as a mark of such service the loss of their sight and to perpetuate and keep alive the memories of their comradeship and to enable them by their organization to render what aid they can to the blind in general. (June 7, 1924, ch. 296, § 3, 43 Stat. 535.)

§ 84. Powers of corporation.

The corporation created by this chapter shall have the following powers: To have perpetual succession with power to sue and be sued in courts of law and equity; to receive, hold, own, use, and dispose of such real estate and personal property as shall be necessary for its corporate purposes; to adopt a corporate seal and alter the same at pleasure; to adopt a constitution, bylaws, and regulations to carry out its purposes, not inconsistent with the laws of the United States or of any State; to use in carrying out the purposes of the corporation such emblems and badges as it may adopt; to establish and maintain offices for the conduct of its business; to establish State and Territorial organizations and local chapter or post organizations; to publish a magazine or other publications, and generally do any and all such acts and things as may be necessary and proper in carrying into effect the purposes of the corporation. (June 7, 1924, ch. 296, § 4, 43 Stat. 536.)

FEDERAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

Federal Rules of Civil Procedure as governing the procedure in all suits of a civil nature whether cognizable as cases at law or in equity, see rule 1, Title 28, Appendix, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

One form of action, see rule 2.

Service of process upon agent of domestic or foreign corporation, see rule 4 (d) (3), (7).

§ 85. Membership.

Any honorably discharged American veteran of the allied forces who participated in the World War and whose vision has become defective to such an extent that he is eligible for training under supervisor for the blind of the Veterans' Administration, and any ex-service man who is eligible for such training shall be eligible for "active membership" in the United States Blind Veterans of the World War. The members of this corporation shall have the power to admit such other persons to "honorary" membership as they may see fit. (June 7, 1924, ch. 296, § 5, 43 Stat. 536.)

TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS

Act July 3, 1930, ch. 863, § 1, 46 Stat. 1016, authorized transfer of duties of United States Veterans' Bureau to Veterans' Administration by executive order, which was effected by Ex. Ord. No. 5398, July 21, 1930. Act of July 3. 1930, was repealed by Pub. L. 85-56, title XXII, § 2202 (125), June 17, 1957, 71 Stat. 163, eff. Jan. 1, 1958. section 201 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits, which continues the Veterans' Administration as an independent agency. § 86. Nonpolitical nature of corporation.

See

This organization shall be nonpolitical and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles. (June 7, 1924, ch. 296, § 6, 43 Stat. 536.)

§ 87. Exclusive right to name.

The corporation and its State and local subdivisions shall have the sole and exclusive right to have and to use in carrying out its purposes the name "The United States Blind Veterans of the World War." (June 7, 1924, ch. 296, § 7, 43 Stat. 536.)

The following persons, to wit, Robert S. Marx, of Ohio; William J. Donovan, of New York; H. G. Lightner, of Kentucky; A. B. Powell, of Alabama; Glenn E. Miner, of Arizona; George H. H. Pratt, of Arkansas; Volney P. Mooney, junior, of California; A. E. Sherlock, of Colorado; Peter Nugent, of Connecticut; Miles H. Draper, of Florida; William E. Tate, of Georgia; Jesse J. McQueen, of Idaho; Herman H. Weimer, of Illinois; S. G. Smelser, of Indiana; Henry J. Bitters, of Iowa; E. C. Moore, of Kansas; L. C. Mayeux, of Louisiana; F. J. McCarthy, of Maine; George W. Golden, of Maryland; J. W. McQueen, of Missouri; Leon C. Waite, of Massachusetts; L. E. Sharp, of Michigan; George E. Leach, of Minnesota; Quintus E. Camp, of Mississippi; John W. Mahan, of Montana; Leonard D. Densmore, of Nebraska; I. A. Lougaris, of Nevada; E. P. Badger, of New Hampshire; W. J. Dodd, of New Jersey; Carl F. Whittaker, of New Mexico; Malcolm Smith, of North Carolina; H. J. Muehlenbein, of North Dakota; Fletcher Riley, of Oklahoma; Lile Dailey, of Oregon; J. J. O'Leary, of Pennsylvania; Arthur Cole, of Rhode Island; G. G. Blackman, of South Carolina; Albert Haugse, of South Dakota; Reuben D. Hays, of Tennessee; M. A. Harlan, of Texas; Gaylen S. Young, of Utah; Malvern S. Ellis, of Vermont; George D. Simmons, of Virginia; Miles Price, of Washington; W. J. O'Neil, of West Virginia; Reverend G. Stearns, of Wisconsin; and such persons as may be chosen who are members of the Disabled American Veterans of the World War, and their successors, are created and declared to be a body corporate. The name of this corporation shall be the "Disabled American Veterans." (June 17, 1932, ch. 268, § 1, 47 Stat. 320; July 15, 1942, ch. 505, § 1, 56 Stat. 659.)

AMENDMENTS

1942-Act July 15, 1942, changed name of corporation from "Disabled American Veterans of the World War" to "Disabled American Veterans" in last sentence.

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in section 90b of this title.

§ 90b. Completion of organization.

Said persons named in section 90a of this title, and such other persons as may be selected from among

the membership of the Disabled American Veterans of the World War, an unincorporated patriotic society of the wounded and disabled soldiers, sailors, and marines of the Great War of 1917-1918, are authorized to meet to complete the organization of said corporation by the selection of officers, the adoption of a constitution and bylaws, and to do all other things necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this chapter, at which meeting any person duly accredited as a delegate from any local or State organizations of the existing unincorporated organization known as the Disabled American Veterans of the World War shall be permitted to participate in the proceedings thereof. (June 17, 1932, ch. 268, § 2, 47 Stat. 320.)

§ 90c. Purposes of corporation.

The purposes of this corporation shall be

To uphold and maintain the Constitution and the laws of the United States, to realize the true American ideals and aims for which those eligible to membership fought; to advance the interests and work for the betterment of all wounded, injured, and disabled American veterans; to cooperate with the United States Veterans' Administration and all other public and private agencies devoted to the cause of improving and advancing the condition, health, and interests of all wounded, injured, and disabled veterans; to stimulate a feeling of mutual devotion, helpfulness, and comradeship among all wounded, injured, and disabled veterans; to serve our comrades, our communities, and our country; and to encourage in all people that spirit of understanding which will guard against future wars. (June 17, 1932, ch. 268, § 3, 47 Stat. 320; July 15, 1942, ch. 505, § 2, 56 Stat. 660.)

AMENDMENTS

1942-Act July 15, 1942, omitted references to veterans "of the World War" and inserted clause "to serve our comrades, our communities, and our country;".

§ 90d. Powers of corporation.

The corporation created by this chapter shall have the following powers: To have perpetual succession with power to sue and be sued in courts of law and equity; to receive, hold, own, use, and dispose of such real estate and personal property as shall be necessary for its corporate purposes; to adopt a corporate seal and alter the same at pleasure; to adopt a constitution, bylaws, and regulations to carry out its purposes, not inconsistent with the laws of the United States or any State; to use in carrying out the purposes of the corporation such emblems and badges as it may adopt; to establish and maintain offices for the conduct of its business; to establish State and Territorial organizations and local chapter or post organizations; to publish a newspaper or other publications devoted to the purposes of the corporation; and generally to do any and all such acts and things as may be necessary and proper in carrying into effect the purposes of the corporation. (June 17, 1932, ch. 268, § 4, 47 Stat. 321.)

CROSS REFERENCES

Recognition by Administrator of Veterans' Affairs of representatives of Disabled American Veterans for prosecution of claims under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration, see section 3402 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits.

FEDERAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE Federal Rules of Civil Procedure as governing the procedure in all suits of a civil nature whether cognizable as cases at law or in equity, see rule 1, Title 28, Appendix. Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

One form of action, see rule 2.

§ 90e. Membership.

Any man or woman who was wounded, gassed, injured, or disabled in line of duty during time of war while in the service of either the military or naval forces of the United States of America, and who has been honorably discharged or separated from such service, or who may still be in active service in the armed forces of the United States, is eligible for membership in the Disabled American Veterans. Others who were disabled while serving with any of the armed forces of any nations assoIciated with the United States as allies during any of its war periods, who are American citizens and who were honorably discharged, are also eligible. The Disabled American Veterans shall not have honorary members. (June 17, 1932, ch. 268, § 5, 47 Stat. 321; July 15, 1942, ch. 505, § 3, 56 Stat. 660.)

AMENDMENTS

1942-Act July 15, 1942, omitted limitation on membership to disabled veterans of World War I, among other changes.

§ 90f. Nonpolitical nature of corporation.

The organization shall be nonpolitical and nonsectarian, and as an organization shall not promote the candidacy of any person seeking public office. (June 17, 1932, ch. 268, § 6, 47 Stat. 321; July 15. 1942, ch. 505, § 4, 56 Stat. 660.)

AMENDMENTS

1942-Act July 15, 1942, omitted comma and inserted "and" following "nonpolitical", inserted "and" preceding "as", and substituted "person" for "persons" preceding "seeking".

§ 90g. Acquisition of assets and liabilities of existing organization.

Said corporation may acquire any or all of the assets of the existing unincorporated national organization known as the Disabled American Veterans of the World War upon discharging or satisfactorily providing for the payment and discharge of all its liabilities. (June 17, 1932, ch. 268,

§ 7, 47 Stat. 321.)

§ 90h. Exclusive right to name.

Said corporation, and its State and local subdivisions, shall have the sole and exclusive right to have and to use in carrying out its purposes the name "Disabled American Veterans". (June 17, 1932, ch. 268, § 8, 47 Stat. 321; July 15, 1942, ch. 505, § 5, 56 Stat. 660.)

AMENDMENTS

1942-Act July 15, 1942, changed "Disabled Veterans of the World War" to "Disabled American Veterans".

§ 90i. Annual reports.

(a) Reports to Congress.

The said corporation shall, on or before the 1st day of January in each year, make and transmit to the Congress a report of its proceedings for its preceding fiscal year.

(b) Reports to Comptroller General; audit of accounts; payment of reimbursements into the Treasury.

(1) The said corporation shall as soon as practicable after the close of each of its fiscal years make and transmit to the Comptroller General a report of its proceedings for the preceding fiscal year, including a full, complete, and itemized report of receipts and expenditures of whatever kind, which report shall be duly audited by the Comptroller General.

(2) The said corporation shall annually reimburse the Comptroller General for auditing its accounts, and the sums so paid shall be covered into the Treasury of the United States as miscellaneous receipts. (June 17, 1932, ch. 268, § 9, 47 Stat. 321; July 15, 1942, ch. 505, § 6, 56 Stat. 660; Aug. 30, 1964, Pub. L. 88-504, § 4(8), 78 Stat. 636; Dec. 18, 1967, Pub. L. 90-208, § 1, 81 Stat. 655.)

AMENDMENTS

1967-Pub. L. 90-208 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

1964-Pub. L. 88-504 deleted", including a full and complete report of its receipts and expenditures" following "fiscal year".

1942-Act July 15, 1942, changed period of annual report from calendar year to fiscal year and omitted proviso that report shall not be printed as a public document.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1967 AMENDMENT

Section 2 of Pub. L. 90-208 provided that: "The amendment made by this Act [to this section] shall be effective with respect to each fiscal year of the Disabled American Veterans beginning after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 1967]."

§ 90j. Agents for service of process.

As a condition precedent to the exercise of any power or privilege herein granted or conferred, the Disabled American Veterans shall file in the office of the secretary of each State, in which chapters thereof may be organized, the name and post-office address of an authorized agent in such State, upon whom legal process or demands against the Disabled American Veterans may be served. (June 17, 1932, ch. 268, § 10, 47 Stat. 321; July 15, 1942, ch. 505, § 7, 56 Stat. 660.)

AMENDMENTS

1942-Act July 15, 1942, omitted "of the World War" following "Veterans" in both places. "posts" preceding "chapters", and "or subdivisions" following "chapters".

FEDERAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

Agent authorized by appointment or law to receive service of process, see rule 4 (d) (3), Title 28, Appendix, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

§ 90k. Reservation of right to amend or repeal chapter. The right to repeal, alter, or amend this chapter at any time is expressly reserved. (June 17, 1932, ch. 268, § 11, 47 Stat. 322.)

The following-named persons, namely: Alice M. French, founder, Indianapolis, Indiana; Mable C. Digney, State War Mother, White Plains, New York; Mrs. George Gordon Seibold, Washington, District of Columbia; Mary I. Huntington, State War Mother, Bloomington, Indiana; Edna C. Wilson, State War Mother, Warrensburg, Missouri; Libbie Thomas, State War Mother, Racine, Wisconsin; Virginia Heaen, State War Mother, Frankfort, Kentucky; A. Shanahan, State War Mother, Jersey City, New Jersey; Blanche A. Bellak, State War Mother, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Lydia Burby, State War Mother, Butte, Montana; Estelle T. Wilcox, State War Mother, Omaha, Nebraska; Emile Hendricks, State War Mother, Salem, Oregon; Grace R. Montgomery, State War Mother, Charlotte, North Carolina; Kate C. DeKay, State War Mother, Blackfoot, Idaho; Elizabeth Allen, State War Mother, Loveland, Colorado; Ida McCullough, State War Mother, Ottawa, Illinois; Rose S. Sargent, State War Mother, San Francisco, California; Jessie Monahan, State War Mother, Edmond, Oklahoma; Margaret N. McCluer, Kansas City, Missouri; Carrie R. Root, Gardner, Illinois; Mary E. Spence, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Alice Bronson Oldham, Lexington, Kentucky; Florence A. Latham, Kansas City, Missouri; Mahala M. Boyd, New Castle, Indiana; Carrie White Avery, Washington, District of Columbia; H. C. Morrison, Shelbyville, Indiana; Jeanette Boone, Kansas City, Missouri; Gertrude R. Cary, Joliet, Illinois; Mrs. R. E. Little, Wadesboro, North Carolina; Mrs. Isabelle Clements, Sacramento, California; Mrs. Alice E. Evans, Pueblo, Colorado; Mrs. Mary Dawson, Idaho Falls, Idaho; Mrs. Jessie T. Lesh, Chicago, Illinois; Mrs. Harry C. Morrison, Shelbyville, Indiana; Mrs. Jessie E. Moody, Carterville, Missouri; Mrs. J. L. Roddy, North Platte, Nebraska; Mrs. Catherine H. Connelly, Newark, New Jersey; Mrs. Ella O'Gorman Stanton, Bronx, New York City, New York; Mrs. R. C. Warren, Gastonia, North Carolina; Mrs. Hattie V. Selkin, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Mrs. Ida Boxwell, Middletown, Ohio; Mrs. Charles S. Fohl, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Mrs. E. L. Phillip, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Mrs. Julia A. Wilkinson, Portland, Maine; and their associates and successors duly chosen are incorporated and declared to be a body corporate of the District of Columbia by the name of American War Mothers, and by such name shall be known and have perpetual succession with the powers, limitations, and restrictions herein contained. (Feb. 24, 1925, ch. 303, § 1, 43 Stat. 966.) SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in section 92 of this title. § 92. Completion of organization.

The persons named in section 91 of this title and such other persons as may be selected from among the membership of American War Mothers, an association of women whose sons and daughters served the allied cause in the great World War between

the dates of April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918, are authorized to meet to complete the organization of said corporation by the selection of officers, the adoption of a constitution and bylaws, and to do all other things necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this chapter, at which meeting any person duly accredited as a delegate from any local or State organization of the existing organization known as American War Mothers shall be permitted to participate in the proceedings thereof. (Feb. 24, 1925, ch. 303, § 2, 43 Stat. 967.)

§ 93. Objects of corporation.

The object of the corporation shall be to keep alive and develop the spirit that prompted world service; to maintain the ties of fellowship born of that service and to assist and further any patriotic work; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, State, and Nation; to work for the welfare of the Army and Navy; to assist in any way in their power men and women who served and were wounded or incapacitated in the World War; to foster and promote friendship and understanding between America and the Allies in the World War. (Feb. 24, 1925, ch. 303, § 3, 43 Stat. 967.)

§ 94. Meetings.

The corporation shall hold its meetings in such place as the incorporators or their successors shall determine. (Feb. 24, 1925, ch. 303, § 4, 43 Stat. 967.)

§ 95. Powers of corporation.

The corporation created by this chapter shall have the following powers: To have succession until the membership as hereinafter provided for shall become extinct, with power to sue and be sued in courts of law and equity; to receive, hold, own, use, and dispose of such real estate and personal property as shall be necessary for its corporate purposes; to adopt a corporate seal and alter the same at pleasure; to adopt a constitution, bylaws, and regulations to carry out its purposes, not inconsistent with the laws of the United States or of any State; to use in carrying out the purposes of the corporation such emblems and badges as it may adopt; to establish and maintain offices for the conduct of its business; to establish State, Territorial, and local subdivisions; to publish a magazine or other publications, and generally to do any and all such acts and things as may be necessary and proper to carry into effect the purposes of the corporation. (Feb. 24, 1925, ch. 303, § 5, 43 Stat. 967.)

FEDERAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

Federal Rules of Civil Procedure as governing the procedure in all suits of a civil nature whether cognizable as cases at law or in equity, see rule 1, Title 28, Appendix, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

One form of action, see rule 2.

Service of process upon agent of domestic or foreign corporation, see rule 4 (d) (3), (7).

§ 96. Property; exemption from taxation.

All of the personal property and funds of the corporation held or used for the purposes hereof, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, whether of principal or income, shall, so long as the same shall be so used, be exempt from taxes by the United States or any Territory or District thereof. The

corporation shall not accept, own, or hold directly or indirectly any property, real or personal, except such as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of its creation as defined in this chapter. (Feb. 24, 1925, ch. 303, § 6, 43 Stat. 967.) CROSS REFERENCES

Exemption from income tax of certain organizations, see section 501 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code. § 97. Membership.

The membership of American War Mothers is limited to women, and no woman shall be and become a member of this corporation unless she is a citizen of the United States and unless her son or sons or daughter or daughters of her blood served in the Armed Forces of the United States or of its allies in World War I, World War II. the Korean conflict, or any subsequent war or conflict involving the United States, having an honorable discharge from such service, or being still in the service. (Feb. 24, 1925, ch. 303, § 7, 43 Stat. 968; Sept. 26, 1942, ch. 563, 56 Stat. 758; June 26, 1953, ch. 152, 67 Stat. 81.)

AMENDMENTS

1953-Act June 26, 1953, substituted "Armed Forces of the United States or of its allies" for "Army or Navy of the United States, or in the military or naval service of its allies", and extended its provisions to the Korean conflict and to any subsequent war or conflict involving the United States.

1942-Act Sept. 26, 1942, extended its provisions to include the World War commencing in 1941.

§ 98. Nonpolitical nature of corporation.

This organization shall be nonpolitical, nonsectarian, nonpartisan, and nonprofit, and as an organization shall not promote the candidacy of any person seeking public office. (Feb. 24, 1925, ch. 303, § 8, 43 Stat. 968; June 26, 1953, ch. 152, 67 Stat. 81.)

AMENDMENTS

1953-Act June 26, 1953, inserted "nonsectarian, nonpartisan, and nonprofit”.

§ 99. Acquisition of assets and liabilities of existing organization.

The corporation may acquire any or all of the assets of the existing organization known as "American War Mothers" upon discharging or satisfactorily providing for the payment and discharge of all its liabilities. (Feb. 24. 1925, ch. 303, § 9, 43 Stat. 968.)

§ 100. Exclusive right to name.

The corporation and its State, Territorial, and local subdivisions shall have the sole and exclusive right to have and to use in carrying out its business purposes the name of American War Mothers. (Feb. 24, 1925, ch. 303, § 10, 43 Stat. 968.)

§ 101. Reports to Congress.

The corporation shall, on or before the 1st day of January in each year, make and transmit to the Congress a report of its proceedings for the preceding calendar year. Said report shall not be printed as a public document. (Feb. 24, 1925, ch. 303, § 11, 43 Stat. 968; Aug. 30, 1964, Pub. L. 88-504, § 4(9), 78 Stat. 636.)

AMENDMENTS

1964 Pub. L. 88-504 deleted ", including a full and complete report of its receipts and expenditures" following "calendar year".

§ 102. Agents for service of process.

As a condition precedent to the exercise of any power or privilege herein granted or conferred the corporation shall file in the office of the secretary of each State the name and post-office address of an authorized agent in such State upon whom local process or demands against American War Mothers may be served. (Feb. 24, 1925, ch. 303, § 12, 43 Stat. 968.)

FEDERAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

Agent authorized by appointment or law to receive service of process, see rule 4 (d) (3), Title 28, Appendix, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

§ 103. Acceptance by majority of incorporators.

This charter shall take effect upon its being accepted by a majority vote of the incorporators named herein who shall be present at the first meeting of the corporation, due notice of which meeting shall be given to each of the incorporators named herein, and a notice of such acceptance shall be given by said corporation, causing a certificate to that effect, signed by its president and secretary, to be filed in the office of the recorder of deeds of the District of Columbia. (Feb. 24, 1925, ch. 303, § 13, 43 Stat. 968.) § 104. Reservation of right to amend or repeal chapter. Congress may from time to time alter, repeal, or modify this chapter of incorporation, but no contract or individual right made or acquired shall be divested or impaired. (Feb. 24, 1925, ch. 303, § 14, 43 Stat. 968.)

The following persons, to wit: James E. Van Zandt, Altoona, Pennsylvania; Bernard K. Kearney, Gloversville, New York; Scott P. Squyres, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Robert B. Handy, Junior, Kansas City, Missouri; Henry F. Marquard, Chicago, Illinois; William E. Guthner, Denver, Colorado; Edward J. Neron, Sacramento, California; Joseph C. Menendez, New Orleans, Louisiana; Paul L. Foulk, Altoona, Pennsylvania; Robert E. Kernodle, Kansas City, Missouri; Walter I. Joyce, New York City, New York; George A. Ilg, Cranston, Rhode Island; James F. Daley, Hartford, Connecticut; Charles R. Haley,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; F. C. Devericks, Clarksburg, West Virginia; John J. Skillman, Miami, Florida; Ellie H. Schill, New Orleans, Louisiana; Gerald C. Mathias, Lagrange, Indiana; James W. Starner, Effingham, Illinois; Leon S. Pickens, Wichita, Kansas; Archie W. Nimens, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Harvey W. Snyder, Denver, Colorado; Charles O. Carlston, San Francisco, California; Walter L. Daniels, Seattle, Washington; John E. Swaim, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Peter J. Rosch, Washington, District of Columbia; and their successors, who are, or who may become, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, a national association of men who as soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen have served this Nation in wars, campaigns, and expeditions on foreign soil or in hostile waters, and such national association, are created and declared a body corporate, known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. (May 28, 1936, ch. 471, § 1, 49 Stat. 1390; May 29, 1953, ch. 85, § 1, 67 Stat. 40.) AMENDMENTS

1953-Act May 29, 1953, included airmen.

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS This section is referred to in section 112 of this title.

§ 112. Completion of organization.

The said persons named in section 111 of this title, or their successors, and such other persons as are duly accredited delegates from any local post or State department of the existing national association known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, under its constitution and bylaws, are authorized to meet and to complete the organization of said corporation, by the adoption of a constitution and bylaws, the election of officers, and to do all other things necessary to carry into effect and incidental to, the provisions of this chapter. (May 28, 1936, ch. 471, § 2, 49 Stat. 1390.) § 113. Purposes of corporation.

The purposes of this corporation shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical, and educational; to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America, and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom; and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies, whomsoever. (May 28, 1936, ch. 471, § 3, 49 Stat. 1391.)

§ 114. Powers of corporation.

The corporation created by this chapter shall have the following powers: To have perpetual succession with power to sue and be sued in courts of law and equity; to receive, hold, own, use, and dispose of such real estate, personal property, money, contract, rights, and privileges as shall be deemed necessary and incidental for its corporate purposes; to adopt a corporate seal and alter the same at pleasure; to adopt, amend, apply, and administer a constitution, bylaws, and regulations to carry out its purposes, not inconsistent with the laws of the United States or of any State; to adopt, and have the exclusive