INDIANAPOLIS (May 7, 2008) – Members of The American Legion’s National Executive Committee gathered here today for their annual spring session at national headquarters.

The National Executive Committee, the formal name for the organization’s board of directors, will address important issues ranging from the war on terror to health care for veterans.

“The American Legion Constitution says we are nonpolitical. That doesn’t mean we check out of the political process,” National Commander Marty Conatser told the opening session. “We engage fairly, driven by our resolutions, in a nonpartisan manner. We are doing our level best to push issues that matter to American veterans to be at the top of the agenda. It is a time of war, rampant illegal immigration and a health system that is being pushed to the limit caring for our sick and wounded from the war. I am proud to say this year that The American Legion's message is in the hands of the next commander-in-chief whoever that may be.”

The national commander informed the NEC that a special positions guide, “Our Pillars, Your Platform,” was prepared and hand-delivered to Sens. John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barrack Obama.

Conatser encouraged members of the NEC to recruit new members to the organization. “We need to look at what we are doing to ourselves. I appreciate every one of you and all the great things that you do, but we have to step up to the plate.”

During the morning session, Conatser presented a plaque to Maine 4th District Commander Charles Bennett for his peaceful demonstration during a misguided “art-experiment” that featured U.S. flags on the floor at a university. A video of the incident at the University of Maine-Farmington gathered widespread attention on YouTube and is currently featured on The American Legion’s national website.

“I fought for the flag of our country in Vietnam and will fight for it until I die,” an emotional Bennett told the NEC.

The American Legion Auxiliary National President Jan Pulvermacher-Ryan presented Conatser with four $10,000 checks for the Child Welfare Foundation, Children and Youth, the Citizens Flag Alliance and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation.

The National Executive is scheduled to conclude its meetings Thursday morning.