Posted: 1/26/05
By MaryHelen Swanson
It was the first time ever that a National Commander of the American Legion visited the city of North Branch.
But then, as Thomas Cadmus said early Monday morning, it is the first time heís been National Commander.
Cadmus, of Michigan, is spending four days in Minnesota visiting 12 Legion posts across the state.
His appearance at a breakfast at the North Branch American Legion Post #85 Jan. 24, brought Legion members from around the state to fill the tables at the Legion hall.
After the welcomes and a tasty meal, Cadmus spoke to the group about national Legion concerns.
He also announced a new scholarship program specifically for children of service men and women who have died since 9/11.
The American Legion Legacy scholarship, he said, is for the children left behind.
And that, he noted during his speech, is one of the main reasons the American Legion was created - to take care of widows and children.
He said the American Legion still stands on the principles for which is was created.
Currently, Cadmus said, the scholarship fund has $800,000 in it, but the American Legion would like to build it up so that the scholarships could be given out on the interest and the fund could continue to grow.
He said people should contact their local Legion post for information about the scholarship program to apply or to contribute to the fund.
Cadmus also encouraged posts to conduct a special event ñ a Blue Star salute - on or near May 21 which is Armed Forces Day this year.
He said there are military people serving in over 120 countries around the world.
Cadmus said it is important to support the troops. The yellow ribbons are nice, he said, and even more so are the calling cards. He noted that there had been numerous projects to help supply the troops with the cards this year.
ìItís nice to hear a voice,î he said, even though communication is so much better these days that ever in the past.
He told the veterans gathered that on May 21 they should open the doors to those presently serving in the military and their families. Offer a dinner, invite city leaders, he said.
Whether we believe in war or not, he said, the American Legion, as a veteranís organization, believes in supporting our troops.
He said the American Legion believes there should be a strong active duty force, and the country does not have that. Weíre using our reserves, he went on, who then will be there to help in times of national disasters, etc.?
Acknowledging the presence of a North Branch police officer, Cadmus noted that the American Legion believes in supporting police and fire departments which he said are all part of homeland security.
Cadmus also talked about the Legionís support for an amendment to protect the American flag. It didnít get the Legislative support it needed last session, he said, but heís hoping that it will this year. Unfortunately the process will have to start all over with the 109th Congress, he said. He said he believes 80 percent of the American public is in favor of such an amendment.
He also talked about the issue of separation of church and state with comments from former President Ronald Reagan reminding people that the Constitution did not mean to protect people from religion, but to protect them from religious tyranny. He said the American Civil Liberties Union takes the meaning totally out of context.
On Legion membership, Cadmus noted that there are 2.7 million members of the American Legion in the United States. That number is down from the early 90s, but growing, he said, the goal is to have 3 million members. (The Minnesota membership is 112,000.)
He encouraged post members to visit those who have not renewed membership, and tell them about the many things the Legion does. The same holds true for the younger vets, he said, who say thereís nothing for them to do.
Well, he said, what do they like to do?
ìWe, the American Legion, do a lot of good things,î he said, ìwe help out a lot.î
At the conclusion of Cadmusí visit, a Legion chaplain left the group with three messages:
1) things once gone never come back ñ time, words and opportunities;
2) things never lost ñ peace with God, hope in God and honesty with one another;
3) things in life that are most valuable ñ love, loyalty to country and friends.
Cadmus was welcomed by NB Mayor Gloria Karsky who said the American Legion post helps foster the community spirit.
Others sharing greetings were NB Post #85 Commander Ray Pittman, Auxiliary President Roberta Elmstrand and Tom Linder, Commander of the Sons of the American Legion.
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Some information about Cadmus:
About Thomas Cadmus
ï Lives in Michigan
ï Member of the American Legion since 1967
ï Served in the Army
during the Vietnam Era,
in Kentucky and
Germany
ï Is a retired 38-year employee of Ford Motor Company
ï Past chairman of the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
Commission.
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