SPECIAL ITEMS OF INTEREST
UPDATED: FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Legion leader hails Supreme Court decision on Mojave Cross as victory for common sense
WASHINGTON (April 28, 2010) – The national commander of The American Legion today hailed the 5-4 decision of the Supreme court reversing a lower court decision that could have required the removal of a cross that has stood in the Mojave National Preserve for more than 75 years.
“I commend the court for its decision that finally restores common sense that will enable this symbol to stand proudly as intended – a tribute to honor American soldiers who died in World War I,” said National Commander Clarence E. Hill. “This is a landmark decision that not only preserves the Mojave Desert cross, but also helps protect all memorials to our fallen heroes.”
The American Legion joined as an amicus curiae (friend of the court) in action favoring preservation of the monument that resulted in the case being argued before the U.S. Supreme Court last year.
“The court reaffirmed the will of the people through Congress, which passed legislation to accommodate the cross,” Hill said. “The cross should remain because Congress transferred a small plot on which it stands to a private group and addressed constitutional concerns.”
Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in the ruling, “The goal of avoiding governmental endorsement does not require eradication of all religious symbols in the public realm. Here one Latin cross in the desert evokes far more than religion. It evokes thousands of small crosses in foreign fields marking the graves of Americans who fell in battles, battles whose tragedies are compounded if the fallen are forgotten.”
However, the battle may not be entirely over. The Court remanded the case to the U.S. District Court to give it a chance to see if any other legal alternatives exist. However, the High Court reminded the District Court that: “Respect for a coordinate branch of Government forbids striking down an Act of Congress except upon a clear showing of unconstitutionality.”
The cross will remain covered pending the District Court’s review. “The American Legion will continue to fight for the values and freedoms veterans gave their lives for,” Hill said.
With a membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and patriotic youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
Media contacts: Marty Callaghan (202) 861-2700; Joe March or John Raughter (317) 630-1253, Cell (317) 748-1926 /(317) 441-8847. A high resolution photo of National Commander Hill and more information on this story is available at www.legion.org.
CHECK THIS OUT ~ Scroll down to "Don't Tear Me Down"! VIDEO
| Eternal Warrior When you touch my name Remember my smile in your memories Whenerver you think of me Don't forget the way I looked In a warrior's uniform Fighting to keep our country free Understand the choice was mine To defend my country, my way of life And my liberty In the deep spirtual senses of your mind Try to focus and try to see That I am in a place full of love And at peace knowing I am forever free William Estavillo Sr. |
Artist's Profile
William Estavillo Sr.
San Jose, California, USA
I dedicate this poem to all the families, past and present, who have lost a son or daughter, husband or wife in every was that we have fought. I almost became the eternal warrior in Vietnam, but my time will eventually come! Freedom is not free.
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[Webmaster Note: Special "Thank You" to William, who graciously gave permission to have this posted to our website. He also likes to play Bingo here at our Mission City Charities...."Good Luck" William may you have many Bingos.]
American Legion Debuts Video
Week of March 01, 2010
The American Legion has a brand new video available that targets the younger generation and tells The American Legion story in just under four minutes. "A Pledge to Service" presents the Four Pillars of the American Legion and ends with a call to join The American Legion either through the American Legion website at http://www.legion.org/ or at "your nearest American Legion post." The new video is currently available on The American Legion website and will be available free in mid-March on a DVD by request to pr@legion.org or by calling (317) 630-1253. Click here to also view the video on YouTube.
For more information, or to join The American Legion go to http://www.legion.org/join.
[Webmaster Note: The following was sent to me by the Gold Star Wives of America. I want to share it with you. Enjoy!]
Hello....
This is about a song I wrote for you, the military, It's endorsed by
Anysoldier.com and I am hoping you can get it to the families and troops.
Your training centers, Veterans etc.. thank you...
There's links to this on VFW post sites, and radio stations sites across
the U.S.
click here _YouTube - We Owe It All To You_
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSHJVIfpc_w)
or please cut and paste _http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSHJVIfpc_w_
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSHJVIfpc_w)
or put mattyoz52 in the search box on you tube,
it's called, "We Owe it all to You" Please pass it on to any and everyone!
and feel free to put a link on your site ... IT'S YOUR SONG!! (and your
family)
You can also see in on Anysoldier.com site, go to news and stuff, then
down to video corner.
Thank you for your time...and for everything you do for us!!!
your friend, Matty Kaspak
PS.. If we already told you, please forgive us,, we're trying to get it to
as many troops as possible.. and their families...
SOUND ON!
A dinner given at the Marine Corps Museum for families who lost loved ones in combat.
Well done.
http://www.jensensutta.com/slideshows/RTB/
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