Chaplain’s message: 'Unity without conformity'

American Legion National Chaplain Harvey Klee of Texas said he once met another chaplain who “would not sign up a candidate for Legion membership if he or she didn’t hold a belief in God.”

Such a position, Klee told attendees of Sunday’s Patriotic Memorial Service at The American Legion’s 99th National Convention in Reno, Nev., is both controversial and askew with the organization’s purpose. “My friend’s attitude probably stemmed from the beginning phrase of our preamble: 'For God and country…'"

Klee told hundreds gathered for the service in the Reno-Sparks Convention Center that the question – how can you be "for God" without necessarily believing in God – led him to a deeper examination of the preamble to The American Legion Constitution. “The 10 enumerated purposes of our associating ourselves together is to be in service for God and country. One need not believe in God to be in His service, nor is it mandated in our membership requirements.”

The national chaplain called for unity among veterans, regardless of their beliefs, who are called to work together for the good of their communities in The American Legion. “My point is simply this – we shouldn’t be alienating ourselves from one another because of our faith or belief differences but rather uniting ourselves for God and country without conforming to the beliefs of others. Our union should be based on what we have in common, not on our differences.”

As it is for U.S. military chaplains, American Legion chaplains have a responsibility to “minister to the spiritual needs of our members, setting aside our personal differences,” Klee said. “Whatever it takes, they are a willing servant. What The American Legion requires in its chaplains is spiritual integrity and leadership, nothing less. We are there to minister, not to convert, nor advertise our own conversion or beliefs.

“We are all associated in a common cause, united for specific purposes in service ‘for God and country.’ And we should leave it at that – meeting each of our fellow comrades with open arms, open hearts and open minds. Perhaps another way of putting it, we should be tolerant of the beliefs of others, and intolerant of those who are not.”

The service included presentations of memorial wreaths to honor veterans and military personnel who passed away this year. Presenting for The American Legion were National Commander Charles E. Schmidt and National Adjutant Daniel S. Wheeler; for the American Legion Auxiliary, National President Mary Davis and National Secretary Mary “Dubbie” Buckler; and for the Sons of The American, National Commander Jeff Frain and National Adjutant Brian O’Hearne.

American Legion 2017 Boys Nation President Darius Thomas of Alabama lit the Candle of Remembrance onstage at the service, and the Newport Beach, Calif., American Legion Post 291 posted and retired the colors during the ceremony. Choral music was performed by the Carson Chamber Singers.