AMERICAN LEGION AND FORESTRY 41 



commemorate the event. On the campus of the University of 

 Rochester in New York is the Shakespeare Memorial Oak, grown 

 from a young tree from Stratford-on-Avon. In North Carolina is 

 the Battleground Oak which viewed the battle of Guilf ord Courthouse. 

 To attempt to enumerate all of the famous trees would be impos- 

 sible. They stand, however, as sentinels in the history of the new 

 country, sturdily typifying the courage, genius and leadership on 

 which and by which it was founded. They entitle all trees to the first 

 consideration as man's memorials. 



AMERICAN LEGION AND FORESTRY 



The American Legion since its inception has been active in the 

 planting of trees and the conservation of American forests. This 

 activity has been manifest in many ways, from the actual planting of 

 a 5ooo-acre forest in Herkimer County, New York, to the planting of 

 memorial trees with individual markers for men who gave their lives 

 in the military service during the World War. 



Legion conventions have repeatedly advocated the conservation 

 of our national natural resources. At the Third National Convention, 

 held in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1921, a resolution was passed which 

 went on record " as favoring the memorialization of public highways, 

 streets and parks, particularly by tree planting and the erection of 

 tablets." The Fifth National Convention, held in San Francisco, 

 California, in 1923, declared, " We recommend a continuation of 

 the air patrol of the great forest districts. This work not only tests 

 machines and personnel but it pays excellent dividends in the way of 

 timber saved from destruction from fires. It is one of the few direct 

 ways the military can pay part of its own way." 



Another resolution unanimously adopted at San Francisco said: 

 " Whereas, the redwoods belong to the nation, and whereas the match- 

 less redwood forests of Humboldt County, California, are, in our 

 opinion an asset of incalculable value to the nation; and whereas 

 the citizens of Humboldt County have been foresighted enough to lead 

 the fight against their destruction, be it resolved that we, the American 

 Legion, do hereby urge that the people of the United States support 

 the program for saving these monarchs of the forest and pledge their 

 support to this end." 



