What is Americanism? “Americanism is an ideology, or belief in devotion, loyalty, or allegiance to the United States of America, or its flag, traditions, customs, culture, symbols, institutions, or form of government” per the American Legion, a U.S. veterans’ organization. Hence our slogan this year will be Americanism “bears” witness to keep it strong! We use icons to symbolize our American identity. Common icons are the U. S. flag, the Great Seal, the bald eagle, The Star-Spangled Banner, In God we Trust, and the Pledge of Allegiance. We need to show our pride every day. Be proud to be an American citizen. Teach the new generations the meaning of Americanism, they will be the leaders of tomorrow.

We will be sponsoring the Americanism essay contest and the American Legion Oratorical contest. There will be more information on these two events in coming weeks. Please watch the ALA news, your emails and social media for updates and applications will be available on our websites.

This year we will again have the contests and award plaques in two categories.
Ricky’s Country Girls plaque: Unit showing the most outstanding participation on promoting Americanism to the schools. Runner up will be personal award of $5.

Doris Schulz “God Bless America” plaque: Unit for the best overall participation in Americanism program. Runner up will be a personal award of $5.

Also, the Unit with the best participation in the essay contest will receive $10.00 personal award.

One more award under this chairman’s umbrella is the Serve and Protect Cadet of the Year plaque. This will be for the outstanding cadet at the American Legion Police School. The award will be presented at the end of the Police school week.

We all are one when we support our country and the American beliefs it was founded on. Raise your flag, show your spirit in your community, and hold tight our right of freedom.


Division Americanism chairman:
Division 1: Ken-Anne Rhodes
Division 2: Karen Melone
Division 3: Belinda Rusch
Division 4: Debbie Myles
Division 5: Marcia Ziska


Americanism
Stand Proud
Support Our Country
Right Hand Over Heart
We Pledge Our Allegiance Proudly
Freedom, Democracy For All
Red, White, Blue
We Salute
Americanism!
By Linda Iberg

Please check out the Americanism tab on ilala.org for links to websites for flag education, the pocket flag program and other information. Also join the American Legion Auxiliary Americanism program Facebook page.