American Legion Convention to be held in Cedar Rapids
The 92nd Annual Convention of The American Legion, Department of Iowa, will be held July 16 - 18, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to be called to order by Commander Marlin L. Tillman (Photo Available Upon Request), of Shenandoah, Iowa, for the purpose of electing Department (state-level) officers for the ensuing year, ratification of Constitution and By-Laws governing the organization, selecting delegates to the National Convention, and for the transaction of such other business of the organization.
The Convention will be called to order on Friday, July 16, at 4 p.m. At 7 pm, a joint session of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion, will feature guest speakers, including National Commander Clarence Hill (Photo Available Upon Request), of Florida.
The work of The American Legion will pause briefly on Saturday afternoon at approximately 5 p.m., when Legionnaires will ready themselves for the Department Convention Parade, which is scheduled to step off at Kingston Stadium at 6:00 p.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend the parade. The Iowa Veterans Band will play immediately following the parade at the Cedar Rapids Marriott.
The event is projected to generate over $130,000 in direct spending in the Cedar Rapids area, with 600 people in attendance. Local support is being provided by Hanford American Legion Post #5 and Commander, Roger Fox, Jr.
The event culminates a year of progress and foresight as The American Legion of Iowa strives to increase activities and foster programs designed to benefit Iowa’s veterans, as well as support for the active duty military troops, their families, and all of Iowa’s youth.
Committees will meet and discuss issues surrounding such programs as support for our fellow veterans who are returning from duty in the War on Terrorism, veteran’s affairs and rehabilitation, and programs that benefit Iowa’s youth. Youth champions scheduled to accept their scholarships and awards during the Saturday, July 17 (1 p.m.) session are: Fifth Grade Flag Essay Contest (Savings Bonds); Eagle Scout of the Year, American Legion Hawkeye Boys State Governor; High School Oratorical Speech Contest (who went on to National competition), and many more. Announcement is also expected to name Iowa’s “Legionnaire of the Year” and “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.”
For more information on the benefits of being a member of The American Legion, or for information on these and other programs, please contact your local American Legion Post or Department headquarters in Des Moines at: American Legion of Iowa, 720 Lyon St., Des Moines, Iowa 50309, or e-mail them at john@ialegion.org.
