From Robert Carter

American Legion Riders,

We have been asked by the leadership of The American Legion to provide this link to all the American Legion Riders directors in the country, both to keep you all informed and to ask for your assistance. We know that you are fully involved in fundraising and charitable work already, in large part due to your response to calls from us for the Legacy Scholarship, Heroes to Hometown, Operation Wounded Warrior, and of course all the local programs the Riders have started in virtually every state. We thank you for that.
But allow us to once again ask for your involvement in an important project. Please take a moment and review the following news clips and articles, courtesy of KDSK Channel 5 in St. Louis, and the Portand Oregorian.

http://www.oregonlive.com/special/oregonian/hospital/index.ssf?/special/oregonian/hospital/content/11.html
There are literally tens of thousands of American veterans' cremated remains stored in countless state and municipal hospitals, mortuaries, and funeral homes across the country. These "cremains" must be stored because there are no next of kin to take possession of them, and they cannot simply be thrown away. This has been an open secret for decades, and it is time to do something about it.
It is time to render honor to those who have served our country and yet at death have been stored away in rusting tin cans on dusty shelves. We can do this. There is a growing national effort, led by American Legion Riders, Patriot Guard, and other patriotic organizations, to identify the locations of the stored cremains, and work with local authorities to give these honored dead a proper funeral. There are remains on shelves in this country dating back to the 19th century. In this time of war, we must not forget our MIA--and these heroes have been MIA for decades.
How can you help? Spread the word. Determine whether such remains exist within your community. Find out the process for releasing these remains for burial. Contact the Missing in America Project at http://www.miap.us/ for assistance and legal advice, if necessary. Mobilize your Riders and American Legion Honor Guards and burial details and make sure that your local government is taking firm action to finally--after as much as a century--allow us to provide a final rest for these forgotten men and women.
Bill Sloan
"AWACS"
American Legion Legacy Run Coordinator

William H. Sloan
Assistant Director
Internal Affairs and Membership
The American Legion

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Harry Bradley – Superintendent of the Texas State Cemetery
Contact Phone: (512) 463-6023
Jason Walker – Texas State Cemetery
Contact Phone: (512) 463-8304

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUSTIN – The Texas State Cemetery will honor all Texas veterans of the Vietnam War on April 19, 2008, by unveiling a new monument on its grounds. The monument, the first honoring Vietnam veterans at the Cemetery, will feature grey and black granite and a bronze sculpture on top. The monument will join those dedicated to World War II veterans, Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients and others. The monument will honor all branches of service who served during the Vietnam era including the Marine Corps, Navy, Army, Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Coast Guard and the Merchant Marines.

Lt. General Jefferson David Howell, USMC (Ret.) will be the keynote speaker and is expected to speak of his experiences during the Vietnam War. Howell, a former Marine, was also the Director of the Johnson Space Center for a number of years. In addition to General Howell, remarks will be given by a veteran enlisted ed man, an officer and a nurse. Members of each branch of service and various elected officials will be on hand for the unveiling as well as the 36th Infantry Band from Camp Mabry in Austin .

Ceremonies will begin at 10:30 a.m.  

Vets Need to Apply For Rebates: With the recently signed Economic Stimulus package allows disabled veterans - whose primary income consists of VA compensation - to qualify for rebates. The catch is you must file a federal tax return. Many social security recipients and veterans who might not otherwise need to file a tax return must do so to receive the economic stimulus payment. This link provides information on how to file to receive your rebate: http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=179096,00.html

"The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's military service," Senator Inhofe said. "Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform. "Unfortunately, current U.S. law leaves confusion as to whether veterans and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag. My legislation will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and servicemen alike to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not. "I look forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly at baseball games, parades, and formal events. I believe this is an appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million veter ans in the United States who have served in the military and remain as role models to others citizens. Those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be an inspiration to others."
This Bill was passed July 25,  2007.  Let your veteran friends know about the Passage of this Bill.