To Our Ohio Legion Family,
The freedom which we have been given to assemble and speak out in an orderly manner saddens me that citizens took the measures they did by using the most sensitive of matters, the killing and death of George Floyd, and many others, to cause destruction and looting of businesses, as well as defacing the war monuments in our communities. Violence begets violence. It is not the answer and only adds to the problem. We wish peace to our Black Community that consistently endures these experiences, for far too long.
I commend those who assembled in a peaceful manner and properly exercised their rights. We must come together just as it was done when Dr. Martin Luther King would march and rally to recognize justice and equality for the Black Community. There are members of our organization who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who faced racism amongst the ranks of their military experiences, during peace and war. We need to address this “dis-ease” that affects so many. We as veterans and Legionnaires can make a difference. The American Legion Department of Ohio stands with our Black Communities, our Black members, and veterans of all race, gender, and age. Let’s use the basic tools and principles as outlined within our Four Pillars to bring hope, justice, and peace to everyone. Let’s show our citizens what The American Legion stands for and to advocate to correct the systems that bring injustice to defeat this “dis-ease.”
For God and Country,
Roger Friend
Commander
American Legion Dept. of Ohio