AMERICAN LEGION POST 71 NEWSLETTER NOTES:

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1 COMMANDER S CORNER Legionnaires! FORE!! Part of being an American is a good-ole Golf tournament where by friendships and comradery are created. Forge while driving around in a small cart, building team work relationships on a perfectly cut and maintained grassy lawn with holes carved throughout the landscape. On May 2nd, I encourage every member to come out and enjoy the day even if you do not golf - when we get together what a JOY it can be. The truth is May begins the season nearly every American looks forward to. May brings the season of newness, of achievements and enjoyment. May is also the month when our Nation and Legion Post remember our fallen. We remember those who have paved the way so we might live and enjoy our preamble of 100% Americanism. Speaking of Joy since I have been a member of Leonard Moore s post some of my greatest moments have been celebrating and remembering those veterans who came before us and have reported-in to the Supreme Commander, we call it Post everlasting. This month we will also support a Soldier s Walk commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Is it Civil War or is it The War of Northern Aggression? Regardless of the title, last month at our meeting I shared a few thoughts concerning offense. I have to personally admit that if there is any depth of quality in serving as your commander and the monthly messages I write, it has come out of many years of trials and disappointments. Oftentimes, adversity is one of our greatest teachers. Walt Disney stated: "All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you." There s an old saying: After the rain, come the flowers. As we go forward towards being the post of excellence, our post must have subtle changes for the good if we want our garden to grow with new, young and bright members! Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes. In other words, if what we are doing in our relationships, our family life, and in our community isn't working, we may very well need to change ourselves and/or our strategies and methods. If we are mature, we will act in a mature fashion. If we are responsible, we will act in a responsible manner. And if we are sincere and genuine, we will act accordingly and be known as men and women whose word is their bond at Leonard Moore Post, our post, an action Post. I desire above all else to see you during this month as we remember those who have gone before us. For after all, it s what we do, not what we say that says the most of all about American Legion Post-71. Come and see during our May events! For God and Country, Your Commander, Bull Durham NOTES: FROM THE EDITOR: To ensure we do not miss anyone s special day, please make certain we have your correct birth date in our records. Please post71@nc.rr.com or fill out the birthday list at the monthly meetings. Please feel free to contact me at post71@nc.rr.com with any suggestions, announcements, questions, comments or concerns you wish to see addressed in future publications. NewsLetter Editor -- Gene K. If you wish to receive a color version of the newsletter via please your desire with an address to post71@nc.rr.com. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! John Powell -- US Army Vietnam era Kenneth Bowen -- US Navy Panama era James A. Quinn -- US Navy Vietnam era J. Michael Thrasher -- US Navy Panama era Department of North Carolina, Division III, District of 8

2 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT The monthly meeting of Leonard Moore Post #71 American Legion was held on Thursday night 9 April Commander Devell Durham called the meeting to order at 19:02 hours. Our Nations Colors were posted by Sergeant at Arms Larry Tice and Ken Stith. Commander Durham asked Post Chaplain Pete Perrino to give the opening prayer. Commander led the Post in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble to the American Legion Constitution. Commander wished all April Birthdays, Rudolph Allen, Ken Aimone, Mike Arrington, Melvin Rutledge, Emory Howard, Don Delaporte, Mike Norton, Darby Whitman and Bob Hughes a Happy Birthday. Commander recognized Post 71 s oldest (98yo 1917) legionnaire Sam Robertson who was in attendance. Commander introduced our newest members John Powell, Kenneth Bowen, Steve Chase, Michael Thrasher and Jim Quinn; all present were given an opportunity to give a brief biography. The cook committee chaired by Ray Hunt served a delicious meal of spaghetti and meat balls with tossed salad, toasted bread and iced tea. Commander called the meeting back to order after the meal. Historian Gene Karaszewski read the minutes from 12 March A motion was made by Rudolph Allen and seconded by Allen Smithson to accept the minutes as read. Motion carried. Committee reports: Finance report: given by Cynthia Shaw. Motion by Percy Liles and seconded by Rowland Lambdin to accept the finance report. Motion carried. Building and Grounds: Ken Wendel advised the members that the Post received a letter from the Clayton Code Enforcement Officer complaining about the graffiti on the side exit door facing the town of Clayton. Ken stated that the door in question and the storage shed doors will be painted this coming Monday at 0900 hrs. Ken also purchased a gallon of paint to clean up the vestibule entry. The strong odor of gas in the building was due to an empty gas tank. Fred Lee of T.R. Lee gas and oil tested for leaks (none found). Ken asked for volunteers for cleaning/painting the kitchen area. Per Commander Durham it takes all of us. Basement committee: Ken Wendel invited all to come and join a card game or to play cornhole on Wednesday nights. Service Officer: Deloy Shaw invited all to a groundbreaking ceremony for the Archer Lodge Veterans Memorial to be held Sunday, April 12, 2015 at 3 pm, on the selected site across from the Archer Lodge Community Center. All veterans are invited to attend. Deloy stated the 40 mile location rule has been updated. Veterans may go outside the VA for private medical care if they had to wait more than 30 days for an appointment or live more than 40 miles from a VA facility. Legion Riders: Bill Dunlop reported the riders participated in the POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony the first Saturday of the month at the NC State Capital in Raleigh, NC. Chapter 71 also participated in the Pony Express Roundup and will participate in the Archer Lodge ground breaking ceremony on Sunday April 12, Golf Committee: Chairman Bob Hughes was not very enthusiastic in his reporting. He is concerned about the low team and sponsor sign-ups. He asked for more help in those areas from the membership. Raffle: Wade Stanley reported we only have 40 tickets that have not been assigned. Enough has been turned in to ensure payment of the weapon. All ticket receipts from this point on are pure profit. Color Guard/Honor Guard: Commander reminded all that we will have a Flag Retirement Ceremony in June. Commander reminded all that May is a busy month, starting with the Soldier s Walk Home on the 18 th. A short walk starting at E. 2 nd St and Main St. to Fayetteville St. will begin at 1700 hrs. Legion Dress is preferred. On the 19 th a 0800 hrs. visit to the Stallings St. cemetery and breakfast at the Post at 0830 hrs. Memorial Day, May 25 th will see Post members participating in the AM setting of flags at local cemeteries, participation in the Johnston County Veterans Council Memorial Ceremony at the Smithfield Courthouse at 1100 hrs and at 1900 hrs the Post 71 Annual Post Everlasting Ceremony. Commander reminded all that more participation is needed and that Color Guard practice will be held 1730 hrs prior to the 2 nd Thursday monthly meeting. Sick and Distressed: Bobby Phillips, co-worker of Beanie Eckerson has taken a turn for the worse. More cancer has been discovered and Beanie asks that we pray for him. Bill Spreitzer and Charles Stewart are still in assisted living. Jim McLaurin is still recuperating at home, and Billie Amos is still recovering from his hip surgery. Glenn Creech is well on the way to recovery and Cynthia Shaw is still recovering from her numerous injuries. Commander conducted a Memorial Bell Ringing for Legionnaire Spencer Johnson Departed. Unfinished Business: If you are not on a cook committee please see the Commander. Correspondence: Articles 2 and 5 of the by-laws were read by the Commander. Department of North Carolina, Division III, District of 8

3 New Business: Nominating committee Chairman Glenn Creech presented the following nominations from the committee; Commander Devell Durham First Vice Commander Eugene Beanie Eckerson Second Vice Commander Dave Sammons Adjutant Ken Parker Finance Officer Cynthia Shaw Service Officer Deloy Shaw Historian Gene Karaszewski Chaplain Joe Hester Judge Advocate Percy Liles Sergeant at Arms Larry Tice Raymond Capps Ken Wendel Ken Stith Good of the Legion: Legionnaire Michael Thrasher was presented with a Certificate of Initiation. Guest Brad Tolman was given an opportunity to give a brief Bio. Commander again reminded everyone of the 150 year Civil War Celebration, a Soldier s Walk Home, on the 18 th. WRAL will be covering the event. A brief discussion on the advantages of purchasing Post 71 business cards was given by Commander Durham. A motion was made by Bob Hughes to purchase 1000 cards for a price of $ Motion was seconded by Troy Alcorn. Motion passed. Ray Hunt s concern about missing the Spring BBQ was address by the Commander. Commander stated we will most likely have a BBQ fund raiser in the Fall. Please plan on being in Raleigh on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at the Legislative Building on Jones Street and meet with your Legislator. This event is being sponsored by the North Carolina Veterans Council for the purpose of bringing the veterans issues to the Legislators and seeking their support. Coffee and donuts will be available to all attendees and guests. Cabela s will be opening their Garner store Thursday, April 16. All veterans will be afforded a 5% discount on purchases. Chaplain Pete Perrino encouraged everyone to visit and investigate AlzNC Walk to be held May 30 th for the benefit of Alzheimer s disease victims. All funds will stay in NC. The Post 71 Marines have challenged the rest of the services to step up and sponsor a hole for the May 2 nd Golf Tournament. Commander Durham thanked the cook committee and asked each member to introduce themselves. Jackpot was won by Earl Bizzle. There being no further business before the body, Commander Durham asked the Sergeant at Arms to retire the Colors. Chaplain gave the closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned in due form at 20:54 hours. Respectfully submitted, Gene Karaszewski, Historian May Cook Committee: Chairman Gene Karaszewski, Michael Norton, John Zdan Ron E Combs, Dave Sammons, Melvin Rutledge, John Mayo, Eric Guevin, Alberto Sandoval, Jerry Hill June Cook Committee: Chair Don Depoy, Al Cotham, Steve Mann, Francis Tichauer, Percy Liles, Frank Procut, Jim Quinn, Earl Bizzell, Ed Smola, Kendal Kennedy Legion Riders meetings are at 1900 on the second Monday of the month. POW/MIA Ride 10:30 AM first Saturday of each month. Contact Bill Dunlap, or Bob Reder, Assistant for more information. Share The Road. Look twice -- Save a life! BASEMENT NEWS: The basement committee would like to welcome all members to join them each Wednesday from 1830 to 2200 for socializing, camaraderie and war stories. There are many fun activities to enjoy, including Poker, Dominoes, and LCR. With the weather permitting, we will play cornhole as well. The basement is also open on meeting nights at 1800 and immediately following the meeting. Department of North Carolina, Division III, District of 8

4 SPECIAL EVENTS: May 2 Post 71 Annual Golf Tournament May 10 Mother s Day May 16 Armed Forces Day May Soldiers Walk Home 1700 hrs on 18th 0800 hrs on 19th May 25 Memorial Day Department of North Carolina, Division III, District of 8

5 THE RAINBOW CORNER Genesis 9:13 (New International Version) I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Fellow Legionnaires: As we do every year in May, on the last Monday of the month, we observe Memorial Day. We remember and honor all who served our country in uniform, and made the ultimate sacrifice. As men and woman who honorably wore a uniform of the Armed Forces of the United States, we should consider it an honor and duty to take time that day to participate in one of the ceremonies being conducted throughout the county that day. Post 71 will conduct our annual Post Everlasting Ceremony honoring those legionnaires who over the last 12 months have gone to be with the Supreme Commander. Please take the time on Memorial Day to join us to honor our departed comrades. And I would be remiss if I did not, as a Christian, reflect on The One who made the supreme sacrifice for all of mankind. Romans 8:2-4, (TLB) tells us that: 2 For the power of the life-giving Spirit and this power is mine through Christ Jesus has freed me from the vicious circle of sin and death. 3 We aren t saved from sin s grasp by knowing the commandments of God because we can t and don t keep them, but God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own Son in a human body like ours except that ours are sinful and destroyed sin s control over us by giving himself as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 So now we can obey God s laws if we follow after the Holy Spirit and no longer obey the old evil nature within us. Only you know whether or not you believe what is written above. If you are not a believer I implore you to read, consider what is written, and seek out someone you know to be a believer to explore and answer any questions you may have about the sacrifice of Our Lord. God welcomes your doubt and questions. Seek and ye shall find. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25 (NIV) God Bless you all. Pete Perrino Post Chaplin RESOURCES: American Legion website at: For a free ride to the VA hospital in Durham in the DAV van, call They will tell you where you can meet the van. Your elected representatives in Washington, D.C.: U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (NC) U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (NC) U.S. Rep. David Rouzer (7 th Dist. Smithfield, Clayton, NC) (202) (202) (202) Your reps not listed? Check here: Department of North Carolina, Division III, District of 8

6 History of Memorial Day 1 Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. Regardless of the exact date or location of its origins, one thing is clear Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. It was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11. The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land, he proclaimed. The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it wasn t the anniversary of any particular battle. On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now observed in almost every state on the last Monday in May with Congressional passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L ). This helped ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays, though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19th in Texas; April 26th in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10th in South Carolina; and June 3rd (Jefferson Davis birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee. Red Poppies In 1915, inspired by the poem In Flanders Fields, Moina Michael replied with her own poem: She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms. Michael. When she returned to France she made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed Department of North Carolina, Division III, District of 8

7 women. This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children s League sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and Madam Guerin approached the VFW for help. Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their Buddy Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. In 1948 the US Post Office honored Ms. Michael for her role in founding the National Poppy movement by issuing a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it. National Moment of Remembrance The National Moment of Remembrance resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps. 1 Commemorative Block Project $10.00 Donation First Name Last Name Branch of Service Years Served (example ) Send in the above form to commemorate any past or present veteran. The above information will be stenciled on a 16 x 8 block in the Post 71 main hall to honor those who served and protected the freedoms of all Americans. Send form and donation to - Leonard Moore Post 71, P.O. Box 252, Clayton, NC Post 71 Memorial Day Activities: 0715 hrs Meet at the Post in preparation for setting memorial flags at local cemeteries hrs Memorial Service conducted by Johnston County Veterans Council held at the Johnston County Court House in Smithfield hrs Post 71 Post Everlasting Ceremony held at McLaurin Pinecrest Memorial Park. Regardless of the circumstances of the battlefield, the cry of the soldier remains the same --God help me. Department of North Carolina, Division III, District of 8

8 ALR Chapter 71 members, Post 71 Commander and 1 st Vice and a member of Johnston County Marine Corps League at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Archer Lodge Veterans Memorial. Commander Durham at the NC Veterans Council Legislative Day April 15th at the NC General Assembly in Raleigh. Legionnaire Michael Thrasher was presented with a Certificate of Initiation at the April meeting. alzncwalks Johnston County Walk Alzheimers North Carolina To Donate or Join our walk go to Saturday, May 30, 2015 Click Johnston County Walk Town Square Clayton Contact: 8:30 am: Registration Sarah Middendorf Sarah.middendorf@saberhealth.com 9:30 am: Opening Ceremonies Pete Perrino pperino@nc.rr.com or (M) 10:00 a.m.: Walk Department of North Carolina, Division III, District of 8