Fall - 70th Infantry Division Association

Members to vote
on history book
Shall the 70th Division Association spend a considerable portion of
its treasury to produce a history book that will be distributed free to all
members?
A proposal made by "Trailblazer" editors is receiving widespread
support. But a more formalized vote will give officers the mandate to
proceed with this project. The ballot below should be filled out, signed
and returned to Secretary-Treasurer Alvin Thomas before November
15 , 1987.
Only a few objections have been raised to date. One is that the
history ought to be written by the official historians of the Association.
Another is that our funds-when the Association finally dissolves as its
members die off-should be given to an appropriate charity. The
Army-Navy Relief Fund and the George C. Marshall Foundation have
been mentioned. Each is a worthy group. (Our own Ross Millhiser,
N275, is the chief officer of the latter.)
Another questions what the Association's obligations are to life
members. There ought to be a sufficient reserve to service such
members, of course. The question is how long is a " life" membership
and what services should be rendered. It is obvious that "life" must
refer to that of the organization. not an individual's. We have members
who can well expect to live to 2026 A.D. By that time there will be only
a handful of members left in the Association. What services ought- or
could- be rendered the few survivors? Today the major services are
the "Trailblazer" magazine and the biennial Reunions. It is financially
impossible to produce a magazine like the one we now have for, let's
say, a hundred members. And a Reunion would probably be just as
impractical for a membership that low .
The problem needs study. of course. But whether the lifemembership
situation affects the history book is one the members will
decide by their vote.
The original proposal suggested that a history book like this is an
appropriate expenditure, that it would make a good legacy for a veteran
to leave to future generations.
Before you vote, you should consider these points, however:
I. It will take over a year to produce this book. The price may well
be increased although all estimates are on the conservative side. The
worst we can foresee is that members would be asked to pay postage
and handling expenses, these should be no more than about $2.50.
2. The official records of the United States Army will be the basis
for the book. All historical accounts are challenged; this is the case with
the 70th's story, too. Personal recollections of the total confusion of
battle will vary drastically among individuals. The editors are in no
position to evaluate the accuracy of any one man's recall. Supposedly
the official historians of the Army have adjudicated discrepancies in
accounts and have decided upon that one which seems most correct,
given all evidence.
3. Members will have to rely on the competence of the editors. If the
"Trailblazer" magazine is not satisfactorily written , the editor can be
replaced. This luxury is not possible with a book; there will be no
"corrected edition" to follow it.
• Clip, vote, mail NOW
D YES. Appropriate $32,000 from the Association
treasury to produce a history book of
the Division.
Name:
Unit (Company, battalion, regiment, etc.)
Treasurer's Report
Alvin Thomas
Balance 4-1-87:
First Bonk of Eureka ....... ..... . .... ... ... .... .. .
Citizen Saving & Loon Association (Eureka) ...... ... .
T otol Balance ....... .............. ............ .
RECEIPTS:
Dues-Regular (61(