Calling themselves the “Second American Expeditionary Force,” 20,000 men and women of The American Legion and Auxiliary journeyed to France in September 1927 for the Legion’s 9th National Convention.
The conventioneers frolicked at Coney Island, New York, before sailing across the Atlantic on board the steamship Leviathan. Gen. John J. Pershing accompanied National Commander Howard P. Savage on the voyage. In Paris, both men – along with many other distinguished Legion guests – attended a dinner party hosted by French president Gaston Doumergue.
Passports were issued by the State Department for those going abroad that were speicifc to the Legion. John Pazour of Marion attended the convention and brought earned the Post the flag pole ring. The ring has a unique crest applied to it, and the others are only slightly raised lettering.
Pictures of the Passport and flagpole ring are in the gallery entitled "Paris Convention"
