A family of passionate, dedicated advocates

There is a popular movie now playing in the theaters called "Selma" that tells the story of Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement. Dr. King did a lot of great things, but I believe his "I Have a Dream" speech is at the top of his list.

The civil rights movement was successful not just because it was morally correct but because it was comprised of passionate and dedicated advocates. The American Legion Family owes our success to passionate and dedicated advocates who work for causes greater than our individual selves.

For example, Legion founder Earl Dickerson became the first black graduate of the University of Chicago Law School in 1920, he helped organize George L. Giles Post 87 that’s still in existence, and he argued against the practice of allowing Legion departments to approve (or disapprove) post charters for fear that some may not have approved black posts’ charters like that of Post 87.

It’s because of Legion advocates like Dickerson that the Legion was once 3.3 million members strong.

I have a dream that we become a four million member American Legion Family that consists of Legionnaires, Auxiliary members, Sons of The American Legion members and Legion Riders. At four million strong, we will better be able to advocate for our Four Pillars and the needs of our veterans and servicemembers.

If The American Legion Family isn’t here to advocate for our veterans and servicemembers, who will? There is strength in numbers and the Legion’s numbers can and need to grow. Despite recent downward trends in membership, The American Legion is still the most respected, largest and influential veterans service organization in the country. But it is up to all of us to keep it that way.

My national commander’s theme is "Stay the Course," but I would like to add the words "Step on the Membership Accelerator!"

When you hear me discuss my 4x4 goal, remember that it’s not just about fundraising for the Legion and Auxiliary charities. Without a strong membership, funds and programs become non-existent.