Sauls-Bridges American Legion Post 13 News Volume 52, Issue 7 JULY 2017 The Story Of The Fourth of July The Declaration of Independence We celebrate American Independence Day on the Fourth of July every year. We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. But July 4, 1776 wasn't the day that the Continental Congress decided to declare independence (they did that on July 2, 1776). It wasn t the day we started the American Revolution either (that had happened back in April 1775). And it wasn't the day Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence (that was in June 1776). Or the date on which the Declaration was delivered to Great Britain (that didn't happen until November 1776). Or the date it was signed (that was August 2, 1776). So what did happen on July 4, 1776? The Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. They'd been working on it for a couple of days after the draft was submitted on July 2nd and finally agreed on all of the edits and changes. July 4, 1776, became the date that was included on the Declaration of Independence, and the fancy handwritten copy that was signed in August (the copy now displayed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.) It s also the date that was printed on the Dunlap Broadsides, the original printed copies of the Declaration that were circulated throughout the new nation. So when people thought of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 was the date they remembered. In contrast, we celebrate Constitution Day on September 17th of each year, the anniversary of the date the Constitution was signed, not the anniversary of the date it was approved. If we d followed this same approach for the Declaration of Independence we d being celebrating Independence Day on August 2nd of each year, the day the Declaration of Independence was signed! How did the Fourth of July become a national holiday? For the first 15 or 20 years after the Declaration was written, people didn t celebrate it much on any date. It was too new and too much else was happening in the young nation. By the 1790s, a time of bitter partisan conflicts, the Declaration had become controversial. One party, the Democratic-Republicans, admired Jefferson and the Declaration. But the other party, the Federalists, thought the Declaration was too French and too anti-british, which went against their current policies. By 1817, John Adams complained in a letter that America seemed uninterested in its past. But that would soon change. After the War of 1812, the Federalist party began to come apart and the new parties of the 1820s and 1830s all considered themselves inheritors of Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans. Printed copies of the Declaration began to circulate again, all with the date July 4, 1776, listed at the top. The deaths of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams on July 4, 1826, may even have helped to promote the idea of July 4 as an important date to be celebrated. Celebrations of the Fourth of July became more common as the years went on and in 1870, almost a hundred years after the Declaration was written, Congress first declared July 4 to be a national holiday as part of a bill to officially recognize several holidays, including Christmas. Further legislation about national holidays, including July 4, was passed in 1939 and 1941. Every day is Veterans Day
PAGE 2 SAULS-BRIDGES AMERICAN LEGION POST 13 NEWS V OLUME 52, ISSUE 7 Tallahassee Honor Flight 2017 2017 marks the 12 th anniversary of the Historical First Honor Flight Conception. Let s take a moment to reflect on Retired Air Force Captain, Physicians Assistant and private pilot, Earl Morse. If not for Morse, wanting to show appreciation to the WWII Veterans, the Honor Flight would have never existed. An average of 640 WWII veterans were dying each day and surviving Vets were unable to either afford or travel to the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC. Morse belonged to one of the largest and best Aero Clubs in the nation, which flew out of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. He enlisted other pilots to fly 6 planes. Two WWII Veterans were aboard each plane with a total of 12 Veterans selected for the First Honor Flight to the DC Memorial in May 2005.Two stipulations Morse required by volunteer pilots. One: pilots were to pay for the rental of the aircrafts. Two: the pilot was to personally escort the veterans around Washington, DC for the day and pick up all expenses. ZERO cost to the Vets. Since 2005, over 159,000 Veterans from all branches of the service have been flown to Washington, DC memorials. Today there are approximately 131 hubs in 45 States in the Honor Flight Network. Veterans from WWII, Korean War and Viet Nam War are now eligible for the Honor Flight. Dean Showalter, John Folsom, Charles Howell, Roger Hewitt, Doug Marsh, Walt Krimes, and Jim Travis, members of Post 13, were among the Honor Flight participants. The Honor Flight took off from Tallahassee around 7am and returned around 9:30 pm. The customary Water Salute was giving by the Tallahassee Fire Department Firefighters as the Honor Flight Plane taxied the THL runway. The exhausted Veterans seemed invigorated by the sight of the Honor Guard, which stretched from the Honor Flight plane to inside the hanger. The once silence dark evening was now filled with cheers and applause as the Vets disembarked. Tears of joy filled eyes of some Vets and family members. Among the Honor Guard and cheering crowd were members of CVMA (Combat Veterans Motorcycle Assoc.), SCRC (Southern Cruisers Riders Club) and Judge Nina Richardson. Article and photos by Maria A Renzulli (NALP member- ALA Historian Unit13) THE HONOR FLIGHT WAS REALLY APPRECIATED!!!
PAGE 3 SAULS-B RID GES AMERIC AN L EGION POST 13 NEWS V OLUME 52, ISSUE 7 What IF??? During the past several months participation of members in the Post meetings the general membership meetings and socials there has been a decline in membership attending. The facility is well maintained inside and out cleanliness has been one of our keywords, lighting is adequate, the sound system is A+ and meets all desires. During the last membership meeting a discussion was brought to the floor What If -changes are made, any alterations, just what can we do and what is the Problem? The first four members to address this issue said PARKING IS A MAJOR ISSUE and has been for a long time. Efforts have been expended for about two decades to simply solve this problem. No luck to date. We all know beautiful Lake Ella is an attraction for multitudes of walkers, visitors, and just to get outside. The scenic location among several concerns is safety. How does this effect our parking???? Our parking lot is used by untold dozens. We have consulted with the city and county officials a number of times to address the possibility of determining additional parking. NO luck there. Space is simply the problem. First and foremost THE INTEGRITY OF THIS POST AND THE LE- GION IS PARAMOUNT. The question of not allowing use of our lot to visitors the public is not the answer. We do feel we can control the lot during the afternoon and night when there are special meetings such as the socials and other events to allow more of our members a space in our lots. And the question has arisen that more input -member concerns are heard. WHY NOT??? We need your thoughts, ideas, suggestions about this issue and other matters about your Legion. After all this is your Post too. And this is not a one man operation and the members have the voice that is needed, seriously we need to have your suggestions for improvements about the Post. HAPPY 4th to all. The willingness of our veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. Jeff Miller
V OLUME 52, ISSUE 7 SAULS-BRIDGES AMERICAN LEGION POST 13 NEWS PAGE 4 CHAPLAIN S CORNER Noel Hurst, Chaplain Our Supreme Commander, Your name is holy. Hallowed be Thy name. We pause to honor You. May Your name be exalted in all the earth. There is no one like You. You are our Creator and You are our Redeemer. You are our refuge and strength. You are all we need in perilous times and we are in perilous times now, We don't know what to do but our eyes are on You. We are truly blessed to have You! You are our hiding place, a shelter in the time of storm. I echo the writer of old who said of You :"He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock and covers me there with His hand." Thank You, Supreme Commander, that you don't leave us as sheep without a shepherd. You are the Good Shepherd who cares for Your sheep and guides us to a safe place, a place very close to You, a place where sin cannot molest, a place near to the heart of God! Thank You, Father, for your great blessings on each of us and for blessing our country. Even with such turmoil and uncertainty we can still see Your loving hand on us. You bless us with blessing after blessing. How great is your love for us. You have blessed us, our families, our friends, our neighbors. We are blessed above most of the world's millions of people. We thank You! May we show our thanks to You by sharing with others. Remind us, Father, to share a smile, a favor, a meal or some token of friendship with someone. May we be Your hand extended to someone who needs a small reminder of Your love and kindness. This month we celebrate the birth of our country. Thank You for great patriots who framed our government so many years ago. Their love of freedom, their insight of things governmental, their understanding of human frailty AND Your guidance enabled them to dream and to write our great national governing documents, our Declaration of Independence, our Constitution and other laws that continue into this twenty-first century. We owe our freedom and prosperity to You and Your great love and blessing! How great is our God and how great is His love for us! We thank you for our Legion Post and for the comradeship, the fellowship, the friendship we find here. Thank You, Father, for those who work tirelessly to keep the Post as a continuing entity for "God and Country". Father, please remind us to love You and to honor our beloved USA! We ask all this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace. George Washington
PAGE 5 VOLUME 52, ISSUE 7 Auxiliary News Navigating for Veterans and their Families Greetings: JULY 2017 As we focus on our new year, let us remember what our organization is all about; supporting our Veterans, Children, and Community. The Auxiliary Preamble begins with these words "FOR GOD AND COUNTRY", as we approach "INDEPENDENCE DAY" (July 4TH) may we remember, without our veterans, we would not be living in a free country. Fly your American flags, large or small, fly them high to show your patriotism. District 2 held its Constitution Conference on May 20th in Marianna and your District President for 2017-2018 is our own Muriel Kweyama. Congratulations Muriel!!!! In June's newsletter, I stated Unit 13's officers for 2017-2018 and don't forget we will be holding installation on July 27th along with the Post due to Department Convention being held June 29-July 2 in Orlando. Hope you have made your reservations, this is the best way to know what your Unit and Department is all about. I apologize for the shortness as I am at FSU for Girls State. Living with 300 high school seniors and approximately 35 staff members for 11 days is very exciting and sometimes a little exhausting. However, the end result is well worth the sleepless nights. If anyone is interested in working with these amazing young ladies next year, please let me know. This is our future leaders of "TOMORROW". Hope to see every Auxiliary member at our July 13th Auxiliary meeting which begins at 7:00 p.m. at the "HOOCH" For God and Country, Nell Hewitt, President Auxiliary Unit 13 Attention Arts and Craft lovers! Need money for the holidays? Have unwanted items you want to sell? ALA Unit 13 is having an Arts/Craft Flea Market on September 23, 2017 from 10am-4pm inside Post 13. To reserve a table call Maria A Renzulli (850-445-0433) ALA Historian. Tables are sold on a first come first serve basis. Limited outside spaces are also available. Please spread the word to family and INCOMING OFFICERS FOR LEGION YEAR 2017-18 Installation for our incoming leaders will be held on July 27, 2017 at the monthly social. This is a good opportunity to enjoy a good meal (no cost to you) and appreciate your legion. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE - IS A NICE WAY TO CREATE A SMILE!!
VOLUME 52, ISSUE 7 SAULS-B RID GES AMERIC AN L EGION POST 13 NEWS PAGE 6 DID YOU KNOW? BY John Folsom, Commander July 22 1953 Major John H. Glenn, future astronaut and U.S. senator, claimed his third MiG kill in the last aerial victory of the Korean War by a Marine pilot. 1953 First Lieutenant Sam P. Young, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing, was credited with the final MiG kill of the Korean War 1960 Cuba nationalized all US owned sugar factories 1975 The House of Representatives joined the Senate in voting to restore the American citizenship of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee July 23 1865 William Booth founded the Salvation Army. 1973 Eddie Rickenbacker, World War I flying ace, died in Zurich, Switzerland at the age of 82. Known as a race-car driver before World War I, he became America s premier flying ace during the war and returned home to a hero s welcome. Declining offers from the aviation industry and even Hollywood, Rickenbacker decided to lend his name to a car company, although he played a negligible role in the company s management and eventually resigned his position there. Without his high-flying name behind the product, Rickenbacker Motors crashed and burned. Later he and several associates bought Eastern Airlines in 1938 and guided it to become one of the most profitable airlines in the postwar era. Give us your email address and you will receive this post news in color!!! SOCIAL TIME - Members, Families and Friends It s Italian Night at the next social! Please join us on Thursday, June 22nd at 6ish. Dinner served at 7pm Here s the menu... Spaghetti & meatballs, garlic toast, tossed salad and fruit. If you d like to bring a dessert to share, even better. Please feel free to bring a friend or two. Free cost for all. Hope to see you here. Al McGonigal, WWII Veteran Recently we have been honored with celebrations during Memorial Day, and to recognize D-Day and its importance, to note Flag Day and the 4th of July and its importance to the nation. It is well known Veterans made the difference during (and after) WWII. Just in case you are there American Legion Post 1 in Paris, France will be open Sept. 15th. My dream is of a place and a time Al McGonigal where America will once again be seen as the last
V OLUME 52, ISSUE 7 JULY 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 2 9:30am River Church Glory Bound 7pm Gospel Sing 9 9:30am River CHURCH 16 9:30am River Church 23 9:30am River Church 30 RC 3 Ballroom Dance w/dj 7:30-10:00p 10 Ballroom Dance w/dj 7:30-10:00p 17 Ballroom Dance w/dj 7:30-10:00p 24 Ballroom Dance w/dj 7:30-10:00p 31 MD HAPPY 4TH 4 11 HB &DOGS 2 PM FLAG RETIREMENT NO SWING BAND AT 7 11 Tallahassee Swing Band 7:30-10p 18 Tallahassee Swing Band 7:30-10p 25 Tallahassee Swing Band 7:30-10p 5 6:30pm Sue Boyd Country Dance Lessons 12 6:30pm Sue Boyd Country Dance Lessons 19 26 6:30pm Sue Boyd Country Dance Lessons 6 7:10am TIPS Meeting Hall Available For Rent 13 7:10am TIPS MG 6pm-ALA Exec. 6:30 pm Post Exe. Board Mtg. 7 PM ALA 7:30pm POST GEN MEMBER 20 7:10am TIPS Meeting 6:30pm Sue Boyd Country Dance Lessons 6-9pm- Tallahassee Writers Assoc 27 7:10am TIPS Meeting 7pm POST SOCIAL 7 7:10am BNI Biz to Biz Chapter Mtg. Free Wheelin 8-11 cover 14 7:10am BNI Biz to Biz Chapter Mtg. Crooked shooz 8-12pm W.cover 21 7:10am BNI Biz to Biz Chapter Mtg. Hall Available For Rent 28 7:10am BNI Biz to Biz Chapter Mtg. Hall Available For Rent PAGE 7 1 Hall Available For Rent 8 12-4 Private Party (Hawkins) 15 Hall Available For rent 22 Private Party (d) 29 5pm Private Party (Folsom) To Book your Event at the Post, please call 850-284-6967. We do not maintain regular office hours. All services performed here are volunteer hours. Generally, the office is open from Noon until late afternoon. If you must leave a message, please make certain to leave your area code as part of your telephone number.
Post News Located at: 229 Lake Ella Drive Tallahassee, Florida 32303 Mailing Address: American Legion, Sauls-Bridges Post #13 PO Box 38028 Tallahassee, FL 32315-8028 Phone: 850-222-3382 Web: FloridaLegionPost13.org. JULY 2017 Return Service Requested Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Tallahassee, Florida Permit No. 21 For God and Country Editing/layout: Carolyn Archer & Charles LeCroy Photos: Email: amlegp13@gmail.com Web page (Face book): Google: American Legion Sauls-Bridges EVENTS BOOKING: (850) 284-6967 Deadline for the AUGUST 2017 Newsletter will be JULY 15th at 5:00pm Newsletter items can be submitted three ways: (1) Place in the Newsletter Box in the Post 13 office (2) Mail to the return address above, or (3) Submit (with a subject line) to the Post s Email Address: AMLEGP13@GMAIL.COM All Articles published require the Commander s approval. PLEASE NOTE: Post General Membership Business Meetings are held on the 2ND Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm. POST SOCIALS are held on the 4TH Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm. [Except for Nov. & Dec.]