Letter from MAAF Member to the VFW - Oct 03
The following is a letter from MAAF Member Richard Cotter to the VFW and the response from a VFW Membership Director. The tone and content of Rich's letter is a good example for members to follow in their dealings with local Posts. State your intent to join, and note reservations about the application.
In his response, the director is open about the Christian leanings of the VFW, but welcomes Rich, regardless of his religious beliefs.
From: Sloan, William H.
Date: Friday, October 10, 2003 10:32:50
To: Richard Cotter
Subject: RE: ia17639FW: membership
Richard,
Your religious beliefs have no bearing on your eligibility to join--and all members are full members.
There are many Atheists in our ranks, just as there are many Christians, Jews, Wiccans, Hindus, and probably a few Baathists and Shiite Muslims. We don't care--your honorable service to our country is the key.
I should remind you that we do consider ourselves to be a secular organization grounded on religious principals--in fact the first words of our National Constitution are "For God and Country, We Associate Ourselves Together For The Following Purposes...". For this reason, you may find some of the ceremonies and prayers, which customarily open our meetings, a bit uncomfortable. I still hope you decide to become an active member in a local post--and work towards the betterment of our communities, children, and youth.
Sincerely,
Bill Sloan
Assistant Director
Internal Affairs and Membership
-----Original Message-----
From: Internal Affairs
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2003 9:05 AM
To: Sloan, William H.
Subject: ia17639FW: membership
-----Original Message-----
From: Vaughn, Nancy L.
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2003 8:35 AM
To: Internal Affairs
Subject: FW: membership
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Cotter
Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2003 6:26 PM
To: NatlCmdr@legion.org
Subject: membership
Hello,
I am in the military and are wondering if I could join the American Legion. I have served in the Army since 1998. I also am an Atheist. Does my Atheism prevent me from being a full member? Please let me know at your earliest convenience.
Thank you,
Richard Cotter