The Pittsburgh Press (September 15, 1941)
PRESIDENT ASKS FOR UNITY IN MESSAGE TO LEGION
Milwaukee, Sept. 15 (UP) –
President Roosevelt, in his first major statement since his announcement last Thursday that the U.S. Navy would “shoot first” at Axis war vessels in American defense waters, called in a message to the American League convention today, for:
…unity of purpose, unity of sentiment and… sacrifices.
In a message to the Legion’s commander, he said the threat to our national security and to our way of life is not imaginary but real.
Secretary of the Navy Knox delivered the message to Commander Warner on the convention platform and Mr. Warner read it to the delegates.
The President asserted that:
…to meet adequately the steps taken by aggressor nations… there must be unity of purpose, unity of sentiment and a keen desire to make whatever sacrifices may be necessary in order to obtain our objective.
Knowing the keen interest manifested by the Legion in current and momentous events both at home and abroad, I need not remind you of the serious situation that is facing the world and its possible effect on the future of our own country.
You who have served in our armed forces during time of war know best the stern realities of war and consequently would much prefer peace. However, you will also appreciate the danger in our not being fully prepared to meet any condition that may arise in world affairs.
The threat to our national security and to our way of life is not imaginary but real. That hazard can truly be appraised only when we appreciate the destruction, desolation and enslavement which have overtaken free people of other nations during recent years.
Our nation throughout its existence has stood as a symbol of security and freedom. It is our constant aim and our controlling purpose that these priceless rights and privileges accruing to American citizenship may above all be preserved and protected.
To that end, as you know, we are now engaged in a very thorough effort for national defense in order to meet adequately the steps taken by aggressor nations.
Calls work stimulating
He said the Legion’s work throughout the country in stimulating patriotism had been:
…a source of great satisfaction to me.
He felt confident, he added, that the administration and the nation could:
…count on the same interest and cooperation in meeting whatever lies ahead.
Turning from fun-making and convention preliminaries, the Legion delegates had their first business session in the Milwaukee Auditorium today and heard addresses of greeting emphasizing national defense.
‘Only the strong safe’
Senator Harold H. Burton (R-OH), who brought greetings from Legionnaire members of Congress, said:
Today only the strong can be safe. The Nazis are waging a relentless, lawless, boldly announced campaign to conquer the world.
It is the inescapable responsibility of our generation to make America safe from without and within… we could choose no more favorable place for the test than on our famous industrial assembly lines. Agriculture, labor, industry, capital and government share the obligation.
Mayor Carl F. Zeidler of Milwaukee said:
Today when America is confronted by a greater challenge to its survival as a land of liberty than any it has had to face in the last 80 years, Legionnaires who have known war are back in uniform, working hand in hand with the government of the United States in making this nation invulnerable.
‘Looks to Legion’
Gov. Julius P. Heil of Wisconsin said:
America looks to the American Legion and other patriotic organizations to preserve and protect its free institutions and highest ideals and for guidance and leadership in these critical times.
The Legion’s national defense committee drafted resolutions yesterday for convention action.
One resolution called for elimination of geographical limitations which now prohibit sending troops outside the Western Hemisphere. The resolution also urged an increase in the pay of members of the armed forces.
Asks production setup
Another resolution asked centralization of responsibility for defense production. It said responsibility is now divided and is hampering defense preparations. The committee also recommended a permanent system of universal military training for the youth of the nation.
Warren H. Atherton, Stockton, Cal., chairman of the committee, said he had conferred with Army and Navy chiefs and other defense officials last week to bring their advice to the committee.
Members of the committee included Maj. Gen. Frank Parker, former commander of the Sixth Corps Area and the Philippines, and Brig. Gen. Frank E. Lowe, director of the Army Reserves. Brig. Gen. Alexander Surles of the Army’s public relations department; Frank Mason, civilian aide to Mr. Knox, and Commander Forrest Sherman, naval aeronautics officer who attended the sea conference of President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill, aided the committee in drafting its resolutions.