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Whereas, The American Legion, an organization of wartime veterans

united by a common bond of continued service to God and country, was

founded in 1919, shortly after the end of World War I; and

Whereas, The American Legion was instrumental in convening the first

National Flag Conference in 1923 where representatives from various

patriotic organizations drafted the U.S. Flag Code, a set of guidelines for

civilian flag courtesy, later adopted by Congress in 1942; and

Whereas, The American Legion is a national organization comprised

of nearly 3 million men and women who have served their country with

honor during one of the wars of the 20th century; and

Whereas, In Nevada, the American Legion presently has more than

9,000 members; and

Whereas, By giving meaningful service in conjunction with the theme

"Still Serving America," Legionnaires have made significant contributions

to American thought and deed; and

Whereas, Endeavors of the American Legion, which strengthen our

freedom and perpetuate our free institutions, characterize this gigantic

fraternity of service as one of the great bulwarks of the American way of

life; and

Whereas, One of the strongest beliefs of the American Legion is that

education is the first requisite of good citizenship and the cornerstone upon

which rests the future of this nation; and

Whereas, Because of this belief, the American Legion founded

National Education Week in 1921 and for the last 50 years has published

the leading sourcebook for scholarships and financial aid entitled "Need A

Lift?"; and

Whereas, To further assist young men and women in continuing their

education beyond high school, local American Legion Posts gave more

than $3.6 million in scholarships during 1995-96; and

Whereas, The American Legion has achieved its position of high

esteem through programs of service to communities, states and our nation,

including sponsorship of Nevada Boys’ State, scouting troops and high

school oratorical contests, as well as many programs of service to veterans;

and

Whereas, Such programs have become an integral part of the lives of

the youth and veterans in Nevada; and

Whereas, This year the American Legion will observe the 80th

anniversary of its founding from March 15 through March 17, 1999; now,

therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly

Concurring, That the members of the 70th session of the Nevada

Legislature do hereby commemorate the American Legion on its 80th

anniversary as a national and state organization and designate the week of

March 13 through March 19, 1999, as American Legion Week in Nevada;

and be it further

Resolved, That the American Legion is hereby commended for its

support and efforts on behalf of the youth and veterans nationally and in

Nevada; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy

of this resolution to Pat Burch, Commander of the Department of Nevada

of the American Legion and Harold L. "Butch" Miller, National

Commander of The American Legion.

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