390                 WISCONSIN BLUE BOOK

  The Army and Navy Union incorporated by an act of Congress in
1888 is the oldest service men's organization in the United States. Its
official badge may be worn by officers and enlisted men of the army,
navy, marine corps, and air corps during all patriotic public events.
The dominant aim of the union is to perpetuate the organization as
long as the United States Constitution lives. Eligible for membership
are those who have served honorably at any time in some branch of the
United States military service. A large number of members are war
veterans. A majority were under arms during peace time.
  The Wisconsin department was formed in 1917, when Lucas A. Van
Toor of Milwaukee became its first commander. Since then 5,000 or
more men have sworn in as members. At present ten garrisons make
up Wisconsin's strength. Their annual convention is held in August and
is often attended by the national commander in chief. They are affil-
iated with the Wisconsin Veterans' Council.