American Legion National Commander James E. Koutz issued the following statement regarding yesterday’s terrorist attacks at the Boston Marathon:
“I have just contacted The American Legion Department of Massachusetts offering our condolences to the people of Boston and those affected by this cowardly attack. I encourage all members of The American Legion family to remember the victims and their families in their prayers, to donate blood and to proudly display the flag of the United States wherever possible. We do not yet know whether the perpetrators of this heinous act were foreign or domestic, but it is a reminder that the Global War on Terrorism continues and that Americans must always be vigilant, especially in large gatherings. If you see suspicious behavior, report it to the authorities. Again the first responders have performed magnificently. This is a scene that our troops have been exposed to far too often overseas. The people from Boston are known for their toughness. Today, we are all Bostonians. God Bless them all.”
With a current membership of 2.4-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.