AMERICAN LEGION TO TAKE GREATER ROLE IN POLITICAL AFFAIRS
San Francisco, California (JFK+50) On October 17, 1923, The Evening Star reports "the American Legion* purposes to take a more important and self-helpful part in political affairs of the country."
The Legionaires, veterans of the armed forces of the United States, are dissatisfied with the treatment they have received from both Democrats & Republicans.
The Legion is in its third day of its national convention being held here in San Francisco.
The Star reports that members of the group are complimentary of their leadership under National Commander Alvin M. Owsley**, but do complain about the lack of "practical aid" provided by the government to soldiers who have "suffered most grievously" from wounds and ill effects of service in the world war.
*American Legion, founded in Paris in 1919 & now headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a non-profit organization of American veterans. AL focuses on assisting veterans & promoting patriotism.
**Alvin Mansfield Owsley (1888-1967) was born in Denton, Texas & educated at the University of Texas, Austin & VMI. AMO served as National Commander of the American Legion 1922-1923 & later as minister to Romania, the Irish Free State & Denmark.
SOURCE
"Legion Political Party Is Foreseen," by L.C. Owen, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 17, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
