In the Preamble to the American Legion Constitution, which we recite at the beginning of every meeting, we pledge ourselves to ten purposes, among which are: (1) to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; (2) to maintain law and order; (3) to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; (5) to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state, and nation; and (8) to promote peace and good-will on earth. To this end, we strive to maintain law and order in our homes, Posts and communities. We also honor those "unsung heros" of our lives - the paid and unpaid law officers, firefighters, EMT’s and paramedics - who give unselfishly of themselves every day that we might have freedom and protection from harm. The hours that they give are often "above and beyond the call of duty", and frequently they are not compensated at a fair market value. Their families also give of themselves in this effort, as many hours are spent away from home in their professional dedication to their fellow man.