Oratorical
2024 Department Oratorical Contest - March 23, 2024
The contest has previously been held in the month of February. Wisconsin’s contest has been moved to March because the National contest, previously held in April, is now scheduled in May. Participants in the American Legion Oratorical Contest develop leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and are better prepared to accept the duties and responsibilities, for the rights and privileges of American citizenship.
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All Districts will their winner certifications to Department Headquarters by March 1, 2024.
Oratorical Scholarships
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Each District winner will receive an Oratory Medal
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Each Regional participant will receive a $600 scholarship
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The winner of each Regional contest will receive a $1,000 scholarship
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The Department finalists receive $2000 for first, $1500 for second, and $1000 for third place.
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National finalists receive $25,000 for first, $22,500 for second, and $20,000 for third place.
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Each Department (State) winner who is certified into, and participates in the national contest's 1st round receives a $2,000 scholarship. Those who advance past the 1st round receive an additional $2,000 scholarship. The American Legion's National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.
Assigned Topics for 2024 Oratorical Contest​
2024 Oratorical Information
Get Involved!
If you are interested in volunteering at the Department contest, please contact Sheri Hicks.
Amendment II
A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
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Amendment XXIII
The District constituting the seat of Government of the United States shall appoint in such manner as the Congress may direct:
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A number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a State, but in no event more than the least populous State; they shall be in addition to those appointed by the State, but they shall be considered, for the purposes of the election of President and Vice President, to be electors appointed by a State; and they shall meet in the District and perform such duties as provided by the twelfth article of amendment.
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Amendment XXV, Section 3
Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.
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Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, not be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.