PUBLIC LAW 105-225—AUG. 12, 1998 112 STAT. 1365 (b) EXPIRATION OF CHARTER. —If the corporation does not comply with any provision of this chapter, the charter granted by this chapter expires. § 100103. Purposes The purposes of the corporation are as provided in the articles of incorporation and include— (1) giving patriotic allegiance to the United States, fidelity to the Constitution and laws of the United States, and support to the security of civil liberty and permanence of free institutions; (2) stimulating patriotism in the minds of Americans by encouraging the study of the history of the United States; (3) ensuring the preservation and defense of the United States from all enemies without reservation; (4) preserving the memories and records of patriotic service performed by men and women who served in the Armed Forces, by gathering, collating, editing, publishing, and exhibiting the memorabilia, information, records, military awards, decorations, and citations of those who served in the Armed Forces; (5) promoting peace, prosperity, and good will between the peoples of the United States and Italy; and (6) functioning as a veterans' and patriotic organization as authorized by the laws of each State in which it is incorporated. §100104. Membership A citizen of the United States who was honorably discharged from the Armed Forces is eligible for membership in the corporation. Except as provided in this chapter, eligibility for membership and the rights and privileges of members are as provided in the bylaws. §100105. Governing body (a) BOARD OF DIRECTORS.— The board of directors and the responsibilities of the board are as provided in the articles of incorporation. (b) OFFICERS. —The officers and the election of officers are as provided in the articles of incorporation. §100106. Powers The corporation has only the powers provided in its bylaws and articles of incorporation filed in each State in which it is incorporated. § 100107. Restrictions (a) STOCK AND DIVIDENDS.—The corporation may not issue stock or declare or pay a dividend. (b) POLITICAL ACTIVITIES.— The corporation or a director or officer as such may not contribute to, support, or participate in any political activity or in any manner attempt to influence legislation. (c) DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME OR ASSETS. — The income or assets of the corporation may not inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, a director, officer, or member during the life of the charter granted by this chapter. This subsection does not prevent the pay- ment of reasonable compensation to an officer or reimbursement ee-lMO-98 -16:(^3Put2
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