, but for the whole country and all of our children as we help raise them to be good Americans. And we teach them that community service is what this country was born on; it’s what makes this country what it is.

“It’s exciting to see the passion in this room. You are here to learn more about our organization. Anytime you are in Indianapolis, or at your departments, or districts or posts meetings, don’t leave that information there. Take it with you and share it."

Tomorrow, The American Legion National College program will graduate its 2015 class. The students will receive their Legion College diploma, lapel pin and coin in the National Executive Committee room on the fourth floor of National Headquarters.