Each American Legion Auxiliary unit will have full freedom of choice in emphasizing community service programs during the regime of the new State Department president, Mrs. Kenneth E. Hack of Catskill.
She renounced the traditional right of the state leader to designate a “pet project” for special statewide effort at a luncheon today in Troop I Post.
The luncheon honored Mrs. Hack and marked her official visit to Erie County. She was greeted by 130 auxiliary members.
“Each community is a little different. We can’t say to all units that a certain thing should be done. Each unit should decide for itself what is most needed,” Mrs. Hack said.
Her opinion is that the organization’s primary consideration should be membership.
“I shall press this during my term,” she said. “If we have a membership strong in numbers and quality, programs will take care of themselves.”
She said the Girls’ State program will include 275 girls this year in carrying on the organization’s attention to “teaching good government.”
Strengthening “children’s religious and patriotic impulses” is a vital consideration in assuring “an awareness of what Americanism means,” Mrs. Hack emphasized.
The new president was introduced by Mrs. Courtland D. Beck, Luncheon Committee chairman. Guests included Mrs. Homer H. Dick, Erie County Auxiliary chairman.
Also attending today’s luncheon was Mrs. J. John Luitink, Eighth District chairman.
