American Legion commander shares President’s Day message

Posted on February 16, 2015

By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – A veterans’ leader told a Springfield audience the war on Islamic State must include the public’s knowledge of the endgame.

Michael Helm, the national commander of the American Legion, told a Lincoln’s Birthday audience the nation must keep Lincoln’s promise “to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan,” quoting Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address.

“America cannot be divided in fighting today’s scourge: international terrorism,” Helm said, alluding to another famous Lincoln line.

Presidents in the 19th Century, Helm said, had to think and act for themselves; no spin doctors.

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