Copyright: The Salvation Army Central Territory Historical Museum; Origformat: Artifact
Name/Title
Medal
Entry/Object ID
2016.11.52
Description
American Legion "President" medal belonging to Minnie "Ma" Burdick, circa 1920s. The medal itself is octagonal in shape. Gold/brass-colored metal with blue (royal/navy) and white enamel. Circular emblem in middle is a blue star on white circle with a blue circular rim around the edge. On the rim in gold text is "American Legion Auxiliary." Medal is connected to a navy blue ribbon. At the top of the ribbon is a rectangular, metal and blue enamel name plate. In gold it says "PRESIDENT." The back of the (nameplate or ribbon?) has a pin attached to it.
Founded in 1919 soon after the start of the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary became "the world's largest women's patriotic service organization." Ma Burdick served as the National Chaplain of the American Legion Auxiliary from 1921-1924.
The position of National Chaplain has been important since the organizations' inception. Chaplains are found at all levels of the organization, from the individual unit to the national level, and are called on to perform duties such as leading memorial services for fallen soldiers and offering prayers at events.
Acquisition
Accession
2016.11
Source or Donor
Feack, Pamela
Acquisition Method
Gift
Credit Line
Gift of Pamela Feack in memory of Floyd O. "Pa" and Samantha Minerva "Minnie, Ma" Saunders Burdick, Cecil May Burdick Goodwin, Grace Belle Burdick Yates, and Fern Ann Goodwin Feack
