Installation Ceremony Speech, August 13, 2022, Lake Geneva Post 24
Greetings Fellow Legionnaires,
No group has invested more in The United States of America than her military veterans and their families. We are the ones who have risked life and limb. We are the ones who have given blood, sweat, and tears. We are the ones who have been witness to the sacrifices of our comrades, even the ultimate sacrifice. No one is more invested in America than we are.
LEGACY: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” Since even before World War One, the idea of The American Legion began to take shape. Theodore Roosevelt Jr recognized the need to not only prepare America for the coming war in Europe, but for its aftermath as well. The American Legion has led the way in not only caring for veterans and their families, but in promoting a strong National Defense, maintaining Law and Order, and preparing our Nation’s youth to be the leaders of tomorrow. We have been given a tremendously successful organization. Now what will we do to ensure it remains successful after we are gone? How are we preparing future veterans take on the duties of the American Legion? What systems are we putting in place at each of our Posts so the next leader can take over and carry the organization forward? What are YOU doing to make sure the next Legionnaire is ready and has the tools to be successful?
EDUCATION: Whether you have been a Legionnaire for 5 days or 55 years, there is always more to learn about The American Legion. There is always more to learn about how to adapt past successes and make them future successes. There is always more to learn; there is always more to teach. We must educate ourselves. Everyone should take the “Basic Training Course” and the Wisconsin American Legion College’s “Basic—Intermediate—Advance” courses, plus look into the other courses available through the College. Just as important as educating ourselves, we must educate our communities about who we are and what we do. “Acta non Verba” Deeds not Words! It is by doing Legion Programs in our communities that we best educate our friends, neighbors, and fellow veterans about The American Legion. But, we must also learn to share our story. We must “be ready both in season and out” to teach our communities who we are and what we do. “Words without deeds are hollow and useless, but deeds without words are forgotten.”
ASSISTANCE: “…to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.” If we don’t take care of our fellow veterans and their families, how can we expect anyone else to? I joined the American Legion to do just that, take care of my fellow veterans and their families. This is my priority. I ask that you make it yours as well.
DUTY: We are, of course, all volunteers. We have taken on these obligations of our own free will. Your fellow Legionnaires are counting on YOU and me to keep our programs strong; to keep The American Legion Legacy alive. The most important duty YOU have is finding and preparing your replacement. I suggest you start by making a list of all the things you personally do for your Post. Then make a checklist of the tasks you take to get those things done. Then share that checklist with others, so the duties you have assumed can be passed on.
So the bottom line is this: I am asking each of you to LEAD!
Lead by example. Take the Basic Training Course (https://www.legion.org/alei). Send me your Certificate and paid invoice for your pin and I will pay—out of my own pocket—for it. Then take the Wisconsin American Legion College courses.
Lead by example. Make sure your contact information is up to date; that you have a functioning email account that you routinely check. Younger veterans consider email a normal (old fashion) way of communicating and expect to get emails from you. If you can’t communicate, you can’t lead.
Lead by example. Download the Administrative Manual (https://wilegion.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-2022-Admin-Membership-Manual-Final-2.pdf), and use it. Be sure to courtesy copy both your County Adjutant and the District Adjutant on your communications with Department.
Lead by example. Treat your American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion as equal partners in achieving the mission. They want your Post to be successful! Help them to help you by including them in the planning of your events and the decision making about what direction to go in.
Lead by example. Attend your County Council meetings. If you as the Commander can’t make it—none of us can make every meeting—be sure to send one of your Vice-Commanders or your Adjutant. You should also plan to host a County Council meeting.
Lead by example. Get your house in order first. There are many problems at the County, District, Department, and National levels of the American Legion. We are aware of them. Let’s get our houses in order first, before we complain about what is going wrong elsewhere. We can’t fix other people’s problems, but we can make sure that we fix our own. “Remove the spec of sawdust from your own eye before trying to remove the log from your brother’s eye.”
Lead by example. I could go on, but I think you get the point.
“To whom much is given, much is expected.” I expect great things from you. I believe in your ability to keep the American Legion Legacy alive and well. I believe in your ability to be educated and educate others about the American Legion. I believe you will do great things to provide for the needs of our fellow veterans and their loved ones. I believe you will rise to the challenges your Duty poses.
Now, please share with me your expectations of ME and my officers. I respond best to emails (nmorganbond@gmail.com), and I can be reached at my cell-phone too (262-215-3481).
Thank you,
Nathan M. Bond
District 1 Commander