(The colors were advanced.) Past National Commander COLMERY (continuing): The Stars and Stripes, Milo, which symbolize the spirit of the United States of America. That flag and its history is the history of the American people. Emblazoned upon it are the names of those who have christened it with their blood in the days of the babyhood of this Republic, and in addition to the names of the heroic dead, with some of whom you served, sir, who gave their all upon the altar of sacrifice to preserve this great Republic and to pass on the ideals which have made America great. To the American people it has brought liberty and happiness and peace, through a system of government characterized by honor, decency, justice, and fair dealing, regard for the less fortunate, and fidelity to public trust. To mankind everywhere, struggling for freedom and liberty and a nobler life, it has always been and now more than ever before, is the beacon light of enduring hope. And yet that flag has no character other than that which its citizenry give it from generation to generation. And therein comes the banner of the Legion, a great institution, dedicated to strengthen and perpetuate and vitalize the character of America in an American way through a program of unselfish service for God and for country. Take these colors, Milo, step forth as a proud champion, head them into the breeze, you follow behind and these men of the Legion will follow after. Unfurl them in good times and ill times, see that they are emblazoned wherever duty or destiny calls you, so that all the world, if you please, may see, and in doing that both yours and ours will be the victory. National Commander WARNER. Past National Commander Colmery, my comrades: This is the proudest moment of my life. I am proud indeed to receive these colors from you who led this Legion so ably in the past. It will always be my endeavor to be true while I follow them as your national commander to everything for which they stand. (The colors were retired and the convention adjourned at 3 o'clock.) REPORT OF THE NATIONAL ADJUTANT Detailed reports of the administration, Americanism (national Americanism commission), Sons of the American Legion committee, publicity, emblem (national emblem committee) child welfare (national child welfare committee), and Legion publishing and publications (Legion publishing and publicity commission) divisions, incorporated here by the national adjutant, give a complete review of the work done by the divisions which have offices in the national headquarters in Indianapolis. There is no separate report from the national finance division as such, as all pertinent facts are contained in the report of the national treasurer found elsewhere in this volume. Although the rehabilitation and legislative offices, with headquarters in Washington, D. C., have been definitely established as divisions, their reports are being placed in another portion of the volume of annual reports as a matter of convenience and for quick reference purposes. ADMINISTRATION DIVISION DONALD G. GLASCOFF, Michigan, Director In compiling this report for the past year of the work of the administration division at national headquarters, the current director acknowledges and pays his respects to the fine services contributed by H. L. Plummer, who for 7 years was in charge of the division. Mr. Plummer resigned February 15, 1940, accepting an offer in the business world, which constituted an advancement for him. Much of the credit for the operating smoothness of the administration division can rightfully go to Mr. Plummer. April 22 Donald G. Glascoff, of Michigan, a former adjutant of that department, and currently the aide to the national commander, was appointed to succeed Mr. Plummer. Within the scope of the administration division activity under its present operation are the purchasing department, maintenance of quarters, supervision of files, archives, and library, membership card section, stenographic section, mimeographing, multigraphing, handling incoming and outgoing mail and telegrams, furnishing office messenger service, handling of charters and citations, supervising trophy awards, and direction of membership activity of the national organization. The following section reports comprise the year's activity of the administration division: NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS LIBRARY, ARCHIVES, AND FILES In cooperation with national-defense emergency, the library has recently added a number of books and pamphlets on subjects of value in this connection. The child-welfare legislative library was placed under the administration of the librarian last August. In addition to these special phases, the library has continued its usual growth in material on the American Legion and World War subjects. Recognition has been given the library and its staff this year by important assignments on the programs of the special libraries national convention and the Indiana State library convention, both of which were held in Indianapolis during the year. Thirty students from the Illinois Library School also visited the library in March in connection with their annual library tour. The archives and historical section, through the usual splendid cooperation of the departments, has continued to build up its files of department and post publications, proceedings, badges, etc. The department history contest in May resulted in some splendid histories for the national archives. The files section serves as a central source of information in answering requests and in doing research for the organization. To properly handle this service it is necessary to constantly augment our collection of correspondence |