NEC
September 2023
What you need to Know?
Hello to all of our American Legion members. For September, we have attended the following:
After we return from the National Convention, I will have new information on our programs, resolutions, and legislative issues. Please be sure to check the October Legion Link for updated information. You are always welcome to ask questions, and I will get you answers as quickly as possible.
Please sign up for the Legislation (Action Alerts) Agenda, to help our mission to make a better American Legion for all of us. If you are already a member, just double-check to ensure you are still active.
One Legislative issue still going is Flag Amendment:
“The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that flag desecration is protected speech after a self-proclaimed communist was charged with desecrating the U.S. flag. The 1989 Texas v. Johnson case invalidated the law against flag desecration in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The American Legion and veterans were outraged that the Court, in a 5-4 ruling, took away the fundamental right for the people to protect their flag.”
Resolution No. 19: Flag Code Amendment.
The American Legion strongly supports a constitutional amendment that would return to the states the right to protect the U.S. flag. And yes, I’m 100% to protect our great U.S. flag that I fought for 20 years in the U.S. Army. Are you with me? For more information, email cfa@legion.org.
National Security is just something going on the list below:
End Forever Wars: The American Legion National Executive Committee unanimously passed Resolution No. 22, Addressing “Forever War,” at its virtual meeting on Oct. 14-15, 2020. The resolution encourages Congress to “repeal and replace outdated authorizations for the use of military force” and advocates for a “civilian-led approach of elevating development and diplomacy alongside a strong defense in order to build a better, safer world.”
POW/MIA Accounting: The American Legion continues to support total funding for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in its mission to recover, identify or account for fallen American servicemembers from battlefields worldwide.
Pay Our Coast Guard: Because the U.S. Coast Guard falls under the Department of Homeland Security, its funding is often not approved as early as the DoD branches of the Armed Services. The American Legion believes that Congress should pass legislation to ensure that members of the Coast Guard do not experience pay interruptions in the event of future government shutdowns.
If you don’t get answers, email me at NEC@legionmail.org or call me at 352-226-4370.
Jim Ramos
National Executive Committee Member
nec@legionmail.org