President Gordon B. Hinckley has joined a select group of men honored for their national and global influence.

The American Legion's Past Department Commanders' Club presented President Hinckley with its annual "Good Guy Award" at a luncheon at the Red Lion Hotel Sept. 2 in conjunction with the organization's convention in Salt Lake City. John P. "Jake" Comer, president, who presented the award, described it as "our premier presentation."Responding to the award, President Hinckley quipped, "I've received many honors, but never before for being a good guy. I wonder what my mother would say, or my sixth grade school teacher."

President Hinckley received prolonged applause from the members of the veterans' group as they expressed appreciation for his lifetime contributions and for his address Sunday in the Tabernacle on Temple Square. (See separate article on this page.)

In brief remarks to the Past Department Commanders' Club, President Hinckley thanked the group for its kindness and generosity. He reiterated his appreciation for those willing to go to war to defend freedom and peace.

"It was an honor to speak to more than 6,000 of you in the Tabernacle on Temple Square yesterday morning. I made a plea that we strengthen in our national life the meaning of our national motto, `In God We Trust.'

"I'd like to say that the conclusion of the memorial service yesterday was tremendously impressive to me and I think to everyone there. The moment of silence to fallen comrades, the reading of scripture by your chaplain, the placing of the beautiful wreaths of remembrance, the solemn, haunting strains of `Taps' echoing through the great Tabernacle, and the beautiful language of the benediction stirred within each of us thoughts of gratitude, respect and reverence.

"May I, as a citizen of the nation and the world which today enjoys relative peace, add my salute and my solemn thanks to all who have served in defense of liberty and peace, and most importantly, to the very many who gave their very lives defending our beloved land, the United States of America. May the Almighty hasten the day when, as Isaiah prophesied, men shall `beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.' " (Isa. 2:4.)

Legionaires explained that the recipient of the award, with its somewhat understated title, is decided by a national nominating committee. It has been presented to U.S. presidents, entertainers and other prominent figures. Because the American Legion is a global organization, the award is considered a global award.

"President Hinckley's many addresses have stirred and inspired youth and adults," said James McKee, public relations spokesman for the American Legion. "The majesty of his message has stayed in our minds and in our memories as a towering experience of strength and spirituality."