[Newspaper]
Publication: The Muncie Morning Star
Muncie, IN, United States
vol. 52, no. 306, p. 5, col. 5-7
Legion Post Enters Last
Day of Membership Drive
Larger Enrollment Must Be
Made Before Anderson Is
Beaten in Contest — All
Workers Asked to Report
at Noon and Attend
Meeting Tonight.
The final twenty-four hour push was launched last night by Delaware Post No. 19, American Legion, in its membership drive. The post now has more than 500 members, but that number is not enough to assure the winning of a dinner from the Anderson post and the contest closes at midnight tonight.
Delaware members who have membership applications still out are asked to turn them in by noon today if possible. A special meeting attended largely by new members was held in the post chateau last night and another special meeting to be attended by all members has been called for tonight. Last night it was announced that the new member bringing in the most members will receive [dollar:$5] and the old member bringing in the most new members will receive [dollar:$25].
Eighteen 100 Per Cent Cards.
The Hemingray Glass Company is the first factory to turn in a 100 per cent membership report. Of the twenty-eight eligible employes of the concern all have joined the legion. There are now eighteen business and civic organizations in the city who have 100 per cent cards due them, two or more men must be eligible and join. Last night's additions to the list included all five stations of the city fire department, the Carr Drug Company, the Kemp Machine Works, the Victor Watkins Motor Car Company and the Hotel Roberts recreation alleys.
The matter of the Williams fund was presented to the post at its meeting last night by Commander Thomas O. Wescott and Hal McNaughton. The post voted [dollar:$10] to the fund and a collection taken among the members amounted to [dollar:$8.15]. The total amount from the legion for the fund was [dollar:$18.15].
The establishment of an employment, service for ex-service men was discussed by legion officials last night. A special committee will be named by Commander Wescott, to work out the complete plan. Legion posts all over the entire country maintain an employment service for ex-service men. Whether or not the men served are members of the organization It makes no difference when finding work for them.
Will Sponsor Flag Contest.
The post will also sponsor the flag contest in the city schools. The contest is backed by the Hearst newspapers and to the four national winners a trip around the world, with all expenses paid, will be given. A committee of school men to carry on the contest will be appointed by Commander Wescott. A large number of other prizes are also given in the contest.
"A comradeship of men who have memories of squads right, submarine infested seas, and trenches of France, are the enjoyment of men who belong to the American Legion," said Commander Wescott, addressing the meeting.
"By paying dues and taking part in the legion, a veteran engages in great national projects of service. The legion works for relief of disabled comrades, their dependents, and orphaned children of veterans. The legion, through a great network of 10,000 posts, is engaged in the promotion of national defense, aviation, and this post was represented at a meeting on that subject today in the chamber of commerce building; a safety campaign, and we have recently appointed a committee to cooperate with the factory safety council here; a junior baseball world series, and the Y. M. C. A, is now working with us on that, project: community service, and scores of other worth-while projects. The legion stands in the front line trench of every field where the interest of the World War veterans is at stake.
"Membership in the legion, in most communities, and Muncie is no exception, entitles the veteran to club privileges. Whenever a veteran travels over the United States and foreign countries, he finds fellow legionnaires. They are friendly and need no introduction beyond a legion membership card.
Forum for Self-Expression.
"The legion is democratic. Its meetings afford a forum for self-expression. In the legion there is no rank. Milliaires [sic] Millionaires associate with men of the most moderate circumstances, many lifelong business associations are formed through legion acquaintanceship. The fraternal affiliation of the legion is strengthened a thousand times by memories of World War days.
"Legion posts enjoy assistance and companionship of the American Legion Auxiliary, consisting of nearly 300,000 women — and Muncie has a very fine organization of women. Legion membership carries the privilege of joining the 'Forty and Eight,' the play and honor society of the legion.
"There are deeper benefits derived from memberships in the legion. Soon you veterans will fall into the swing of things. You have caught the spirit and shortly you will begin to ask, 'What can I do to help?' The men of the legion serve in peace as they did in war."
A radio was installed at the chauteau and while the legionnaires listened to the returns of the Sharkey-Stribling fight they were served refreshments.