The American Legion
National Executive Committee
Held on May 8-9, 2002
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the unprovoked attacks of September 11, 2001, upon America by foreign terrorists have thrust the United States, and other countries, into a war it never envisioned, militarily or diplomatically; and
WHEREAS, this new great unknown and uncertainty has woven itself into all the threads of society; and
WHEREAS, the challenges facing all the civilized people of the world as they relate to the war on terrorism will not end until those fanatics are eliminated or brought to justice; and
WHEREAS, America is fully committed through the Operation Enduring Freedom campaign to ensure our freedoms remain unfettered and sovereign for all generations, now and forever; and
WHEREAS, world opinion needs to remain focused upon the eradication of these inhuman acts perpetrated around the globe; and
WHEREAS, one way to accomplish this is to NEVER FORGET that those innocent victims did not die in vain; and
WHEREAS, America can fight back by reminding the world the deaths of these people will always be remembered and they will be forever loved; and
WHEREAS, A noble and appropriate way to accomplish this is through the annual celebration of their living; and
WHEREAS, This commemoration should be held each September 11th throughout the land with a tribute to include:
• The promotion of global peace and goodwill;
• The demonstration of America’s resolve and perseverance to win the war on terrorism; • The advancement of responsible citizenship;
• The encouragement of patriotism and love of country; and
• The poignant remembrance of those innocent victims that needlessly died on September 11, as heroes, one and all; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, By the National Executive Committee of The American Legion in regular meeting assembled in Indianapolis, Indiana, on May 8-9, 2002, that it does affirm its support and encourage the members, Posts, and Departments of The American Legion to honor the victims of 9-11 by planning and executing an appropriate annual patriotic or memorializing event in the community on that September date so their memories do not fade.
Message Points
A Day to Remember
• As a free people, we must NEVER FORGET that the innocent victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on America did not die in vain.
• We stand united as a nation and are committed to wiping out terrorism and those who plot the murders of innocent civilians throughout the world.
• The American Legion asks all Americans to honor the ultimate sacrifice of U.S. military personnel who gave their lives on and after Sept. 11 by contributing to The American Legacy Scholarship Fund to provide their children with an education.
• We must remain committed to supporting the young men and women of our armed forces who go in harm’s way on our behalf. Write them, pray for them and thank God they serve America with honor, courage and commitment.
• The men and women serving in the U.S. military today in the war against terrorism are our nation’s newest veterans.