NY Has Best Americanism Program

Photo by Doug Malin

The American Legion in New York State is being honored as having the best overall Americanism Program in The American Legion, particularly for service to youth and in starting a flag education program. The Department of New York won the Daniel J. O'Connor Americanism Trophy, presented Aug. 28 at the National American Legion Convention in Houston.


The award is based on a combination of consolidated reports from posts around the state and the narrative of any special programs.

Ed Mallicoat

In the past year, noted Department Commander Ken Governor, posts in New York donated over $960,000 to Scouting, baseball, Legacy scholarship, oratorical and other scholarship programs. Plus, Department Americanism Chair Ed Mallicoat said, post members rendered over 73,000 hours of community service at a cost of $107,000 to the posts -- a significant increase.

What also got the National American Legion's attention was the creation of a comprehensive program for flag education, which was piloted in schools in Nassau County. Created by Americanism Vice Chair Anthony Booth, the program was designed to meet the requirements of legislation passed by the State Legislature for students in New York to have training on the American Flag.

Despite some difficulties, such as opposition by some school officials and learning to adapt the program to fit all grade levels, "the program has been a great success," Mallicoat reported, noting plans to promote the flag education program around the state.

NY delegation accepts O'Connor Americanism Trophy from
National Commander James Koutz (2nd from left). From left:
NY Dept. Commander Ken Governor, Koutz, NY Americanism
Chair Ed Mallicoat, Past Dept. Commander Tim VanPatten, and
NY Dept. Adjutant Jim Casey. Photo by DOUG MALIN.