The American Legion District 18 meeting will be conducted by Commander George “Bucky” Curtis of Covina on Friday, September 18th, 7:30 p.m. at Canyon City Post 180, 819 N Loren, Azusa.  Dinner precedes the meeting at 6:00 p.m., and dinner reservations may be made by calling the Post, 626-334-9938.

As expressed by 6th Area Vice Commander Steve Turley of Pomona, Legionnaires’ work is never done. “Recruiting and educating veterans in working with and supporting our local communities, implementing our American Legion Programs such as Boys State, Oratorical and Sons of the Legion, are tasks that must be completed on a continual basis.  We must conquer the coming times with a renewed since of pride, determination, dedication and action to ensure America stays strong and an example for all countries to admire”.

District 18 Service Officer Henry J. Hicks of West Inflatable Water Slide Covina will review the new Post 9/11 G.I. Bill which was signed into law last June and became effective in August.   New benefits assure young veterans a chance at a free four-year public college or university degree, with spouses and children also seeing benefits as well.

Posts in the District are currently contacting local high schools with information on the National High School Oratorical Contest.  High school counselors, teachers and speech coaches are furnished the background and rules for the competition which involves a prepared oration of eight to ten minutes in length about some phase of the Constitution of the United States.  This must be an original effort of each contestant and also involves an extemporaneous dissertation of three to five minutes on a related subject from the Constitutional Amendments.  District Chairman Peggy McIntosh of San Gabriel will welcome calls from students needing further infor- mation (626-287-0139).

The Legion’s dedication to the youth extends to our Boy Scouts, and Scoutmaster and District 18 Scouting Chairman Richard Siddal of El Monte will bring infor-mation on the annual search for the National Eagle Scout of the Year.   Applicants

must be a registered active member of a Boy Scout Troop, Varsity Scout Team or Venturing Crew either chartered by an American Legion post, American Legion Auxiliary Unit or Sons of the Legion Squadron or be a son or grandson of a Legion or Auxiliary member.   Applicants must have received the Eagle Scout Award and the religious emblem, demonstrate practical citizenship, be at least 15 years-of-age and enrolled in high school at the time of selection.