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Show Large crowd attended Legion convention The 59th Annual Convention of the American Legion and Auxiliary, Department Depart-ment of Utah, held in Moab last weekend was termed a great success by local and visiting members alike. The state convention struck a blow at federal restriction on use of public lands in a resolution adopted during the meeting and forwarded to the national American Legion organization for consideration con-sideration at the national convention. The document resolved that "The American Legion urge Congress to place the control, maintenance and regulation of the Public Lands under the control of the respective States in which said Lands are situated." It noted, "It has been The American Legion's policy to promote the maximum use of public lands in the western states" and that "the Mining Law adopted in 1872, has given the individual an equal chance with the large established mining company to prospect and stake mining claims." The resolution pointed out that "the New Organic Act, the Wilderness Act and the Executive Order Off Road Vehicle Act will severely restrict the individual's use of our Public Lands." Legionnaires said that despite the fact "the Federal Government owns and controls most of the land in the Western States.. .the states are in a better position to control, maintain, and regulate regu-late the lands" within their own borders, and for this reason voted to adopt the resolution, which was the final result of three drafts voted upon. Over 300 Legionnaires registered for the event which included annual reports from state districts, election of new officers statewide, general business, a memorial service, and various entertainment entertain-ment planned by Moab Post 54 hosts and hostesses. American Legion National Commander William J. Rogers was the featured speaker on Friday night. Both the Post 54 Legion and Auxiliary received much thanks and praise for the fine organization of the convention. Many of the Legionnaires in Moab for the first time said that it would not be the last. |