Cancellation of the 2020 Department Convention and Continuation of Current Officers

  Indiana Commander Allen Connelly met virtually with his advisory committee and recorded an electronic vote by the Department Executive Committee (DEC) to cancel Indiana’s 102nd annual department convention. “It’s very unfortunate that we had to cancel our department convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the health of our members is our top priority. At the American Legion Department of Indiana, “We Change Lives,” but by canceling our convention, we might just save lives. I want to thank our DEC for their difficult decision on Resolution 2020E01. Their decision was not easy, but their effort to save lives does not go unappreciated,” a statement from Commander Connelly said.
  When The American Legion national executive committee passed Resolution No.: 3 unanimously canceling the 2020 National Convention, it recommended that all Departments follow a similar course of action. Past National Commander James Koutz says “It’s something we needed to do with everything going on today. We at the American Legion don’t want to see anyone get sick, so it’s best that we cancel the department convention until this all blows over.”
  The national resolution also recommends that departments cancel their 2020 conventions and elections, and to maintain the status quo of their officers until next year. Commander Connelly says “At the recommendation from the National Headquarters Resolution No.: 3, I accept the responsibility of leading the Department through this unprecedented time and I look forward to gathering again soon, when appropriate.”
  Allowing officers to remain elected for an additional year is unprecedented, however PNC Koutz says that it makes sense. “This year the officers didn’t have a chance to finish their year” due to the cancelation of convention and elections, and now he says, this gives those officers the ability to finish out their year not under quarantine.
  With nothing officially scheduled for in the near future, now is the perfect time to conduct buddy checks. Commander Connelly and PNC Koutz both say the best thing we can do right now is our Buddy Checks. While we’re sitting at home, we can call veterans and members that are both current and expired, to see if we can help them in any way.

View Resolution 2020E01, Cancellation of the 2020 Department Convention and Continuation of Current Officers here.