


1922. The Legion’s National Essay Contest invited students from across the country to respond to the question, "How can The American Legion best serve the nation?"
Thousands of essays came to National Headquarters in Indianapolis. Various posts and departments gave out awards of their own, but on the national level, two prize winners in each state received a medal. Additionally, there were three main winners — 13-year-old Ah Sing Ching of Hawaii won first place and $750; 17-year-old Pauline Chastain of Indiana won second place and $500; and 16-year-old Joseph Giandonato of Connecticut (who apparently wrote his essay in blank verse) won third place and $250. In 2010 terms, Ching’s prize would be worth nearly $10,000.
Of the current Legion scholarship opportunities, the Oratorical program is the oldest. In its first year, 1938, a total of $2,500 in scholarships was distributed by the organization.
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Karl Dickerson
April 12, 2013 - 1:12pm
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Folks why aren't our American Legion Nation leaders doing more for our 2nd.Amendment Rights?? That is the most pressing questions our Posts are engaged in. That is our nations Constitution this tyrannical government is trying to take away from us! STAND UP AND SPEAK UP before we lose our Nation!!
Karl Dickerson,Commander Post 95 American Legion
RONNIEG348th
April 17, 2013 - 12:29am
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I recommend the true facts of human rights in the infringing thoughts of the government rights. Ronnie active member of our brotherhood of legioneers (in transition no post).