Lincoln Mercury Joins Forces With The American Legion to Sponsor College Scholarships for the Children of America's Heroes

DEARBORN, Mich., July 1 -- As the nation gets ready to celebrate Independence Day, Lincoln Mercury today is proud to announce it is joining forces with The American Legion as a sponsor of the Legion's American Legacy Scholarship Fund.

"We're pleased that Lincoln Mercury has been able to align with The American Legion to help provide education for children who have lost a parent in the Armed Forces," said Al Giombetti, president, Lincoln Mercury. "It's the least we can do to honor America's heroes."

To kick off this alliance, Lincoln Mercury is donating $25,000 to the American Legacy Scholarship Fund, which provides college scholarship funds to children of fallen servicemen and women who have died on active duty since September 11, 2001. Additionally, American Legion members will receive a $400 purchase incentive for all new Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, and Lincoln Mercury will donate another $100 in the member's and dealer's names to the Legacy Fund. The program starts July 1 and continues through September 30, 2005.

"We are grateful to Lincoln Mercury for their outstanding corporate citizenship and commitment to those who go in harms way in our behalf," said American Legion National Commander Thomas P. Cadmus. "Participation in this program provides a tangible way of expressing thanks to those patriots and their families who sacrifice so much for our freedom."

About The American Legion

Founded in 1919, the 2.7 million-member American Legion is the nation's preeminent service organization for veterans of the U.S. armed forces, including active duty, National Guard and Reserves, and their families. A powerful voice for veterans in Washington, The American Legion drafted the original GI Bill and was instrumental in establishing the agency that today is the federal Department of Veterans Affairs. For full information on veterans' services, membership, and the many programs of The American Legion visit http://www.legion.org/ .

The American Legion established the American Legacy Scholarship Fund following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to enable the children of military personnel who gave their lives in service to our country on and after Sept. 11, 2001 have the opportunity to receive a college education. The American Legion manages the fund so that all contributions go directly into the scholarships.

About Lincoln Mercury

Lincoln and Mercury are brands of the Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., which manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With nearly 325,000 employees and 110 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company and Hertz. For more information regarding Lincoln Mercury's products, please visit http://www.lincolnmercury.com/ .