Author: Jeff Daly, Department of California Membership Director
Published August 11, 2021, Department of California website
September 11th is not just a day infamous for the attack on the United States. It is also now the “National Day of Service”. It is a day celebrating the best of America. I envision Legionnaires leading the way and I hope every Post and District will participate in the “National Day of Service”. That service can be hosting a blood drive, cleaning a park, or partnering with other organizations in support of a bigger mission. We can make a visible and significant impact and that’s what our service is all about. If you need further inspiration, I have a story to tell.
I was recently at Boys Nation 2021, in Washington D.C., and I was impressed on many levels.
I was impressed with the work that Tim Aboudara is doing with California Boy’s State, along with the Newport Harbor Post. They have managed to have 2 of the last 3 Boys Nation Presidents. That’s a big deal, and should be celebrated, bragged about, and honored.
I was impressed with Boys Nation staff that was chock full of leaders. There was no shortage of leadership, guiding the experience both in direct contact and behind the scenes.
Finally, I was impressed with the students. These were all high caliber young men with resumes that make it seem like I barely showed up in high school. More than their credentials, these young men were polite, humble, and called to service. Many of these students are applying to military service academies or ROTC programs at fine universities. More than a few also have ambitions of elected public service. All of that is commendable, but what struck me most were moments when we were off campus at places like the Lincoln Memorial. These young men were not so self-consumed that they ignored the world around them. I saw them helping tourists take photos. Some of them were sharing their knowledge of the monuments. They were serving their immediate community, and they were doing so, instinctively.
There are some recurring keywords with my experience….
California. Leadership. Service.
This is a program that falls under Americanism, but crosses over into Children and Youth, and as an organization we should be proud that it, along with the Auxiliary run Girls Nation, is so well run. The high level of the program got me thinking about the high level I want for California membership. The exact lesson, however, didn’t become clear until we visited Arlington. There was the sobering experience of seeing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the work that the known, but mysterious Old Guard Sentinels do, in protection of the tomb. That was awe inspiring, but the membership light bulb went off while viewing the everlasting flame at the site where President Kennedy and family are resting. What came to mind was his most famous quote:
“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
Those boys of Boys Nation seem to constantly seek out what they can do and they can contribute. That program of The American Legion might just be illuminating the path of our resurgence. Perhaps our message should be less about the benefits of membership and more about the opportunities to serve that membership affords.
The fastest growing veterans groups are doers: Team Red, White & Blue – Team Rubicon – Merging Vets & Players – Veterans in Media & Entertainment. These groups are all active because they are actively engaged with their members and a mission. In fact, they do less “talking” and more “showing” and THAT might be ingredient we want more of, in our membership recipe.
I’ve preached broadcasting the work that we do, especially in service. It is with that in mind, that I am calling on the entire Department of California to schedule service on 9/11. I am looking for the veterans of this great state to come together and make a significant contribution to their community, which collectively serves the state, which with our leadership will inspire other Departments, serving the nation.
California. Leadership. Service.
