HR 14 (LSB 2775YH (3) 88)

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 14

BY  GUSTAFSON, LANDON, MAXWELL, PRICHARD, and THOMPSON

A Resolution recognizing the centennial of the six-month formation period of the American Legion in Iowa.

   WHEREAS, the formation of the American Legion is traditionally regarded as beginning with the Paris caucus held in Paris, France, on March 15-17, 1919, where Iowa was represented by two individuals, Sergeant Thomas Rowe of the 42nd Infantry Division and Wagoner Dale Shaw of the 88th Infantry Division; and
   WHEREAS, in May 1919, two Iowans, Sergeant Charles A. Doxsee of Monticello and Major H. H. Polk of Des Moines represented Iowa on the planning committee for the St. Louis caucus held in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 8-10, 1919, where a delegation of 38 Iowans were present; and
   WHEREAS, the creation of the American Legion in Iowa began with the appointment of John MacVicar as temporary adjutant and the chartering of local posts beginning on May 28, 1919; and
   WHEREAS, the first Department Convention of the American Legion in Iowa was held at the Hotel Fort Des Moines, in Des Moines, Iowa, on September 4-5, 1919; and
   WHEREAS, the United States Congress authorized the issuance of a federal charter to the American Legion on September 16, 1919; and
   WHEREAS, the six-month period from March 15, 1919, through September 16, 1919, can be described as the formation period of the American Legion in Iowa; and
   WHEREAS, the centennial of the commencement of that six-month formation period will begin in March 2019; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representatives hereby recognizes the centennial of the six-month formation period of the American Legion in Iowa; and

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be transmitted to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for appropriate proclamation and execution and to Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate for appropriate publication and preservation.