News and Information
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History Contest 2010-2011
History is the legacy for us to leave the future members of our posts and districts. The job of historian is an on-going one throughout the year and it is a vital job for your leadership team. Information on how to compile a history or scrapbook is available in Section four of your Officers’ Guide. Please call or email if you have any questions or need a copy of the pertinent information in the guide.
The Post Newsletter and District Newsletter will be judged on informative layout and should be mailed to The American Legion, Department of Maine, P.O. Box 900, Waterville, Me. 04903-0900. The deadline is May 1, 2011. First place winners will receive a plaque at the Department Convention.
The Post History Book, Post Yearbook, and District History Book will be judged according to the 2010 Officers Guide score sheet and the books must be received at the Department of Maine no later than May 1, 2011. First place winners will receive a plaque at the Department Convention.
Richard Graves, Sr.
Department Historian
943-0938
email: dick.graves58@yahoo.com
Real Estate & Personal Property Taxes
The following is quoted as an excerpt from the Maine law, which will exempt most Legion Post homes from real estate or personal property taxes levied by municipalities.
“E. The real estate and personal property owned, occupied and used for their own purposes by posts of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, (other organizations also named)………..that are used solely by those organizations for meetings, ceremonials or instruction or to further the charitable activities of the organization, including all facilities appurtenant to such use and used in connection therewith. If an organization is not the sole occupant of the property, the exemption granted under this paragraph applies only to that portion of the property owned, occupied and used by the organization for its purposes.”
“An organization or institution that desires to secure exemption under this section shall make written application and file written proof of entitlement for each parcel to be considered on or before the first day of April in the year in which the exemption is first requested with the assessors of the municipality in which the property would otherwise be taxable.
If granted, the exemption continues in effect until the assessors determine that the organization or institution is no longer qualified. Proof of entitlement must indicate the specific basis upon which the exemption is claimed.”
These are two excerpts from the law, which is approximately seven pages long, to allow American Legion Posts to claim an exemption from municipal property taxes. We have copies of the entire law here at the HQ office if anyone would like a copy, just call and we will get it in the mail to you. Or see it at the State of Maine Statutes page here. (link opens in a new window)
Presidential Memorial Certificate
The Presidential Memorial Certificate is a parchment certificate with a calligraphic inscription expressing the nation’s grateful recognition of a veteran’s service. The veteran’s name is inscribed and the certificate bears the signature of the President.
ELIGIBILITY – Certificates are issued in the name of honorably discharged, deceased veterans. Eligible recipients include next of kin, other relatives and friends. The award of a certificate to one eligible recipient does not preclude certificates to other eligible recipients. The veteran may have died at any time in the past. The local VA regional office generally originates the application for a Presidential Memorial Certificate if a veteran’s death is brought to official attention. The next of kin may request a certificate when a service member dies on active duty or if the veteran was not receiving a VA benefit. Requests should be accompanied by a copy of a document such as a discharge to establish honorable service. VA regional offices can assist in applying for certificates. If you would like to request a Presidential Memorial Certificate or if you requested one more than eight (8) weeks ago and have not received it yet, VA asks that you either:
1. Fax your request and all supporting documents (copy of discharge and death certificate) to: (202) 565-8054, or
2. Mail your request and all supporting documents using either the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial mail service, such as one of the overnight or express mail delivery services, to:
Presidential Memorial Certificates (41A1C)
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903
If you have any questions about a certificate you have received, a request you have already sent in, or about the program in general, you may call (202) 565-4964.
American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund
We are raising funds to ensure that higher education will be a reality for these families. Providing for the children our military personnel left behind is our civic duty. An education is a powerful way to show our thanks. That is why we have established the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. But we need your help.
A Critical Gap
The American Legion fights to see that our active-duty military personnel and their families are looked after. But despite our efforts, recent years have seen a significant shortfall in dollars allotted by our government. The educational benefit provided to surviving children is one of these critical gaps.
The total survivor benefit for these children is slightly more than $37,000 to be used for a college education. In today’s dollars, this benefit will pay little more than half of what a college education costs in the most affordable situation. This gap widens when considering the cost of a college education in the future. The most conservative estimate is that costs will increase by 5 percent per year, meaning that in 16 years, the most affordable college education will be $105,800. Military compensation will not keep up with these dramatic increases.
Join Our Effort
Money provided by law simply has not kept up with what a higher education costs today, let alone what college will cost in years to come. Remember, these children are the direct descendants of people who died protecting our country. Their parents made the ultimate sacrifice. The least we can do is make sure they are provided for.
We need your help to make The American Legion American Legacy Scholarship a reality. Too many men and women in uniform have died in the fight to preserve our nation’s freedoms. Together, we can make sure their children have the opportunity these parents were unable to provide. We encourage you to give generously to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. Help us to bridge the gap and restore the faith of these special children.
