| National Convention Information |
NATIONAL CONVENTION
August 22-28, 2008, Phoenix, Arizona
Louisiana Host Hotel: Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak
7677 North 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020
602-997-2626, http://www.pointehilton.com |
| National Convention Program Matrix/Agenda |
To print a copy of the Agenda for the 2008 National Convention, please click on the PDF icon at right.
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PARADE INFORMATION
Parade shirts are the same as always, purple with the Mardi Gras motiff. If you desire a shirt, please send your check in the amount of $25.00 per shirt to PDC Forrest Travirca, III as in the past. All checks for the shirts must be in to him on or before July 15th so that the order can be placed in a timely manner. If you have any questions, please contact Forrest Travirca, III.
(George Duncan (6th District) is Parade Chairman and specific questions regarding the "MINI" parade should be addressed to him.)
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The National Executive Committee on May 7, 2008 approved an alternative event to an outdoor parade for the 2008 National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. The concept of this event, and other information you may find useful, is listed below:
Concept
Name of the event - The American Legion Family Presents A Tribute To Service
Location of the event - US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ
Day/Date of the event - Sunday, August 24, 2008
Time - 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM; Shuttles begin arriving at approximately 3:30 PM
A Mariachi Band greets guests as they arrive at the US Airways Center. Attendees enter arena and find their Department signs for seating - seating determined by the June 11, 2008 membership target date. F&B cash outlets are available for use throughout the event within the US Airways Center. The Joliet American Legion Band will perform beginning at 3:30 PM. Parade is forming up underneath the US Airways Center's arena seating - details to be provided to each delegation at the parade meeting on Saturday, August 22, 2008.
Plan
Parade starts promptly at 4:00 PM. No more than 18 people from each Department. Color Guard or Banner Carriers - 2-6 people; American Legion Leadership - 4 people; American Legion Auxiliary Leadership - 4 people; SAL Detachment Leadership - 4 people
Order of March determined by June 11, 2008 membership target date
2007 Championship Color Guard leads the parade and centers on arena floor for purposes of "eyes right" salutes. National Commander, National President, & SAL National Commander follow the Color Guard and assume a position near the Color Guard for purpose of receiving each Department delegation. Each Department enters arena marches across the floor, salutes The Colors and the National Leaders and exits on the other side of the arena directly across from their entrance point. Parade marchers then join their delegations in Department seating. 2007 Championship Bank, from their seats, will play parade marching music. PNC's, PNP's, Spirit of Service Award Winners, Youth Champions, and all other DG's including Service Members' families are seated in a VIP seating area near the bottom of the arena or on the area floor.
The Joliet Band will play our National Anthem. Opening remarks by the National Commander and introduction of Special Guests. Special Guests assume their positions and at approximately 4:50 PM, there will be a mass enlistment/re-enlistment ceremony. The ceremony is being coordinated by The Department of Arizona in concert with the Arizona National Guard and local recruiters in the Phoenix, Arizona area.
At approximately 5:00 PM, the USMC Silent Drill Team takes the floor and performs for approximately 15 minutes. If the USMC Silent Drill Team is not available, then one of the National Championship Color Guards will conduct a 10 minute demonstration. At approximately 5:20 PM-5:35 PM, Casino Arizona provides a "warm up act" - "The Temptations Review". At 5:40 PM-6:25 PM Michael Peterson is the headliner entertainment; his final song will be accompanied or followed by fireworks. At approximately 6:30 PM, there will be final comments by the National Commander.
Logistics
Shuttles will run to and from the event at no cost. Parade shuttles will once again be the responsibility of each Department in 2009. Stage locations are still to be determined and a script wil be written by Public Relations for the event. Other issues and concerns that may develop will be addressed at the annual convention parade meeting on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 2:00 PM in the Ellis Room, 2nd Floor of the Hyatt Regency Phoenix Hotel.
The National Convention Band and Color Guard award winners will not be required to march in the annual parade to qualify for their awards earned on Saturday, August 23, 2008. NOTE: The annual National Convention outdoor patriotic parade will resume in 2009 at the Convention held in Louisville, Kentucky on Sunday, August 23, 2009.
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| Tour Information and Golf Reservation Information |
To view and/or print a copy of the TOURS available during the 2008 National Convention, please click on the PDF icon at right. TO REGISTER FOR TOURS, GO TO THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE
http://www.weareaz.com
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| Any of our members wishing to play golf while attending the 2008 National Convention are invited to book reservations by contacting the following: http://phoenix.gov/golf or Laura Soldinger, Golf Resource Development Coordinator, 2700 N. 15th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007, 602-262-4540, FAX 495-5557. |
| American Legion Baseball Night |
| Wheelchair/Scooter Rental Information |
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For information on the rental of wheelchairs and scooters, please click the link posted below. We urge anyone wishing to make use of this type of equipment to please make your reservations early to insure you will have one waiting for you.
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