The American Legion, Department of Minnesota

The attached message from the Office of the Chief, Army Reserve, is provided by the Director of Army Reserve Strategic Communications. Please disseminate this information as widely as possible. 

AMERICAN LEGION TO RECOGNIZE ARMY RESERVE SOLDIERS ON ARMED  FORCES DAY (MAY 21)

The American Legion, an organization that has long recognized the vital role of the Army Reserve, is sponsoring a program called "Blue Star Salute" on Armed Forces Day (Saturday, May 21, 2005)  in communities across the nation. The program recognizes the sacrifices  and achievements of all military members who serve the nation in the Global War on Terror.  Each Army Reserve Soldier in your command is eligible to receive a Blue Star Salute certificate of achievement at a public event in your community.  These events are called Blue Star  Salutes after the banner of the same name hung in front windows of homes  across the country during previous wars to indicate a loved ones service in  the armed forces.  In addition to military  members, many American Legion posts will also be recognizing the  contributions of family members and outstanding businesses toward our national defense. 

These events are open to all in the community; many  will include military and civilian exhibits, booths, games, music, food and a  variety of other activities.  As a community event, units may participate in an official role if it is deemed appropriate by the unit commander.   Examples of participation may include parades, equipment exhibits, color guard or musical support, or other activities approved by the Joint Ethics Regulation (JER) (DoD 5500.7-R)

In order to participate, you must contact your local American Legion before May 1. In some cases, Army Reserve units may have already been contacted by their local  American Legion. For times and locations  of your community's Blue Star Salute on May 21, contact the American Legion post nearest to you. For more information about the Blue Star Salute program or the American Legion, contact Joe March at (317) 630-1253 or jmarch@legion.org.

Information on event planning and printable certificates
 can be found at The American Legion website.