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Garde de la
Porte should assemble candidates at back of room. Chef de Gare:
“We shall now proceed to the initiation of new members. In order that
we may impress upon these candidates the serious import and sacred obligations
of The American Legion membership, all present will conduct themselves in a
manner befitting such ceremony.”
“Garde de la Porte will present those ready for initiation.” Garde de la Porte:
standing at designated
station and after saluting the Flag: “Chef de Gare, there are ____ veterans who have been accepted for membership in The American Legion and are awaiting the obligation.” Chef de Gare:
“As these candidates have been accepted for membership, we shall
proceed with the initiation. Garde de la Porte, escort the candidates into the
hall and place them properly before the Flag” Garde de la Porte: after escorting candidates to appropriate location: “Chef de Gare, I present these candidates for initiation into The American Legion.” Chef de Gare: after giving three raps of the gavel: “The Aumonier will offer prayer.” Aumonier: steps to right of the American Flag and faces the candidates: “Let us pray. Our Heavenly Father, grant that we may approach this ceremony with clean hearts. Keep us ever mindful of our obligation to those who have made the supreme sacrifice for our country and her noble purpose. We humbly pray that your love may find its way into all hearts and souls that shall never again seek occasion of conflict, but live in peace and harmony, laboring for the broader benefits of humankind. You have blessed us with the opportunity to serve our country in her hour of need. We pray that you would grant us continued opportunities to serve in time of peace as we served in time of war. Bless The American Legion and those here who await its obligation that together we may advance the sacred cause of Justice, Freedom and Democracy: that together we may serve you and our country in undivided loyalty. Amen.” The Aumonier
returns to designated station. The membership is seated by one rap of the gavel
and the Chef de Gare addresses the candidates. Chef de Gare:
“The American Legion cherishes four great principles – Justice,
Freedom, Democracy and Loyalty. Its pledge is service to veterans, especially
the disabled, the distressed, and their widows and orphans. The cause of service
to community, state and nation is jealously guarded and opportunity to serve is
offered to all members. Before you are asked to assume the responsibility of
membership in The American Legion by accepting its obligations, you will hear an
explanation of the principles and symbols of our organization. “Garde de la Porte, conduct the candidates to the Conducteur for instruction in Justice.” The Garde de
la Porte escorts the candidates to the designated position, facing the
Conducteur’s station. The Conducteur rises. Conducteur:
“Justice makes NO distinction of persons. It favors neither high nor
low, neither rich nor poor, neither the classes nor the masses. Justice is the
guiding star of life. It transcends all boundaries of race and creed. Justice
for our sick and disabled veterans has always been, and must forever be, the
first concern of The American Legion. The rehabilitation of those men and women
who valiantly offered their all in response to their country’s call, the
relief of those who have suffered by that sacrifice, is our hallowed duty.
Legionnaires must be ever vigilant that none shall feel the injustice of work
undone. The American Legion is ever mindful of its duty to the nation, and the
nation’s duty to those who answered its call in time of war. “This display of Poppies, the official flower of The
American Legion, serves as a memorial to those who gave their lives so that
Justice might prevail. Remember their sacrifice! May your actions forever
bring credit upon The American Legion, an organization which is a living
memorial to the dead heroes who fought that Justice, the divine right of man,
might ever endure.’ “Sergeant-at-Arms, conduct the candidates to the Past Commander for instruction in Freedom.” The Garde de la Porte escorts the
candidates to the designated position, facing the Correspondant. The Past
Commander rises. Correspondant:
“Freedom is an ideal of surpassing strength; it is the power of
self-determination. For Freedom, Americans throughout the years willingly have
fought and died. “In the War of the revolution, Freedom was won for the
people of the United States. In the Wars of the Twentieth Century, the torch of
Freedom led and inspired the American forces through the darkness of conflict. “ The American Legion is dedicated to the concept of
Freedom from injustice to the children and youth of our Nation. No nation can
long endure if it fails to care for its future citizens. The American Legion has
achieved recognition as a National leader in behalf of the nation’s children
and youth that they may know that Freedom from want, ignorance, and tyranny are
God-given rights to be preserved at whatever the cost. The American Legion
staunchly defends the principle of equal opportunity for all in a country where
all may enjoy the blessing of Freedom. “This bell typifies the famous Liberty Bell which in
bold and clarion tones rang out the news of Freedom and the birth of a new
nation. It is here to remind you that America will remain the land of the free
only as long as America is the home of the brave. “I give you the American Flag, the emblem of Freedom,
and a Flag Etiquette booklet.” The Correspondant hands each
candidate a small American Flag and Flag Etiquette booklet. “Garde de la Porte, conduct the candidates to the Chef de Train for instruction in Democracy and its meaning to America.” The Garde de
la Porte escorts the candidates to the designated position, facing the Chef de
Train’s station. The Chef de Train rises. Chef de Train: “Democracy
is government of the people, by the people. Democracy is American in principle
and universal in appeal. It offers a voice in government to each citizen. Of its
benefits, each citizen may share. “Democracy finds expression with The American Legion.
Within our meeting halls, distinction of rank is unknown. All Legionnaires are
equal in a common service. Each Legionnaire is permitted a free voice, but not a
voice so free as to transcend the limits of Liberty. “Democracy can exit only where all do their share, where each citizen knows and accepts the responsibility of service to community, state and nation. Legionnaires must encourage the exercise of franchise among our citizens as a means of preserving and perpetuating our precious heritage. Yes, Democracy to The American Legion is real. It carries a responsibility which each Legionnaire should accept.” (Here the Chef de Train refers to either a miniature stand of colors consisting of the American Flag and American Legion Colors located at the designated station or the Post’s set of colors at the front of the room, depending on the format of Initiation used.) “These Flags symbolize America, the house of Democracy
and The American Legion. The red stripes of our country’s Flag represent the
valor, the zeal and the passion of those who defended the noble cause of
individual dignity; the white stripes signify hope, purity and integrity. The
stars of white on a field of blue proclaim that the heights of pure Democracy
reach to the very stars of the heavens. This blue and gold emblem against a
background of blue reminds us constantly of our golden opportunities as
Legionnaires to promote and protect the principle of Democracy in a government
so dearly won and so valiantly maintained. “Garde de la Porte, conduct the candidates to the Chef
de Gare for instruction in Loyalty and its application in The American Legion.” The Garde de la Porte escorts the candidates to the designated position, facing the Chef de Gare’s station. The Chef de Gare rises. Chef de Gare: “Loyalty is an attribute of The American Legion as it is the first virtue of the person serving in the uniform of our country. It is as dear as Justice is desirable, as Freedom is glorious, as Democracy is practical. Loyalty will lead us to defend our organization in all that is right, and to do our utmost that we shall be right. Loyalty to our country is the basis of true Americanism. Disloyalty and oppression are foreign to our ideals; nor do we tolerate any form of radicalism or violence seeking to destroy our form of government. The Constitution of the United States of America, the bulwark of our liberties and guarantor of our rights, is sacred to the Legionnaire. Be ever loyal to that which has established your freedoms and defined your responsibilities. Understand The American Legion is in no sense a military organization. Because its membership is drawn from every race, religion, occupational pursuit, and political persuasion, The American Legion is obligated to strict neutrality on all questions concerning religion, politics, and industrial strife. You have received instruction in The American Legion’s four basic attributes – Justice, Freedom, Democracy and Loyalty – and its great principles of service. Are you now ready and willing obligate yourself as expressed in the Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion? If so, you will each answer, “I am.” Candidates:
“I am” (All candidates must answer, signifying they are willing to take the obligation) Chef de Gare: “All present will stand at attention during the obligation.” (Three raps of the gavel) The Chef de Gare steps to the right and immediately next to the American Flag, raises the right hand, and addresses the candidates. Chef de Gare:
“Raise your right hand and repeat after me:
“I, (here give your name),
“Do solemnly pledge
“To uphold and defend
“The Constitution of the United States of America;
“To maintain law and order;
“To foster and perpetuate
“A one hundred percent Americanism;
“To preserve the memories and incidents
“Of our associations in the Great Wars;
“To inculcate a sense of individual obligation
“To the community, State and Nation;
“To combat the autocracy
“Of both classes and the masses;
“To make right the master of might;
“To promote peace and good will on earth;
“To safeguard and transmit to posterity
“The principles of Justice, Freedom and Democracy;
“To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship
“By our devotion to mutual helpfulness;
“To all of which I pledge myself
“For God and Country. “I am not a
member and do not subscribe “To the
principles of any group “Opposed to
our form of government.” You may lower
your hands.” The Chef de Gare resumes station and seats the membership with one rap of the gavel. The Aumonier rises and stands near the Emblem. Aumonier: “There
shines the Emblem of The American Legion. It is your badge of distinction, honor
and service. It stands for God and Country, and the highest rights of men and
women. Of its several parts, each has a meaning.
“The rays of the sun that form the background stand for the principles
of The American Legion – for Loyalty, Justice, Freedom and Democracy will
dispel the darkness of violence, strife, and evil.
“The two gold rings around the field of blue, bearing our name, typify
two of our four main objectives – rehabilitation of our sick and disabled
veterans, and the care for the children and youth of America’s. Within the
rings is placed a wreath for remembrance of those who died that liberty might
live. Upon the wreath is set a star reflecting the glory of victory and
promising to the world the perpetuation of the cardinal principles of The
American Legion.
“Set upon the star are two bronze rings which represent the other
two of our main objectives – a deep and abiding spirit of Americanism, and
service to the community, state and nation. “The inscription demands that the wearer shall ever guard the sanctity of home, of country, of free institutions.” The Aumonier returns to station. The Chef de Gare rises and addresses the candidates. Chef de Gare:
“The Emblem of The American Legion is the emblem of Americanism.
Americanism is unity of love, singleness of allegiance, practicality of purpose,
care of the distressed, the education of children, all directed to the promotion
of a common good. It is that spirit of patriotism which shall ever preserve our
land from the stagnation which is the death of peoples. As Legionnaires, we
preach and teach the spirit of patriotism throughout the Republic. We must be
ever mindful of our obligations as citizens, striving constantly to redeem those
obligations. In the Emblem of The American Legion there is great prophecy. It is
the promise of the defenders of the Republic, pledging the fullest good for the
betterment of all.
“I welcome you to The American Legion, and present you with the Emblem
of The American Legion, a symbol of service.” The Chef de Gare steps from the station, gives each new Legionnaire an Emblem lapel button, and shakes the hand of each new member.
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