National News
Legion: http://legion.org/homepage.php
Auxiliary:http://www.legion-aux.org/
Military Style Hand Salute Approved
Veterans and active-duty service members not in uniform can now render the hand salute during the playing of our national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect this month. The legislative change was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., an Army veteran, and included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009.
The new provision improves upon a little-known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag. But it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year's provision also applied to members of the armed forces while not in uniform.
The American Legion has opposed the saluting of the U.S. Flag when it is being raised, lowered or is in passing by those who are not in uniform. At its National Convention in Phoenix last August, the Legion passed a resolution against the practice, saying that it "causes confusion leading to breaches of flag etiquette with regard to proper conduct during the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance."
Furthermore, the Legion is concerned that salutes from veterans and service members out of uniform will be imitated by the general public as the proper way to honor the U.S. Flag and/or national anthem. In responding to numerous phone calls and e-mails on the issue, the Legion's Americanism Commission offers this advice: "The law does allow veterans to render the right hand salute, but does not mandate it. If you feel uncomfortable in any situation where the flag is being raised, lowered or is passing in review, the traditional right hand over the heart - with the hat removed - is still a viable and very respectful alternative to the new law."
Traditionally, members of veterans service organizations have rendered hand-salutes during the national anthem, and at events involving the flag, while wearing their organization's official headgear.
Department of Texas News
http://www.txlegion.org/home/
Department Commander Lupe Garcia 2011-2012
JG (Lupe) Garza is a member of John T & George E Fields American Legion Post 567, Richmond, Texas. Lupe has been a member for over 25 years and has served his post in various offices including Commander. He has served as 9th District Commander, Third Division Commander and Department Vice Commander.
Lupe has served in various committees on both the Department and National Level. He is a dedicated and proud member of The American Legion
Lupe is eligible for membership in The American Legion through his service in the US Army during the Viet Nam War and was honorably discharged in 1961.
He is married to his wife Frances and they have three children and four grandchildren.
4th Division News
W. L. Fleming, 4th Division Commander, 2011-2012
Harvey H. Klee was appointed 4th Division Chaplain 2011-2012
THE AMERICAN LEGION
DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS
21st District News
American Legion 21st District Convention
March 16-17-18, 2012
Bandera Texas
Motels in Bandera:
River Front Motel (830)460-3690 Sun-Thurs $79 Fri-Sat $99
River Oak Inn & Restaurant (830)796-7751 $89 & up (depending on size of room and # of people per room)
Bandera Lodge Motel (830)796-3093 $94+tax for 1 room./ $75.60+tax for 5 rooms or more
Skyline RV Park (830)796-4958 30amp--$22.50(with discount $20.25 per night)
50amp--$25.00(with discount $22.50 per night)
Pioneer RV Resort (830)796-3751 30amp--$23.00 w/10%discount
50amp-$25.00 w/10% discount
If you need more info contact Charlie Baker at charlieandpam@live.com.
21st District Website: http://www.amlegiontxdist21.org/
OFFICERS OF DISTRICT 21, 2011-2013
COMMANDER---------JOHNNY WASHBURN
VICE COMMANDER--------IVAN ARRENDELL
ADJUTANT-------RONBELL
HUBMASTER--------BILL BROWN
SERVICE OFFICER-------TOM PROUT
CHAPLAIN-----------HARVEY H. KLEE
FINANCE OFFICER---------HERMAN KIESLING
SERGEANT at ARMS-------BILLY CROSBY
NORTHERN ZONE COMMANDER--------JOHN D. FRANCESCO
CENTRAL ZONE COMMANDER--------BILL WINGATE
SOUTHEASTERN ZONE COMMANDER------BILLY CROSBY
SOUTHWESTERN ZONE COMMANDER-------JOE RODRIGUEZ
