American Legion Post 463

A MOMENT IN LEGION TIME #1

2012-01-27T22:23:00.005-06:00

With the official 93rd birthday of The American Legion seven weeks away, your editor thought he would try each week to post "a moment in time" (taken from the official Legion web site) with the early American Legion to give some insight into why some early events happened or who was some of the early pioneers of the Legion. Although your editor may shorten some of the articles, this first week is entitled "Who dedicated the cornerstone of the original Legion head- quarters building and where is it now?"

The first building to house the National Headquarters was called the War Memorial Building, built by the state of Indiana, with a groundbreaking and dedication occurring on November 4th of 1921. In 1925, upon completion, the building was presented to the Legion. Among the many luminaries who spoke was Marshal Ferdinand Foch, commander-in-chief of the Allied armies during World War I. He brought with him a piece of the Marne River bridge at Chateau-Thierry as a gift from the people of France for the Legion to use as the cornerstone of the new building.

Earlier that year, Foch had appeared at the Legion's 3rd national convention in Kansas City, where he received the Legion's Distinguished Service Medal as one of its first five recipients. He concluded his acceptance speech by declaring, "As for me, the great honor of my life will be to have guided along the road of victory the American Army of 1918, which was a real Grand Army, beginning with its Commander" (which had been Gen. John J. Pershing). In 1926, the Legion passed a resolution naming Foch an "Honorary Commander of The American Legion". He died in 1929.

The cornerstone is currently on loan to the Indiana Ware Memorial Museum, part of the same War Memorial Plaza that houses both the former and current incarnations of the National Headquarters.

LEGION BAR UPDATE

2012-01-26T23:02:00.008-06:00

As you can see by the photos below, the Legion bar remodel continues at a decent pace and your editor sure does not want to jinx the project but it could be finished within the next 2-3 weeks, ahead of the March 1st projected completion date. We'll know more at the end of next week.

Top left shows Don, Joe & Bob finishing up on the bar wall after removing the old bar top. (It must have been held down by at least a couple hundred nails). Also, note that the old paneling & drywall has been removed on the back wall. Top right shows the bar stripped down to framing and ready to be rebuilt.

Bottom left shows new drywall that has been installed on the walls, plus the new white liner on the inside of the bar walls as Adam works on the new "can" lights being inserted into the ceiling panels - there will be eight of them. Bottom right shows moisture resistant board installed at the soda pop sliding doors, plus new window installed as Adam continues to wire up the ceiling lighting. (You can click on any photo to see in full size).

CHANGES AT LAND OF LINCOLN HONOR FLIGHT

2012-01-24T14:35:00.021-06:00

As mentioned a couple days ago, your editor is reporting on a major change that has been approved by the board of Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, as announced at their open Annual Board Meeting on January 21st. Starting in 2012, they have now opened up the flights to ALL Military Veterans who have served through May 7, 1975, the official end of the Vietnam War. Therefore, they are now taking applications from WWII, Korean and Vietnam era vets, as well as "gap" Veterans that fall between WWII & Korea or between the Korea & Vietnam wars. Here is how it works, based upon the seniority time frame of those who have honorably served their country:

Top priority will always be given to World War II Veterans who enlisted prior to 12-31-1946, the end of the war. Top priority will also always be given to certified terminally ill Veterans of any era, including current Iraq & Afghanistan soldiers. As of the meeting last Saturday, there were 155 on this waiting list.

The next priority will then always be given to those who served between the dates of 01-01-1947 and 12-31-1957, which includes the Korean War era soldiers. There is currently 205 on that list.

And then, the next priority will be for those who served between 01-01-1958 and 05-07-1975, which includes the Vietnam era soldiers. (It is planned that other more current era soldiers will be added at some later point when the prior three groups have been served). There currently are none (or just a few) on this new list since is has just been announced, so your editor suggests anyone eligible under this time range get there application in as soon as possible. Although this third priority list may not be offered a trip by Land of Lincoln Honor Flight for at least a couple years or more as they work through the first two priorities, trips are always on a "first come, first served" method, within the three groups, so getting your name in early will assure an earlier trip once that group starts getting called up. However, it is now projected that some members from the second group, that includes Korean War soldiers, will be offered a seat on the June flight.

The first three trips of 2012 are set for April 17th, May 22nd and June 19th, at a total cost of approximately $73,000 per trip. (LLHF pays the $475 per Veteran and Guardian volunteers pay their own $400 cost). There are still trips planned for September & October, dependent upon funding however as of right now LLHF does not have the monies to cover those trips. Therefore, if any of you are a member of any other Veteran group other than The American Legion, or any civic club, church, patriotic organization, or any other group that would like to hear more about what the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight does, please contact your Post Adjutant, John Dust, since he also is a LLHF volunteer in this area responsible for helping get the word out to Veterans and making presentations for this wonderful cause. Or, if you simply have further questions or suggestion, you can also contact him at HonorFlightGuy@aol.com. He would most definitely appreciate it.

To download a Veteran Application for a flight (and a Guardian form) you can either go to the LLHF web site or to our Post's Digital Library by clicking on either icon below:

SPONSOR A VETERAN

2012-01-22T21:47:00.011-06:00

Department of Illinois has officially come out with a new Sponsor A Veteran program which allows all members to take an active role in growing membership for the future. Many Legionnaires had a father, uncle, friend or other person who helped them join this great organization of The American Legion by paying their first year's dues. Now we can do the same for a new generation of veterans and for needy current members. This program allows the Legion to reach out to active duty soldiers and needy veterans within the Post or within the State of Illinois. It is a simple idea - sponsor the cost of membership ($25/yr at Post 463) for a member in need.

Side Note: Post 463 was already way ahead of the Dept of IL by offering to pay the first year dues of ANY NEW MEMBER who lives in Woodford County, or to any active duty solider for as long as he or she is in the military service and has a permanent Roanoke address.

The Department of Illinois is asking for our current members to sponsor the cost of a membership. If you have a son, daughter, niece, nephew or any relative who is eligible for joining The American Legion and has not done so yet, please take this opportunity to sponsor them. If you do not have a veteran to sponsor, you can forward a donation to the Department of Illinois, and it will be used to sponsor an active duty or needy veteran.

Many members feel that they are not good at membership recruiting, so this allows those members to still support growing the membership by making a donation to the Sponsor A Veteran program. The donation can be for any amount, so for a form please click HERE to print it. (You can also get there by clicking the Publication & Forms Library icon in the right column - the form is found under the American Legion Forms/Misc Items heading)

LAND OF LINCOLN HONOR FLIGHT NEWS

2012-01-21T22:39:00.002-06:00

As many of you know, your editor is now one of two main volunteer contacts for the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight in the northern portion of the area that the organization covers in Central Illinois. (For anyone not familiar with the program, please click the LLHF icon button in the right column). Well, he was at their annual open board meeting today in Springfield and will have some very interesting news to announce in the next day or two once he can confirm a few details. So, if you entered the military prior to May 7th of 1975, pay close attention. (In television, that is called the "tease" to get you to come back after the commercial).

It was a very informational meeting and besides the new announcement to come, your editor also picked up some Land of Lincoln Honor Flight supporter's T-shirts while there, so he now has both the LLHF hat pins and T-shirts available. A new cap is on the way in the next couple months.

Side Note: The January donation from the Post was also delivered at the meeting and our Post #463 was listed in the LLHF Annual Report as a major donor in the past year, along with Posts in Bartonville, Delavan, Divernon, Jacksonville, Lincoln, Springfield and Waggoner. Well done.

FISHERMEN & FRIENDS FISH FRY FEED

2012-01-16T22:54:00.007-06:00

Today was another annual "fish fry" luncheon that a number of Post members, and their invited guests, casually hold each winter. Your editor arrived a little late so not sure of all the anglers who provided the fish, but definite thanks goes to Joe Mecagni and John Crumrine for both bringing cleaned fish fillets and frying them up. And, they were delicious - your editor can vouch for it!

Many of those participating in the potluck luncheon brought along a side dish, ranging from potato salad to baked beans to salads to even hot french fries and wine. And, there were a number of platters of desserts too. Anyway, plenty of fish was served, lunch was enjoyed by all, and the inevitable euchre game followed afterwards. (Click on any photo to view in full size).

BAR IS DOWN TO BASICS AND MOVED

2012-01-13T18:25:00.006-06:00

The Legion bar has been stripped down to its frame, loosen from its anchor plate, and moved out a strong foot. That is it for this week. Next week starts the actual remodel. Here are a few more photos - you can click on any to see full size.

BAR IS CLOSED

2012-01-09T21:41:00.014-06:00

As the old cliche goes at a tavern, "you don't have to go home, but you can't stay here. It is closing time." Well, as of today our bar is out of operation for a month or so as we tore into it to start the remodel that was approved at the last meeting. Working today or wrecking today - it is a thin distinction - was John Dust, Bob Isaia, Joe Mecagni and Bob Wolfe. And, below is the "damage" they have done so far. (Click on photo to enlarge)

BREAKFAST AND DINNER

2012-01-08T17:00:00.006-06:00

Our Legion Post held our monthly fundraiser breakfast today under our new price increase of $7.00 per adult (children still $3.00), up from $6.00 that had not been raised for five full years. Last count your editor heard was around 285-290 served. Help was still a little slim during that last hour - 11 AM to Noon - but luckily orders were spread out so was able to handle it.

Also, under our monthly donation program that was begun last year and continued for 2012, a portion of today's proceeds will be used to make a donation to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight organization (check out www.LandofLincolnHonorFlight.org) that transports our senior Veterans at no charge to them to Washington, DC, to see their memorial and monuments.

Speaking of meals, there is a Spaghetti Dinner coming up on January 28th, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, to be held at the Eureka American Legion Post 466. Proceeds will be used for uniforms, equipment, umpire fees and tournament fees for resurrection of American Legion Baseball in the area. (There are currently five Roanoke youths scheduled to be on the team). The meal includes spaghetti (recipe of Jean Cawley), salad and garlic bread, and the tickets are $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for children 12 yrs old & under. Ticket stubs will also be entered into a door prize drawing.

This is through the efforts of Legionnaire (and active military) Nathan Wertz, who is doing his best to get Legion ball going again in the area. It would be nice if a number of fellow Legionnaires could support him by planning on attending this fundraiser. (For more information on the program, please click HERE).

MILITARY RITES FOR ONE OF OUR OWN

2012-01-07T18:01:00.008-06:00

Today, our Post honored one of our own members by providing military rites for David Knapp as he was laid to rest at the Roanoke Apostolic Christian Church cemetery. Dave passed away on Tuesday, January 3rd. He was a U.S. Marine during the Vietnam War era and has been a continuous member of our American Legion Post for 7 years this time.

Our flag bearers were Joe "Bing" Amigoni and Mike Adams, with Harley Aeschleman and John Dust presenting the casket flag to the Knapp family. Richard "Dick" Craps played Taps on our electronic bugle, and Sergeant-At-Arms Ron Behnke was in charge of the detail. (There was no Honor Guard Rifle Squad due to church policy).

JANUARY'S REGULAR POST MEETING

2012-01-06T18:33:00.012-06:00

Cmdr Helsel called the first meeting of 2012 to order Thursday night at 7 PM, followed by proper opening ceremonies. There were no guests present. Adjutant Dust read the minutes from the last meeting, then in the absence of Finance Officer Remmers (wintering in Florida) presented the written finance report. It showed a net gain of $537 in funds (due to a transfer in from the bar) since the last meeting. The Bar Manager, Mike Ratliffe, gave his report, followed by Breakfast Mgr, Bob Isaia, reviewing last month's breakfast report. It showed 257 served, down about 50 breakfasts due to two competing breakfasts being held last month on the same morning as our fundraiser.

Service Officer Harley Aeschleman reported the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) assisted 6 Woodford County veterans in December with $1,100, and there were 23 in-office visits and 2 out-of-office ones. He also announced there would be no County Legion meeting in January or February. Sick Call report listed members Richard Burton, Gerald Girardi and Frank Schirer, as well as announcing Ron Girardi had permanently moved to the nursing home. A moment of silence was held for our member David Knapp, who had passed away on Tuesday.

The membership report was given by Dust, stating membership stood at 162, down one from last month, with 148 paid and 14 dues still outstanding. Actual activity consisted of adding new transfer in of William Gansbauer, but also a transfer out of Alan Burton due to moving away and lost of Mr. Knapp. Advisor Ratliffe, Adjutant Dust and Cmdr Helsel gave a report on the SAL, in regards to their officers attending the last Executive Meeting and Adjutant's Dust contact with the Dept of Illinois SAL officers. It was decided to table further discussion until next month.

Under Commander's Report & Correspondence, Cmdr Helsel reported about the illegal use of our Legion/City dumpster by others and after discussion, Adjutant Dust suggested labeling the dumpster to draw attention it is not for public use. Al also read a thank you card from the Fisher House for our donation last month, and read a flyer about the Eureka American Legion Baseball Team upcoming fundraiser. (See separate upcoming posting here on Sunday)

Under Old Business, it was decided to hold our annual Membership Banquet back at Mona's again (on the first Saturday of November) and the date will be reserved. It was announced that the locks had been rekeyed at the Post building and the keys had been given out to members who are on the needed list. It was also announced that our lawn riding mower had been serviced as moved last month. It was discussed we needed to get a quote on blow-in insulation in the areas of the Post lacking it, and a couple sources were discussed for bidding.

Under New Business, the committee that had been formed to suggest ideas for remodeling the bar reported and gave some estimated costs dependent on which way the remodel proceeded. After discussion, up to $5,500 was approved for the project if needed, although it is expected to fall into the $3,000-4,000 range. It was hard to get to accurate figures because of the work that needs to be done with the plumbing, electrical, walls, etc. that won't be fully determined until into the remodel. It was also reported the Executive Committee had ordered a new telescoping flag pole for use inside the building.

After discussion, due to Easter falling on our normal April Legion breakfast and Mother's Day falling on May's breakfast date, it was decided the Legion will not have a breakfast in April but will do one in May on Mother's Day. After other discussion on who was entitled to have a flag flown on our "Avenues of Flags" on Memorial Day weekend and who should pay for them, Cmdr Helsel formed a committee to come back with a suggestion so that it can be formalized for the Post and the community. It will also include who is eligible to be on the Honor Roll of the Deceased Veterans read on Memorial Day. Harley Aeschleman, Joe Amigoni, Ron Behnke and John Dust will serve on the council.

It was then announced that Bob Isaia will handle the luncheon after next month's meeting, Russ Furr won the Pot of Gold, and a motion to adjourn was made. After proper closing ceremony, the meeting was adjourned at 8:21 PM, followed by refreshments and pizza again, handled by Al Helsel. It was just as the good the second month.

JUST FOR YOU

2012-01-01T00:01:00.001-06:00

Turn Up Sound, Click Bottom Right Corner Box Of 4-Arrows For Full Screen...

TURNING OVER THE YEAR

2011-12-31T19:24:00.012-06:00

As 2011 is within hours of rolling to 2012, the blog writer wishes all the Post membership a very healthy, safe and prosperous New Year. May all your wishes come true in the coming year and may your New Year resolutions become successful. And, while you are making resolutions, how about resolving to attend as many Legion monthly meetings as possible this coming year - we need your participation!!!

As your Editor reflects on the Blog for the past year, one of his two goals was achieved. When he originally launched the Blog for the Post, he hoped to continue to post here on a regular basis, which so far he has. Of course, in 2009, there were only 30 postings, but the Blog was not born until October 17th, so that was in a 2-1/2 month time frame. In 2010, his goal was to post at least twice per week, or 104 times minimum. Final tally was 103 postings, falling just ONE shy of the minimum goal. Then this year, your editor wanted to step that up to a minimum of 3 postings a week, or 156 total. With this final post, there were 160 separate posts here for the year - goal achieved.

The second resolution, was to try to make the Blog as useful and interesting as time permitted. For that, only you the readers can be the judge. A number of new items and changes took place this year on the Blog and hopefully you have enjoyed, used or looked at all of the them. And, it is the Editor's hope that you found some of it helpful or interesting. And, that you will come back next year for more. So, Happy New Year to all the Post's members & family and to all other readers this year. Look forward to seeing you here in 2012 as we put 2011 in the history books.

SALUTE TO THE ARMED FORCES

2011-12-29T22:42:00.006-06:00

With the country right in the middle of all the college football bowls, this posting is a fitting way to celebrate that tradition and wind down the postings here on the Blog for the year. The West Virginia University Marching Band showcases their full complement of brass, woodwinds, percussion, flags and twirlers, with a medley of the songs from all branches of the military. They salute the U.S. Army with a tank (and moving track), followed by the Coast Guard with a ship (upside down because for the far side crowd), followed by an eagle for the Marines. Then there is an airplane (with smoke from engines) for the Air Force, followed by a submarine (that dives and moves forward by propeller) for the Navy. Lastly, a great ending with the American Flag and playing of "America, the Beautiful".

Very well done, with approximately 2,452,000 views already since being uploaded on November 6th, just 53 days ago. Of course, crank up your sound and you can click the small box of 4-arrows in bottom right corner if you wish to view in full screen. (Thanks to member Russ Furr for bringing this to your Editor's attention). Enjoy...

STATE OF ILLINOIS VETERANS BENEFITS - PART II

2011-12-27T20:33:00.005-06:00

First, the editor would suggest you review the posting here of Friday, December 23rd, that describes the Bonus Payment that Veterans can receive from the State of Illinois and who is eligible. However, a quick summary is that a $100 payment can be received by any Veteran who lived in Illinois for a year immediately prior to entering the service, then either received a Honorable Discharge or is still on active duty, and served "in country" per the medal requirement listed. That applies to Korean era, Vietnam era, Persian Gulf era, and Global War on Terrorism. For World War II Veterans, they can receive $10 per month for domestic service or $15 per month for foreign country service, thus up to a maximum of $900 if they served from September 1940 thru 1945 overseas, or up to $600 even if in the States. Definitely worth filling out the form and investing in a stamp to mail.

Second, the reason for this recap, is that the forms and benefit booklet mentioned in the previous posting is now available in our Post's Digital Library. Just click on the icon in the right column and then you will note the forms are listed in the bottom right of the page. Then click on the form and print it out, or you can right click and download if you wish. The Veteran Compensation Bonus Form is the one for Veterans out of the service and the Active-Duty one is obviously for those still serving. That is all there is to it.

HOLIDAY GREETING

2011-12-25T00:04:00.002-06:00

A SOLDIER'S NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

2011-12-24T00:00:00.002-06:00

This poem presents an imagined encounter with a U.S. serviceman and is often credited to Lt Cmdr Jeff Giles SC, USN, as it is here, but the International War Veterans' Poetry Archive lists this poem as copyrighted on December 7, 2000, (Pearl Harbor Day) by Michael Marks. His author's note reads: "In loving appreciation of the countless Americans who have, and continue to service in the Armed Forces, and those who gave their life for their country. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten. We look forward to the day you come home."

So, as this year's Christmas eve has arrived, let us not forget all those soldiers still on duty and patrol this evening. Turn up your sound and you can click the small 4-arrow box in the bottom right corner to go to full screen if you wish. For the current soldiers who protect us...

STATE OF ILLINOIS VETERAN BENEFITS

2011-12-23T00:01:00.002-06:00

Your editor just received an email from the Illinois Dept of V.A. that announced they hand just launched online access to their Veteran Service Officers. This new web function is located at (just click) www.veterans.illinois.gov and they are encouraging all Illinois Veterans to "Stand Up and Be Counted" by submitting basic contact information to IDVA.

Veterans who do so will be contacted within 48 hours by one of their Veterans Service Officers, who stand ready to assist them in navigating the many federal, state and local benefits and resources available to them. Also, Veterans who Stand Up To Be Counted will also be assisting their fellow Veterans by helping IDVA and the entire Veteran advocacy community to gain a better understanding of who and where Illinois' Veterans are. This will help with planning for future services, lobby for further federal VA funding & facilities, and generally serve Illinois' Veterans better.

Also, while surfing the IDVA site, your editor stumbled across a booklet from Governor Quinn which outlines "bonuses" for Veterans. The State of Illinois offers a one-time bonus for Veterans who served honorably during a time of war. Certain medals are needed to qualify. Veterans or their survivors may apply at their nearest service office. More information is available at (click) www.veterans.illinois.gov and then click on BENEFITS, and then BONUS.

World War II Bonus:
A bonus of $10 per month for domestic service and $15 per month for foreign service is payable for those who served on active duty between September 16, 1940 and September 3, 1945 and received an honorable discharge.

Korean War Bonus:
A $100 Korean War bonus is payable to Veterans who served between June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1953, received the Korean Service Medal, and were a resident of Illinois for 12 months prior to entering service.

Vietnam War Bonus:
The Vietnam War $100 bonus is payable to Veterans who served between January 1, 1961 and March 28, 1973 and those who served in Operation Frequent Wind, April 29 and 30, 1975. The Veteran must have received either the Vietnam Service Medal or Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, been an Illinois resident for 12 months prior to entering the service, and discharged honorably.

Persian Gulf War Bonus:
A $100 Persian Gulf War bonus is for those who served between August 2, 1990 and November 30, 1995, and received the Southwest Asia Service Medal, were honorably discharged, and were a resident of Illinois 12 months immediately prior to entering the service. (Individuals currently on active duty who served in the Persian Gulf War may apply)

Global War on Terrorism (new):
A $100 bonus is available to those who served on or after September 11, 2001 and who received the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal or the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and had been a resident of Illinois for 12 months immediately prior to entering the service.

POST 463 DELIVERS CHRISTMAS GIFTS

2011-12-22T00:01:00.010-06:00

As a result of the generosity of all the donations received from the community and friends during our Gifts For The Yanks drive, Harley Aeschleman, the Post's GTTY chairman, was able to present a check for $2,319 to Ron Umdenstock, 4th Division GTTY chairman, at the County Legion meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 14th. And, some of those funds had already been returned to Veterans in the area in the form of Christmas gifts, consisting of clothing items like denim shirts, sweat pants & shirts, socks, handkerchiefs, etc., as well as items like crossword puzzles, playing cards, and other miscellaneous items.

Members Harley Aeschleman and Dick Livingston delivered the gift boxes and bags to the Apostolic Christian Home of Roanoke, as well as those Veterans who are shut-in at their home or have difficulties in getting out very often.

The Gifts For The Yanks Who Gave program was instituted in 1944 to remember and spread holiday cheer to our hospitalized war Veterans at V.A. Hospitals. The American Legion, Department of Illinois, has maintained this program continuously since that date and expanded it to include extended care units and shut-in vets in the State. For more information on GTTY, please click HERE. There are also two videos at this site with interviews with Ron Umdenstock, chairman of GTTY.

Top Photo - Legionnaire Willard Reiner reads the card that came with his shirt. Bottom Photo,left to right - Willard Reiner, Clarence Trennepohl, Harley Aeschleman, Joe Jones, Ray Kiefner, Dick Livingston, Wilmer Blunier and James Steinen. (Click on photo to see full size)

SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY 3rd GRADERS?

2011-12-21T22:47:00.009-06:00

With the final troops leaving Iraq on December 15th, less than a week ago, your editor presents the 3rd graders of Tussing Elementary School of Colonial Heights, Virginia, singing the song "Thank You Soldiers". It was originally sung in honor of Veterans Day in 2009, then this Christmas version was done a month later for a school program and released on December 15th, exactly two years before the final soldier left Iraq. The song was co-written by the Tussing music director, Michael Souders, and his wife, and was performed by real 3rd graders - some times things from the Internet are actually true!!! So, here is the class, and following it is their song. As always, turn up your speakers and you can click the bottom right corner of the video to go to larger size.

In honor of all of our soldiers, past and present, but especially for those who served in Iraq...

MEMBERSHIP MESSAGE FROM DEPT

2011-12-20T20:37:00.007-06:00

Email received from Ted Lang, Senior Vice-Cmdr of 4th Division, Dept of IL:
"The year of 2011 will soon be over and most will be making New Year's resolutions. I am wondering how many have met your goals for this year, and I am talking about membership goals... 17th District remains in 3rd place and the 4th Division dropped down to 2nd place by just 21 cards... the past is gone, the present is today and the future starts tomorrow - make the best of it!"

So, if you are one of those few who have not paid dues yet for fiscal 2012, how about making that your FIRST resolution for the new year. A list of non-paid members will be available at next month's meeting for any help other members can give to collect. This year we're challenged to hit 100% of our 166 goal, but that always starts with doing our best to retain 100% of our current membership!

PAST WEEK'S ITEMS OF INTEREST

2011-12-14T23:40:00.006-06:00

County Legion and V.A.C. meetings were held at our Post this evening, with a total of 17 present, including 4 from our Post 463. (Rains may have kept a couple from coming). There will be no County meeting in January or February, but then the Post Everlasting ceremony will be held on March 14th (Wednesday) at our building, although it will be sponsored by the Minonk Post #142 and the Legion County Council. There will be more details listed here when the date gets closer.

Sunday was our monthly Legion breakfast, with approximately 250 meals served, plus 7 children's breakfasts. Count was down about 50-60 but there was also another fundraising breakfast plus a church holiday meal being held in the area, so that may have caused some of the decrease. We seemed to have plenty of help on the first shift, and second shift wasn't too bad either, partly because of the reduced customers. Next breakfast will be January 8th, so mark your calendar.

The Gifts For The Yanks presents have been delivered to the nursing home and home bound veterans. Watch for a separate posting here this weekend.

There has been new photographs, new videos, new Legion TV, new album photos, and a new December Dept. of Illinois newsletter (click Library icon) added to the right column this past week.

THE ULTRA SACRIFICE

2011-12-08T00:01:00.003-06:00

With the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor's attack and those who lost their life in it being honored, let us all take a moment to pause and remember all those military personnel who give the ultimate in defense of their country and community and come home on an "Angel Flight".

The following video was just brought to your editor's attention by his compatriot volunteer with Honor Flight, who served five years in the Air Force. As always, turn up your sound and if you wish to view larger, click on one of the small boxes at the bottom right of the video.

WE HAVE AWAKEN A SLEEPING GIANT

2011-12-07T00:01:00.014-06:00

Today, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we remember that "date that will live in infamy" that led to World War II. Hopefully we will take a moment to thank some of our own members at Post 463, who due to the attack on December 7th of 1941, stepped up to serve their country during WWII. Although all our Veterans are to be honored for service to their country when needed, today these Veterans are deservedly singled out.

Our WWII era members are Sim Bates, Henry Bisco, Wilmer Blunier, Lloyd DeGiovanni, Walter Fehr, William "Bill" Fehr, Jimmie France, Virgil Funk, Stanley Hodel, Charles Leman, Joe Martino, Glen W Miller, Willard Reiner, Harold Roth, Gerald "Jerry" Sauder, Fred Schramm, Victor Wagner and Eldon Witt. If they see this message posted here - "thank you for serving". But, since most won't, how about YOU taking the time to call a couple and thank them? They don't expect it, but they do deserve it! (Sorry to say that because this posting is available for anyone world-wide to view, more information like addresses or phone numbers can't be included here)

WHY BELONG TO THE LEGION?

2011-12-06T00:01:00.008-06:00

To help members explain to eligible Veterans why they should join The American Legion, headquarters has put together an excellent, updated 20-page brochure to explain all the benefits. It is a wonderful source to explain the Legion's programs, with almost 50 of them listed in the brochure. The back page even has a Membership Enrollment Application. There are copies at our Post, hanging on the bulletin board by the bar. You can also take a look at it or download the .PDF file in our Digital Forms Library by clicking the brochure to right>>>>

Even if you are a current member, it is still worth a look-see to familiarize yourself with all that the American Legion does for Veterans, National Security, Americanism and Children & Youths.

Included in these programs, here are some statistics from the Legion's fiscal year 2011:xxx Legionnaires performed 3,899,125 hours of community service, spent $4,249,713 performing community services, donated $2,319,797 to emergency aid to communities, gave 80,097 pints of blood, presented 21,074 school medal awards, provided honors at 109,475 funerals for Veterans and military personnel, donated $1,037,926 to the American Legion Legacy Scholarship fund (to help the children of military personnel killed on duty) and had 34,621 members registered in VA Volunteer services. And, this was with only 8,344 Posts (60%) out of 13,807 total Posts reporting by turning in their Consolidated Post Reports. So, on average, you can take all the above figures and probably multiply by 50% to 60% to get the probable TOTAL figures.

On top of this, it included 2,058 Posts with web sites (we be one of them), 1,464 Posts that hold an event to recognize the anniversary of 9/11 (we not be one), 4,401 with local Flag Day activities (we not be one), 6,899 with a local Veterans Day event (we be one) and 7,317 with a local Memorial Day activity (again, we be one). Again, increase these figures by 50-60% to get a better idea of total Posts doing these things each year. Maybe next year our Post will be included in those holding 9/11 and Flag Day events.

GIVE AN IMPORTANT HOLIDAY GIFT

2011-12-05T00:01:00.009-06:00

This year the Post has enacted two policies that should help us get new members so that we can hit our Department of Illinois 100% goal and reverse our recent losses the past few years. First, for any NEW member (not renewals, transfers, or those who have let their dues lapse) that lives within Woodford County, the Post will pay their dues for the first year of their membership. Now is the time to search for these new comrades. Lets get them into the Post so we have the rest of the fiscal year to meet with them, get them to Legion meetings, get them involved in Post activities, etc. before their dues come up again.

Secondly, the Post will pay the yearly dues of ANY current member who is on full time active military service and who has a Roanoke permanent address (61561) while serving. (This does not apply to current PUFL members – sorry to say we can’t make this retroactive – or for those who have moved out of the area). The least the Post can do to support our hometown active-duty soldiers is to pay their dues during their service time. Both of these policies have been approved by the membership.

So, can you please help your Post? If you know of ANY person that qualifies as a NEW member in Woodford County, will you please bring them to a meeting or contact any officer of Post 463 with the details? We will take it from there and make sure you get credit if the person becomes a member.

And, finally, if a new member does not qualify under either of the above and you know them personally, why not consider a Christmas Gift of paying their first year's dues - especially if it is a family member or relative? Currently we need three new members and all fourteen of the late paying current members to renew in order to hit our Department of Illinois goal of 166. Now is the time to concentrate on this important Legion goal!!!

DECEMBER'S REGULAR POST MEETING

2011-12-04T15:46:00.014-06:00

The meeting, held on Thursday at 7 PM, was called to order by Cmdr Helsel, followed by proper opening ceremonies. This was then followed by Adjutant Dust's reading of the previous minutes, then a reveiw of the Finance Report by the members due to the Finance Officer being on vacation. It showed a net decrease of $581 since last month. Then, Adjutant Dust read the Breakfast Report, due to Jr-Vice Bob Isaia also on vacation. It showed 319 total served at November's breakfast, with 299 adults, 6 children and 14 workers. The Bar Report was then given my mgr Mike Ratliffe.

There was no V.A.C. report by Service Officer Aeschleman due to our meeting being on the 1st day of December and report was probably in the mail. (Editor's Note: It has since been received showing 4 veterans or their families were help in November with $663 and there were 12 in-office and 1 out-of-office Veteran visits.) It was also reported the County Legion meeting will be at the Roanoke Post, hosted by the El Paso Legion, on Wednesday, December 14th, at 7:00 PM.

Sick Call report included Richard Burton, Gerald Gerardi. Willard Reiner and Frank Schirer. Under the Membership Report, Adjutant Dust reported 163 total members, down one with long time sick call member Ralph Wagner passing away since the last meeting. There are 149 paid, including 58 PUFL members, leaving 14 with their dues still unpaid. The Post is currently at 89.8% of Dept of Illinois goal of 166 paid by end of fiscal 2012. Advisor Mike Ratliffe had no report on the SAL but Adjutant Dust did notify the membership he had been able to make contact with the SAL Squadron Commander and delivered the notification from the Legion members to him when no one showed up at the Executive Committee meeting as requested and promised.

Under Commander's Report & Correspondence, Helsel read a thank you card from the local food pantry, and reported on the Membership Banquet (held November 5th) and the Veterans Day program at the R-B High (held Nov. 11th).

Under Old Business, our Gifts To The Yanks chairman Harley Aeschleman reported the final, final figure collected was $2,319.05, with the addition of a late $50 check. The funds will be turned over to the GTTY 4th Division chairman at the County Legion meeting. The monthly Donation List for 2012 was put up for discussion and after various suggestions, was passed by the membership.

Under New Business, it was moved and passed to change the locks on the Post building to make sure it is known who all has a key to the building. A motion was also made and passed to send out the Post lawn mower for a full maintenance check & tune up since it was now about five years old. It was also discussed about blowing insulation into the back area of the Post where the bathrooms and store room is located and more information will be obtained. A suggestion in regards to the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) was postponed until next meeting after Adjutant Dust can find out more information from the Dept of Illinois.

At the Executive Committee's suggestion, a committee was formed consisting of bar manager Mike Ratliffe, Cmdr Al Helsel, previous Cmdr Joe Mecagni and Joe Amigoni, to look at ways to remodel the bar area and report back to the membership at the January meeting. After that, it was announced that Cmdr Helsel will be in charge of the luncheon next month, the Pot of Gold was won by Joe Mecagni, and a motion to adjourn was given. After proper closing ceremony, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 PM, followed by pizza and refreshments, handled by Tom Fehr.

SATURDAY SURFING ~ PEARL HARBOR TWIST

2011-12-03T11:39:00.028-06:00

As we approach December 7th, "a date which will live in infamy" that was the surprise bombings at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii in 1941, history has covered this subject many times. So, your editor went looking for something a little different to write and here is what he found:

Hideki Tojo was born in 1884 and became a general of the Imperial Japanese Army. He was the Prime Minister of Japan during World War II, as well as serving as the Minister of War. In these positions, he was directly responsible for approving the attack on Pearl Harbor, which lead to the war with Japan and the United States. But here we pick up his life (and death) at the end of the war.

After Japan's unconditional surrender on September 2, 1945, U.S. General Douglas MacArthur issued orders for the arrest of the first forty alleged war criminals, including Tojo. Soon, Tojo's home in Setagaya, Japan, was besieged with newsmen and photographers as the Army approached. Inside the home, his doctor had marked Tojo's chest with charcoal to indicate the location of his heart. As the American military police surrounded the house on September 8th, they heard a muffled shot from inside. Major Paul Kraus, a group of military police, and a reporter from The New York Times burst in to find Tojo had shot himself in the chest with a pistol. But, despite shooting directly through the mark, the bullet missed his heart and penetrated his stomach.

Disarmed and with blood gushing out of his chest, Tojo began to talk. Two Japanese reporters recorded his words: "I am very sorry it is taking me so long to die... I wished to commit suicide but sometimes that fails." He was arrested and underwent surgery in a U.S. Army hospital. (A Yankee sergeant gave a blood transfusion so that Tojo could face justice in court). After recovering from his injuries, Tojo was moved to Sugamo Prison. While there, he received a new set of dentures made by an American dentist. Supposedly, a secret phrase "Remember Pearl Harbor" had been drilled into the teeth in Morse code.

Hideki Tojo was later tried by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East for war crimes and found guilty of over 200 charges, including over 50 counts of ordering, authorizing, and permitting inhumane treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs) and others. He was sentenced to death on November 12, 1948, and executed by hanging on December 23rd, along with six other convicted war criminals. In Tojo's final statements, he accepted full responsibility for his actions during the war and the atrocities committed by the Japanese military. (Many believe this was to diligently shield the Emperor from any intimation of guilt and allowed the Allies to not have to pursue Emperor Hirohito on war crimes). However, he also urged the American military to show compassion toward the Japanese population, who had suffered devastating air attacks and two atomic bombings.

Side Note: Sugamo Prison in Tokyo, Japan, was originally built in 1920 for political prisoners. It was not damaged during the bombings of Tokyo during WWII and the Allied occupation forces took it over to house the suspected war criminals awaiting trial. After the conclusion of the trials, Sugamo Prison was used to incarcerate some of the convicted and was the site of the execution of seven of them, including Tojo, on December 23, 1948. After the end of the occupation of Japan, the prison passed to Japanese civilian government control and was finally closed in 1971 due to the age of the facility.

During the occupation, all the enlisted GI guards at Sugamo were young and none of them had seen combat against the Japanese military, thus had less ill-will against the former foes. This was a deliberate move by the U.S. High Command because they were guarding some of the highest ranking leaders of the Japanese war effort and Command did not want the prisoners abused while awaiting trial. The editor's deceased stepfather and previous Post member, Ray Pisel, was a guard at Sugamo for a period of time during occupation and actually spent time guarding Hideki Tojo. He said Tojo normally sat quietly when in his cell.

You may click on any photo here in any of the postings to view it in full size - use the Internet "back" arrow to return.

BARRA's ALBUMS OF WW II VETS - Part 2

2011-12-02T11:43:00.006-06:00

This is a continuation of yesterday's posting by Louis Barra entitled "THEY LEFT US FOR WORLD WAR II" and includes his comments, summaries, statistics, etc.

WHEN AND WHERE DID THEY GO, WHAT DID THEY DO?
By the end of 1941, some 38 were in uniform. By 1942 the figure ballooned to 162, by 1943 it was 220 and by 1944 it hit 255. By 1945 the figure hit nearly 300, with many of them at home by war's end. These numbers include those that only had brief ties with Roanoke and some that had lived elsewhere prior to World War II, plus I know I missed some of these.

During the course of WWII, Roanoke men and women served in 41 of the 48 United States, plus Alaska and Hawaii, in the Army, armour, airborne and signal corps. Troops took basic and advanced training in 80 of the 189 officially listed camps and forts, and served at 60 Air Corps fields and bases in 23 states. The Navy and Marine personnel trained at 23 Navy, submarine and naval air stations. In the United States, there were 10 staging areas or Ports of Embarkation (P.O.E.) on the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coast. Roanoke guys and gals never missed a one.

From Roanoke's many that served, there were 5 Aeschleman brothers, 5 Ratliffes, 5 Zimmermans including a sister, 4 Martinos, 4 Rubles, 4 Wolfes, including a sister, 2 family sets of Paluskas (3 each), 3 Sauders, 3 Bussones, 3 Amigonis, 3 Smalls, 3 Schacherbauers, 3 Pisels, 3 Hangartners, 3 Ladendorfs, 3 Roras and 3 Wileys. In addition, there were at least 43 families with 2 brothers in, and in one case, 2 sisters (the Winders).

For bits of nostalgia, Frank Crawford was at Pearl Harbor's Hickam Field on December 7th, 1941, when the Japanease attacked and Ken Bradley was in Tokyo Bay on the submarine Cavalla, near the battleship Missouri, when the treaty to end WWII was signed. In 1941, Winston Von Brethhorst sailed on a newly completed sub from its launch site in Manitowoc, Wisconsion, down thru Lake Michigan, then down the Illinois River thru Peoria and down the Mississippi thru New Orleans and into the Gulf of Mexico and finally out to the Pacific Ocean.

James Riley and Bob "Red" Martino appeared in the Springfield Illinois Armistice Parade on November 11, 1941. Frances Small wrote home that when he had leave in Egypt in July 1943, he visited the Holy Land and swam in the Sea of Galilee. Loren Brunson was a Military Police (MP) that was in the first car behind President Franklin D. Roosevelt's funeral cortege in Washington, DC, in April 1945.

Many also met in far away and strange places. Don Wolfe and Ray Pettigrew were both in the 8th Air Force and met up in England. John Garino was glad his 5th Armoured, 22nd Engineers, stopped in Holland in February 1945, where he met his future wife Nellie Barr there. Joe Barra, in Signal Air Warning, met Phil Amigoni, Army Quartermaster, in Marseilles France after VE Day in Europe. Clyde and Ed Thommen, brothers in the Armed Services, met overseas in France in 1945 and traveled 25 miles to visit the birthplace of their grandparents who had migrated to Roanoke.

Joe Yeck (PT Unit) and Al Dewilde (advance naval base) were in separate units but were sitting back to back at an advanced base USO show, when one of their names were revealed on the large naval collar. Up till then, neither one knew of the other's presence at this forsaken Southwest Pacific base.

AND NOW IT IS OVER...
I want to thank everyone one who contributed to the making of these two albums**. Data about service men and women's rank, service entry dates, places they went and their achievements, were compiled with the best knowledge I had at my disposal. Not all the places they at are listed, which were too numerous to mention. Pardon my lousy typing but I plead with all who read these two albums to turn the pages very slowly. These albums are the only history we have of those from Roanoke who left us for World War Two (the big one).

Editor's Note: The three photos scanned and used in this posting, top to bottom, are of Virgil Funk, Kenneth Pisel and Stanley Hodel. In yesterday's Part 1 posting, from top to bottom, are Henry "Hank" Bisco, Joe Martino and Wilbur Blunier.

Also, there are now 3 albums in the group and it looks like some of these may have been updated later than the 1995-96 that Mr. Barra originally updated the old scrapbook. More research is needed and maybe another posting here in the future.

BARRA'S ALBUMS OF WW II VETS - Part 1

2011-12-01T23:23:00.014-06:00

This past week your editor had the three albums that deceased member Louis Barra had updated back in the early 1990's of World War II veterans from Roanoke. (They are now the property of the Roanoke Museum, but had been obtained to use the information for the Woodford County Historical Society's books they are getting ready to publish). Your editor wanted to copy any information located in them about our current Legion members who served in WWII. We still have 18 of them as active members. Anyway, at the front of the booklet, there is the following introduction that Mr. Barra wrote. Since many of you have probably never read it, it is reproduced here (with some minor corrections to spelling, punctuation, etc. but no attempt at verification of data) as the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor draws near - the event that plunged the country into World War II.

THEY LEFT US FOR WORLD WAR II - by Louis Barra

I have compiled a three book pictorial and historical album, which is dedicated in honor of the many service men and women, who left the comfort of their homes in Roanoke and immediate surrounding areas. Some paid the supreme sacrifice with their lives, others endured severe hardships. To them and their families and loved ones, this album is an honorable memorial.

Prior to Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, a few men had volunteered for the Armed Service duty. Little notice was paid except an occasional news in the local Roanoke Post as the Fuhrer, Il Duce, and Tojo were grabbing up the headlines and loose real estate all over the globe. The outbreak of World War II for the United States started a chain reaction for volunteers for service. It was duly noted and pictures of the soldiers and sailors began to flock in to posted to the store windows of Herbst Grocery for locals to have a look see. The Herbst store is now in 1995 the Roanoke Variety & Pharmacy.

These photos postings became a task as soon as President Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated the National Draft Lottery on October 29th, 1940. Draft boards were drawn up from every Woodford County town, with Roanoke being no exception. The Selective Service Board met in the courthouse at Eureka and selected for draft status able bodied men of age. Those selected were sent a "Dear John" letter or as it officially said, "The President wants you..." to report to Eureka for military duty on such and such a date. Selectees were given about a week to put their civil affairs in order, and then reported for their physical exams. Those who were declared fit for duty were classified "1A". Those who had physical disabilities or work duty related to the National interest had a lower classification and were exempt, but subject to later review.

As I mentioned before, the upswing of draftees and volunteers brought on a deluge of pictures to be posted to the uptown grocery store, and these displays were moved to the Dr. E.H. Wallace old building (dentist office). Now, in 1995, that was where the upstairs of today's barber shop is. Norene Herbst, assistant receptionist, diligently took over the task of posting the pictures for display. She also scanned the Roanoke Post, and Peoria & Bloomington papers, for news about service men and women to match the photograpsh. Norene started a 3"x5" file and kept it updated. The portrait shot pictures were furnished by Roanoke High School's infamous science teacher and camera bug, Brooks "Pop" Wiles.

AN OLD SCRAPBOOK TAKES OVER... World War II ended and the 230 some pictures were taken down. Norene kept her 3"x5" file, but the photos ended up in an old fashioned album. The pictures were randomly crammed in this album with not one name to identify the many service men and women in the scrapbook. It was then given to Roanoke American Legion Post #463, where it was viewed for a few years, then thrown into a back room for about 40 years of storage.

A NEW ALBUM IN THE MAKING... One day about three years ago, Harley Aeschleman, current 1995-96 Legion Commander, approached me to do something about fixing up that [old scrapbook], so I took it home and started.

The first task was to identify the photos which had no names on them. I removed the 300 pictures from the old scrapbook and placed them on a table where 5 or 6 of our World War II vets attempted to identify them. Of the 300 photos, 70 of them were duplicates, with some as many as 6 pictures of the same person. All but 16 servicemen were identified. A notice, with these photos, was placed in The Roanoke Review to the public to help with identification and a quick response was given to 9 names. Some calls were local and some were long distance. An ironic twist to this I.D. procedure was in one case where a sister and a sister-in-law gave positive identification but another caller out of town gave a wrong I.D. of that same soldier. Another soldier, who was since deceased, we had most of the name because of his sailor's uniform, but Norene Herbst, a stickler for detail. contacted his wife for more military information, and she replied he had been in the Army. So much for positive I.D. There are still 7 in that category, who's photos appear in the back of Album #2.

ADDING THE HISTORY TO THE PICTURE... With the pictures neatly in place, I went thru weekly issues of the 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944 and 1945 copies of the old Roanoke Post and jotted down service data. In the early years, service men and women wrote home and it was easy to find out where G.I.'s where located, but then censorship took over and they went overseas, giving only rank and unit. But the hitch came when only APO (Army Post Office) or FPO (Fleet Post Office) addresses were given. After much scrounging I found out Norene Herbst had all those 3"x5" card with all the service history I needed, which she graciously gave to me. I have a large military library at home and by talking to veterans and following recent newspapers, I have been able to add the service history to most of the photos.

CONTENT OF TWO PHOTO ALBUMS... There are about 230 pictures in the albums, most with extensive data and some with less. About 93 had no photos but many had good service history. About 25 of the 93 had no history at all - I suspect some of these were not called to duty.

Editor's Note: Part II tomorrow about some of the summaries, statistics and nostalgia that Mr. Barra added to his report.

PROPER PROTOCOL FOR ALLEGIANCE & NATIONAL ANTHEM

2011-11-25T09:15:00.006-06:00

A recent question came in to your editor in regards to the Veterans Day program at the R-B High School and what is the proper method for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the National Anthem as it pertained to saluting, hat removal, etc. So, after some research, here is what was found:

The protocol for the Pledge of Allegiance is laid out in the Flag Code in Sec. 4: The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform, men should removed any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

Although Legionnaires are considered "in uniform" by The American Legion simply by wearing an official American Legion cap, they should remove it and follow the procedure listed above when reciting the Pledge or when standing in silent reverence in memory of departed comrades.

Proper protocol for Star-Spangled Banner is found in a separate code under Title 36 of Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies,and Organizations, and listed under Chapter 3, Section 301 on the National Anthem:xx During a rendition of the National Anthem, when the flag is displayed, (a) all present should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart; (b) men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and (c) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; and (d) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

However, in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, it contained an amendment to allow non-uniformed service members, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, and passing of the U.S. Flag. In a later amendment in 2009, it authorized a hand-salute during the National Anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. Thus part (b) above was modified to include "members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform."

So, in recap, for the Pledge of Allegiance, if not in active military uniform, men's hats are removed and held over the heart. For the National Anthem, if not in active military uniform, men's hats should be removed and held over the heart, or may be left intact and a military-style salute given. And, as a side note, women are never required to remove their hat, whether in uniform or not, but still hold their hand over their heart (non-military or veteran) or present a military salute (if in uniform or a veteran).

So, hopefully, now the next time you attend a ball game, concert, school event, or a patriotic outing, you will know the correct protocol to show honor and respect to our country's flag and national anthem.

Side Note: For more information on the proper procedures for wearing the Legion Cap, please see posting on August 4th by clicking HERE.

THANKSGIVING, NOW AND THEN

2011-11-24T00:02:00.011-06:00

As most schoolchildren know, the history of Thanksgiving began when Pilgrims and Native Americans gathered together to celebrate a successful harvest. The first Thanksgiving was held in the fall of 1621, sometime between September 21 and November 11, and was a three-day feast. The Pilgrims were joined by approximately 90 of the local Wampanoag tribe, including Chief Massasoit, in celebration. They ate fowl and deer for certain and most likely also had fish, clams, corn, berries, plums, and probably wild onions & boiled pumpkin.

Though the current holiday of Thanksgiving was based on the 1621 feast, it did not immediately become an annual celebration or holiday. Sporadic days of Thanksgiving followed, usually declared locally to give thanks for a specific event such as the end of a drought, victory in a specific battle, or after a harvest.

It wasn’t until October 1777 that all 13 colonies celebrated a day of Thanksgiving. The very first national day of Thanksgiving was held in 1789, when President George Washington proclaimed Thursday, November 26 to be “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer,” to especially give thanks for the opportunity to form a new nation and the establishment of a new constitution.

Yet even after a national day of Thanksgiving was declared in 1789, Thanksgiving was not an annual celebration. We owe the modern concept of Thanksgiving to a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale. Hale, editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book and author of the famous “Mary Had a Little Lamb” nursery rhyme, spent 40 years advocating for a national, annual Thanksgiving holiday. In the years leading up to the Civil War, she saw the holiday as a way to infuse hope and belief in the nation and the constitution. So, when the United States was torn in half during the Civil War and Lincoln was searching for a way to bring the nation together, he discussed the matter with Hale.

On October 3, 1863, Lincoln issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation that declared the last Thursday in November (based on Washington’s date) to be a day of “thanksgiving and praise.” For the first time, Thanksgiving became a national, annual holiday with a specific date.

For 75 years after Lincoln issued his Thanksgiving Proclamation, succeeding presidents honored the tradition and annually issued their own Thanksgiving Proclamation, declaring the last Thursday in November as the day of Thanksgiving. However, in 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt did not. In 1939, the last Thursday of November was going to be November 30. Retailers complained to FDR that this only left 24 shopping days to Christmas and begged him to push Thanksgiving just one week earlier. It was determined that most people do their Christmas shopping after Thanksgiving and retailers hoped that with an extra week of shopping, people would buy more.

So when FDR announced his Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1939, he declared the date of Thanksgiving to be Thursday, November 23, the second-to-last Thursday of the month, to spur retail sales during the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s plan, known derisively as Franksgiving, was met with passionate opposition, and in 1941 the president reluctantly signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November. It remains on that date through today, so enjoy your Thanksgiving meal on this day. (And, now you know why serious Christmas shopping starts on the Friday after Thanksgiving).

H A P P Y xxT H A N K S G I V I N G xxTOxx A L L!

POST HONORS ONE OF OUR OWN

2011-11-23T14:27:00.008-06:00

Today, our Post provided military rites at the Knapp-Johnson-Harris Funeral Home and then at the Roanoke Apostolic Christian Cemetery for one of our members, Ralph Wagner, who passed away on November 18th. Ralph was in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was a member of our Post for 45 years.

Sergeant-At-Arms, Ron Behnke, was in command of the detail. Our flag bearers were Joe "Bing" Amigoni and Mike Adams, with Harley Aeschleman and John Dust folding and presenting the American Flag to the Wagner family. Richard "Dick" Craps played Taps on our electronic bugle. (There was no Honor Guard Rifle Squad due to church policy). Rest In Peace, Legionnaire Wagner.

YOUR EDITOR'S ANNOUNCEMENT FOR LLHF

2011-11-17T16:05:00.019-06:00

First, please be aware that your Editor is "officially" a local volunteer for Land Of Lincoln Honor Flight in this area and is available to put on presentations, answer questions, provide Veteran's applications, Guardian applications, Membership apps, sell LLHF hat pins (t-shirts coming soon), receive donations, etc. He did his first presentation for Honor Flight on Veterans Day afternoon. The above mentioned items also can be found at the LLHF web site at www.LandOfLincolnHonorFlight.org

Also, the dates of the first three flights of LLHF for next year, 2012, have been set for April 17th, May 15th and June 19th, all the 3rd Tuesday of the month. As this is written, the first flight is full with all WWII Veterans, and the May flight currently has a couple dozen WWII Veterans on it so far. It looks that LLHF will start flying some Korean era Veterans in 2012 but a little too early to predict on which flight that will start.

Finally, please make a note that his new volunteer email address for LLHF is HonorFlightGuy@aol.com so please save it if he can be of service or answer questions for you. And, if YOU are a World War II or Korean era Veteran and have not signed up, what are you waiting for - to get younger? Or, if you know any WWII or Korean Vets that might not know about LLHF or the Honor Flight Network, please inform them. This trip is provided completely free of charge to the Veteran because they EARNED it and DESERVE it! (And, if you feel the same and would like help get these Veterans to Washington, DC, please go to the LLHF web site for information on sending a donation - thank you.)

VETERANS DAY RECOGNITION

2011-11-11T00:01:00.012-06:00

Today, the Roanoke-Benson High School held a Veterans Day assembly, that kicked off at 11 AM with an excellent number by the R-B band. It was as well done as any professional orchestra. The program commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by teacher Alex Wernz, followed by the Star Spangled Banner by the R-B band. This was followed by welcoming remarks by principal Michael Tresnak, then guest speaker 1st Lt Jenna Tabor, who has served in Iraq with a transportation company. After recognition of the various branches of the military by playing the song of each one, the R-B Chorus sang a song, followed by closing reflections by two of R-B students. The conclusion of the program was with our Legion Post providing a Color Guard and Rifle Squad giving a 21-gun salute for the Veterans and students who came outside. Then those who wished, came back inside to watch a video about Medal of Honor recipients, followed by a nice, light luncheon and refreshments.

Special thanks goes out to the R-B Student Council who sponsored the program (your editor was a R-B Student Council president about a hundred years ago) and social studies teacher, Mr. Wernz, for coordinating the assembly.

A few photos follow - the first one is many of our members and others showing up prior to the start of the program. Second one is Principal Tresnak's welcoming remarks, with the third of 1st Lt. Tabor's speech, and the last fourth photo of Marines standing during the playing of their branch's song.

CHANGE IN SHERIFF'S BREAKFAST TIME

2011-11-10T22:16:00.005-06:00

According to new information received, the Sheriff's Breakfast at Eureka court- house area will be AFTER the 9:00 AM program, not before like last year. Your editor apologizes for his posting on Nov. 8th listing an 8:00 AM time, but that was what he had been told.

VETERANS DAY IS THIS FRIDAY

2011-11-08T23:32:00.011-06:00

Veterans Day, previously called Armistice Day, will be here shortly, with an unique "signature" this year. Ceremonies are normally observed at 11 AM on November 11th, coming from the WWI armistice that began at the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month". So this year it will be "11-11-11-11" since it falls at 11 AM on November 11th of 2011.

For those Veterans who wish to travel over to Eureka, the Woodford County Sheriff is putting on a light breakfast for Veterans, beginning at 8:00 AM. Not sure of menu, but last year there were biscuits & gravy, scrambled eggs, fruit, danish rolls, orange juice & coffee. Even those who will be on the Legion's Color Guard or Honor Guard will be back to the Post in time for a practice session before leaving for the school.

There will also be a program at the Roanoke-Benson High School gymnasium, commencing at 11:00 AM, with a program dedicated to Veterans, followed by our Post honoring all Veterans with our Color Guard and Honor Guard riflemen firing a 21-gun salute. Afterwards, there will be a light lunch and refreshments served at the school.

And, there are a number of restaurants in the area offering free meals to Active Service personnel and Veterans. Not sure of all of them, but the following are definitely doing so.

Applebee's, located in Bloomington, East Peoria, Peoria & Pekin are offering 6-7 of their signature meals on November 11th. No times listed. Click here for more information: Applebee's x Chili's are offering 5-6 meal items on their menu from 11 AM thru 5 PM. Click here for more information: Chili's

Hooter's will be offering 10 wings free throughout the day. For more information, click here: Hooter's x Texas Roadhouse has a number of items on their menu for Veterans and active Service from 11 AM thru 2 PM on Friday. Click here for more information: Texas Roadhouse

Golden Corral - think the closest is Bloomington - is offering a free meal to any Veteran, but on MOnday, November 14th, from 5 pm thru 9 pm. Click here for more information: GoldenCorral

MEMBERSHIP BANQUET HELD SATURDAY

2011-11-07T22:38:00.009-06:00

Once a year, after the November 1st cut-off of Legion dues being paid (after that date they are obviously still accepted but are considered delinquent), our Post holds a Membership Banquet to thank all who are members but also to pay tribute to those who have achieved 5-yr increments of continuous membership. After enjoying an excellent family-style dinner, that was served on time, hot, and with plenty of food (as judged by the number of left-over containers being taken home) and with chicken breasts that were the size of a turkey's, the awards were distributed by Commander Helsel.

This year we had two members who received 5-yr gold stars, five who received 10-yr stars, four @ 15-yr stars, two @ 20-yr, four @ 25-yr, one @ 30-yr, three @ 35-yrs, seven @ 40-yrs, and four @45-years. From 50-years forward, the member not only receives a gold star, but also a gold tack plus a certificate in a folder. This year we had no fifty or fifty-five year recipients, but we did have one 60-year continuous member honored - Henry Bisco. There were also two 65-year continuous service, Gerald Sauder and Walter Fehr, with Mr. Fehr, our Post chaplain, in attendance at the banquet.
After some comments and thanks from Cmdr Al Helsel to the Post's officers, past commanders, those who have gone on Honor Flights, etc. we heard an inspiring Veterans Day speech by our guest speaker, Rodger Bennett, past Department of Illinois Commander from the Thawville, IL Post. After that, Cmdr Helsel called the banquet finished.

Please click on any photo to see full size or go to the Post Album (click on icon in right column) to see more photographs from the banquet.

FREE VETERANS APPRECIATION BRUNCH

2011-11-04T00:44:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow, Saturday, November 5th, The Patriot Club & V.F.W. Post 4835 is providing a Veterans Appreciation Brunch at the V.F.W. Post located at 628 S. Main Street in Creve Coeur. It is free to all Veterans, and their family, and begins at 9:00 AM and goes until they run out of food. During breakfast hours they will have scrambled eggs, hash browns, biscuit & gravy, sausage and ham. Later in the day they will have chicken, potato salad & cole slaw.

NOVEMBER'S REGULAR POST MEETING

2011-11-03T23:36:00.011-05:00

The November meeting was called to order at 7 PM by Cmdr Helsel, followed by proper opening ceremonies. This was followed by Adjutant Dust reading the minutes from the last meeting, then Finance Officer Remmers reviewing the Income & Expense statement for the month. The report showed a net increase of $440 from the previous month, after deducting for Gifts To The Yanks funds that have not been forwarded at the time of the report. The Bar Report was then given by mgr Ratliffe, showing a nice income for the month. Funds will be turned over to the Finance Officer this month. This was then followed by Bob Isaia reviewing the Breakfast Report, showing 353 total served for the October's breakfast, breaking down to 328 adults, 12 children and 13 workers.

The V.A.C. report was given by Adjutant Dust in absence of Service Officer Harley Aeschleman, showing that 3 veterans and/or their families had been helped with $959, plus $468 was paid for the yearly transfers from Peoria to VA clinics in Danville, as well as Iowa & Indiana. The County Meeting will be next Wednesday evening at the Roanoke Post, with Benson being the hosting Post. It is a joint Legion & Auxiliary meeting.

Sick Call report showed Richard Burton, Bill Fehr, Gerald Gerardi, Frank Schierer and Ralph Wagner listed, with Gary Corson and Bob Isaia having come off of it. There was nothing to report by Mike Ratliffe on the SAL, although there was some discussion by the members. Under Membership Report, Adjutant Dust stated the Post stood at 164 members, with 139 paid for the 2012 fiscal year, leaving 25 unpaid dues. A list of was handed out to those attending the meeting so that they could assist in getting the dues from those unpaid.

Under Commander's Report & Correspondence, Helsel read a note from Darrel Sutter in regards to the Gifts To The Yanks, and also a flyer from The Patriot Club and V.F.W Post in Creve Coeur. (See separate posting here tomorrow) He also reported that there would be a guest speaker at our banquet at Mona's next Saturday evening.

Under Old Business, Adjutant Dust reviewed the final results for the Gifts To The Yanks drive, which totaled $2,269.05 received. It was another great year of support by the community.

Under New Business, Bob Isaia volunteered to be the Legion's sponsor contact to the local Boy Scouts and was therefore appointed by Cmdr Helsel. This year's "Donation List" was provided to the members, along with other organizations that did not make the list for the year, so that they may review it and come back with suggestions to be voted on next meeting for 2012 donations.

Cmdr Helsel reviewed that a Veterans Day program would be held at Roanoke-Benson High School again this year at 11 AM on Nov. 11th, with Veterans, the public, and the Legion invited, with our Post to have a Color Guard and a Rifle Squad give a 21-gun salute after the program. It will be followed by a light luncheon & refreshments at the school.

A donation was voted upon to be made to a recently held benefit at the Post building, plus discussion & motion was made in regards to the building use that is allowed to the Festival Committee of Roanoke. It was also discussed about the Boy Scouts providing volunteers to help with our Legion Breakfasts and Cmdr Helsel stated it had already been addressed with their leadership.

The after-meeting luncheon will be handled by Tom Fehr next month and Pot of Gold was won by Dick Livingston. After proper closing ceremonies, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM, followed by a light luncheon & refreshments, handled by Joe "Bing" Amigoni.

SATURDAY SURFING ~ THE USO IN THE 40's

2011-10-29T00:03:00.006-05:00

The USO (United Services Organizations) serves many functions, including lifting the spirits of American troops, and one of the ways it has always been able to do that for lonely soldiers was by holding dances, especially back in the 1940's. In celebration of those times, here are two modern videos your editor stumbled upon - one in real life and one done by software. The times have changed but the old tunes have stayed the same.

Turn up your sound to enjoy, then click arrow to begin. You can also click on the small 4-arrow box in the bottom right corner to go to full screen.

For a slightly risque animation version at the USO, but realistically reproduced, click HERE.

LADY TURNS 125 YEARS OLD TODAY

2011-10-28T15:19:00.011-05:00

Today, the Statue of Liberty celebrates her 125th birthday, having been dedicated on October 28, 1886, by then President Glover Cleveland. "Lady Liberty", a robed female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, bears a lit torch - enlightening the world - and a tablet inscribed with the date of July 4, 1776 - the American Declaration of Independence. It was a gift from the people of France, conceived to symbolize the friendship between the two countries at that time and the shared love for liberty. It is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.

However, being 125 years old, it will close tomorrow for a year-long upgrade project to its stairwells, elevators and mechanical systems. All interiors of the Statue itself, including the museum, pedestal and crown, will be closed to the public while this work takes place. Liberty Island will remain open to visitors during the renovations, and views of the "Lady" will remain unobstructed.

But, back on August 22, 1918, in Des Moines, Iowa, 18,000 officers and men from Camp Dodge formed the "Statue of Liberty" and photographers from Chicago, Illinois, photographed the picture shown below. Colonel William Newman was the commander of the 163rd Depot Brigade, the men who made up the human image, and Colonel Rush Wells, the regimental commander, had charge of the formation. The formation stood 1,497 feet tall (over a quarter mile) from the tip of the torch to the bottom of the feet. It took over 1-1/2 hours for the formation to form (marker blocks had been laid out on the ground) and by the time the photo was completed in mid-afternoon, it was reported 12 men had fainted from the heat as it reached 94-degrees.

The large 11" x 14" photographs were put on sales for $1.00 at all the post exchanges and many soldiers sent the photo home to their families. To view in larger size, click on the Statue...

HISTORY IN OUR BACK YARD

2011-10-25T12:52:00.006-05:00

It is said that in the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget to stop and smell the roses. And, right now, in Central Illinois, are some wonderful "flowers" - the full foliage of a pleasant fall. And, within this Central Illinois foliage sits a gem that our member Harley Aeschleman reminded your editor about it. It is the Livingston County War Museum located in downtown Pontiac, Illinois. What a great time of the year to take a nice drive in the countryside, enjoy the final days of the turning of the leaves, and visit this museum.

The Livingston County War Museum & Dal Estes Education Center was founded by Dal Estes that is in the center's name. (Born in 1917, he passed away in 2005) This museum displays from World War I to the present. It is staffed by Veterans and is located in the old City Hall building, next to the Route 66 Museum. (Do you sense an opportunity to get two birds with one stone?)

It's brochure states "Walking through our museum is like taking a tour of the 20th Century. We have artifacts, films, books, uniforms and weapons from the last one hundred years of American Warfare. Our exhibits cover World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm and even current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is a living history site because our staff is made up of military veterans and history enthusiasts who are present to share their experiences with you and answer your questions.

Our museum does not glorify war, but shows the best attributes of the men and women caught up in war. In doing so, we respectfully honor the service of America's veterans."

Hours of operation are Tuesday - Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM, and Sunday afternoon from Noon - 4 PM. (Closed on Mondays) It is located at 321 N. Main Street in Pontiac and is wheelchair accessible, plus has an elevator. There is free parking across the street and admission is by donation of whatever desired. (They are a small, non-profit depending on volunteers, donations and memberships). So, with Veterans Day only a few weeks away, it might be time for a nice drive...

THERE IS SUCH A THING AS A FREE MEAL

2011-10-20T18:09:00.009-05:00

Today, during the ride up to Toluca for "Polenta Day", it was mentioned that Veterans Day was only three weeks away. Although there will be much more posted here when we get closer to it, your editor did receive two related emails today. But instead of anything to do with the purpose of the day, they were more in the spirit of a "benefit" of being a Veteran... free meals!!!

The first one was from Applebee's confirming that they would again be offering a free meal and to go to their web site for more information. So, your editor did a quick search and so far Applebee's, Chilis, Golden Corral, Hooters & Texas Road- house are offering a free meal for Veterans in honor of November 11th's Veterans Day. More details to follow later.

Secondly, received a flyer from The Patriot Club in regards to a free brunch. All Veterans and their family are invited to an "Appreciation Brunch" on Saturday, November 5th, from 9:00 AM until ??? at the V.F.W. Post 4835 at 628 S. Main Street in Creve Coeur, IL. Menu consists of scrambled eggs, hash browns, biscuit & gravy, sausage, ham, chicken, potato salad, cole slaw and refreshment. So, if you wish to "double down" that day, put down the brunch on your calendar for a late breakfast or lunch, then see you that evening for our Legion Membership Banquet at Mona's. YOU have sent in your reservation already, right?

GIFTS TO THE YANKS TOPS LAST YEAR DRIVE

2011-10-18T22:57:00.000-05:00

Your Adjutant believes the final, final figure is in from our "Gifts To The Yanks Who Gave" chairman, Harley Aeschleman, and our collections on Oct. 7th & 8th, along with a few late donations, totaled $2,267.05 for the effort. We took in about $1,400 on Friday, $750 on Saturday, and the balance of about $120 came in later. As stated early here, another fabulous effort and results by our Post 463, due to the generosity of the community.

The Post received an applause at the Legion County Meeting this past Wednesday when Harley announced the figure, plus this should put us in the run for another award for the 2011 year. But, most importantly, this allows the program to buy some wonderful gifts for the Veterans who are shut up in the VA hospitals, nursing homes, home care, etc.

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY TO BLOG

2011-10-17T20:59:00.010-05:00

Today, our Legion Post Blog celebrates its second birthday with cake. Did you bring the ice cream?

In the past two year, there have been 6,862 separate visits (not visitors) to the site, which translates to right at 286 per month or about 66 per week on average. That is also roughly 9.4 visits per day, which means it must be closer to at least a dozen per day this year because it was only around 6 or less the first year.

Your editor has posted 260 times here, including this one, or on average of nearly 11 times per month or two & half times per week. There were 30 postings in 2009 although the Blog had just been born, then 103 in 2010 and already 127 for 2011.

And, since the Blog's last birthday. there is now a digital Library of Publications & Forms (see right column), an improved calendar, 188 photographs in the Legion's Photo Album (again, see right column), and 54 tunes in the play list at the bottom of the Blog. A library of videos are in the planning and a few other minor tweaks for the coming year. So, hopefully, as long as you come here, he will continue. But, regardless of all the facts & figures, Happy 2nd Birthday Legion Blog!

POST HAS THREE MEMBERS ON HONOR FLIGHT

2011-10-16T22:34:00.007-05:00

Your editor is in the process of getting more involved as a volunteer with the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight (LLHF) and will probably become the local contact in our area over the winter, once he gets a little more indoctrinated. (But even right now, if there is anything he can do to assist a WWII or Korean-era Veteran get their application processed or answer any questions, please fell free to call upon him). Well, he went down to Springfield this past Tuesday evening to meet with a couple members of LLHF and greet the last Honor Flight of the year coming back from Washington, DC, day-long (and long day) trip.

Lo and behold, our own WWII Veterans Virgil Funk and Jimmie France were on the flight. So, it made the evening extra special to join in with the 500+ people welcoming the flight. They both seemed like they had a very memorable day seeing the WWII memorial as well as the other monuments and sights.

It is also the editor's understanding that another WWII Veteran of our Post, Sim Bates, also took the trip but because of scheduling conflicts, he flew out of Effingham, IL, the week before. (Click on photo of choice to see full size)

SATURDAY SURFING ~ A SOLDIER & THE DRESS

2011-10-15T22:00:00.000-05:00

While your editor was doing some research on various Honor Flight web sites today, he stumbled across these two videos. Although they are a little over a year old, and apply to a WWII Veteran who is from Sparta, Wisconsin, the story was just too touching to not share. Hope you agree.

Please turn up your sound, then click on the first video to see Part I. You can go to full screen if you wish by clicking on the box with the 4-arrows at the bottom right of the video.

Then, click on this video to see Part II...

LARGE BREAKFAST, LITTLE SHORT ON HELP

2011-10-12T10:44:00.007-05:00

Our Post held its monthly fundraiser Legion Breakfast on Sunday and at the last count your editor saw, it looks like we served a total of 351 meals, 341 adults & 10 kids. Again, it was a very successful breakfast count-wise but not as well from help-wise, especially during the 2nd shift of 9:00-Noon. With some of our regular workers in the fields and some on vacation, we were definitely short-handed, sometimes only having one person actually serving meals. However, we thank all who helped and hope that more of you will consider pitching in a hand for our next Breakfasts (Nov. 13th & Dec. 11th) this year.

Also, please be notified that the membership has voted to raise our Adult Breakfast to $7.00 per person, effective with the January 2012 one. (Children, 12 and under, with 3 items or less, will remain at $3.00) Our last price increase was January of 2007, five years ago, and since then the food index has gone up 53%, pork prices are up 49%, and even coffee is up 121%. And, that does not consider increases in utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance, etc. However, when you consider our Breakfast includes sales tax and tip, the net cost is still only about $5.50 per meal. Our Breakfast is still a great value when compared against any area restaurants, plus those attending are supporting The American Legion Post 463 of Roanoke.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL "GTTY" DRIVE

2011-10-11T17:19:00.010-05:00

This past Friday & Saturday found Roanoke Legionnaires posted at strategic spots within the Village, collecting donations for the annual "Gifts To The Yanks" program, while the Post chairman of the drive, Harley Aeschleman, and the Post Adjutant solicited the local businesses. On Friday, around $1,400 total was collected, followed up by another $750 or thereabouts on Saturday. The final figure was $2,147.05 combined. That is an awesome amount collected, exceeding last year's amount. A special thanks goes out to ALL those who helped solicit funds, as well as all those businesses, citizens, and visitors that donated so generously to this worthwhile cause. You know who you are and hopefully know you did a wonderful service.

The Gifts To The Yanks Who Gave program was instituted in 1944 to remember our hospitalized War Veterans. The American Legion, Department of Illinois, has maintained this worthy program continuously since its inception by distributing Christmas Gifts annually to each of our Veteran patients at all of the V.A. Hospitals, other extended care units throughout Illinois, and shut-ins.

What makes these donations extra-special is that they start out by being used for Veterans right in Roanoke, then in the County, then in the balance of the State. The last sentence of our Legion Preamble asks us to "consecrate and sanctify our Comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness". This program honors that statement. Again, thanks to all.

OCTOBER'S REGULAR POST MEETING

2011-10-10T12:06:00.010-05:00

Due to "Gift To The Yanks" drive on Friday & Saturday and Sunday's Legion breakfast, a little late in posting meeting minutes from Thursday evening's meeting...

The October meeting was held on the 6th, called to order at 7:00 PM by Cmdr Al Helsel & Sr Vice Ken Nelson. (Al had been on vacation and missed the Executive Meeting, plus had pulled a back muscle, so he had Ken run most of the meeting). After opening ceremonies, Cmdr Helsel declared we would have an "informal meeting" due to the low attendance - some members were still in the fields picking crops. Thus the Adjutant did not read the Minutes but did summarize a couple points from last month. He also just reviewed the high-points of the Finance Report due to absence of Finance Officer. Report showed the Post was down $7,740.98 for the month, mostly due to paying the balance on the new roof. The Bar Report was given by Mike Ratliffe and the Breakfast Report was briefly reviewed by Nelson due to the Breakfast Mgr, Bob Isaia, being absent on vacation. It showed we served 333 total meals in September, or 318 net after deducting worker's meals.

Harley gave the V.A.C. report, noting 4 Veterans and/or their families were helped with $894.38 and there were 3 visits of Veterans in-home or in a nursing home. Sick Call was also given, with Richard Burton, Gary Corson, Bill Fehr, Gerald Gerardi, Frank Schirer and Ralph Wagner listed. (It was later found out that Bob Isaia was also hospitalized and thus added to the Sick Call). He also reported that the County Meeting would be at our Post the evening of October 12th, with Washburn as the host. There was no SAL report by advisor Ratliffe.

Adjutant Dust reported that membership stood at 164, one more than last month due to new member Ray Armstrong. Dues are still outstanding by 34 members and should be paid before our Membership Banquet of November 5th. The Post is at 78.3% of goal of 166 paid.

Under the Commander's Report and Correspondence, it was announced that the Bar Manager and Finance Officer's records were audited at the last Executive Meeting. It was also reported that a "thank you" letter was received from Operation Santa (Christmas Stockings) for the Post's donation. The brochure from the Woodford County Historical Society, in regards to their upcoming book entitled "Veterans of Woodford County - Respect and Remember" was discussed and a motion was made to give them a donation to assist in the cost of publishing. It was approved.

Under Old Business, Harley Aeschleman reviewed the Gifts To The Drive donation collections to be held on Friday & Saturday and reviewed starting times, teams, etc. Adjutant Dust commented that the invitations to the Membership Banquet in November had been mailed that day and ideas were discussed about having a speaker. It was left in the Commander's hands. Adjutant Dust also commented he had no luck in contacting any officers of the SAL but would try further the coming week. Cmdr Helsel reported the roof was complete, paid for, and really made the Post building look "great".

Under New Business, an email from Dr Robb Frank was read & discussed. He had offered to present sand he had picked up at Omaha Beach in France to the Post in a framed display and it was decided to accept it. He also offered to quote a bus trip for next Spring to a military museum & gardens in Wheaton IL and that was tabled until after the first of the year. And, finally, in regards to his ideas on a scholarship, it was decided he should pursue that on his own and The American Legion should not be involved. After a suggestion by Mike Ratliffe on an upcoming benefit, it was decided it was premature to discuss until after the benefit was held.

The Pot of Gold was won by Ken Nelson and it was announced that Joe "Bing" Amigoni would be in charge of next month's luncheon. After closing procedures, the meeting was adjourned at 7:53 PM, followed by setting up the building for Sunday's breakfast. Membership then enjoyed hot dogs & sausages grilled by John Dust, along with condiments, chips and refreshments.

FOUR IN A ROW FOR LEGIONNAIRES

2011-10-05T23:03:00.003-05:00

If you are an American Legion volunteer at Post 463, or wish to be, you have a very big 4-day weekend coming up, starting tomorrow...

THURSDAY evening is our Legion Post monthly meeting, beginning promptly at 7:00 PM. Please plan to attend.

FRIDAY is our "Gifts To The Yanks Who Gave" drive - collecting donations from the businesses and citizens of the Roanoke area to be used to purchase Christmas Gifts for shut in Veterans, whether in a nursing home, hospital, or at home, as well as those in veteran hospitals across the State. These donations are used first in the Community, then the County, then the State. If you wish to help, or have not been contacted, please call Harley Aeschleman RIGHT NOW!!!

SATURDAY is a continuation of our solicitation of donations for the "Gifts To The Yanks" drive in the community.

SUNDAY is our monthly Legion Breakfast, from 9:00 AM to Noon, and we can always use more help, especially in that 11:00 to Noon period, and afterwards for clean-up.

IMPORTANT FLYERS RECEIVED AT POST

2011-09-29T13:37:00.010-05:00

Your editor has received two flyers this week that applies to Veterans in the area. First is a promotion sponsored by AARP that allows their Driver Safety Class- room Program to be taken for FREE during the month of NOVEMBER for Veterans of all ages. This free 8-hour program is AARP's way to recognize and thank Veterans for their dedication and commitment to service during the month that Veterans Day happens.

For more information, there is a flyer in our Post's Digital Library (go to right column and click on icon for the library) that gives much more information, or you can go to www.aarp.org/findacourse to plug in your location and get more information. In the Roanoke area, there are four locations that give the courses - the Morton Public Library (Morton), Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (East Peoria), Proctor Hospital (Peoria) and the Y.W.C.A. (Bloomington). Remember, the course must be taken in NOVEMBER to be FREE.

The second flyer is from the Woodford Country Historical Society in regards to the hard-back "Veterans Book" they plan to publish in the Spring of 2012 in honor of all the Woodford County men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States. It is scheduled to be entitled Veterans of Woodford County - Respect and Remember and currently has nearly 5,000 people in the database. It is projected to cost around $50.00, providing they can get enough donations and sponsors to help off-set a part of the costs.

The two page brochure is also now listed in our Post's Digital Library for reading, printing or downloading as desired. See above instructions or just click HERE.

LEGION HAS A NEW CAP

2011-09-25T14:26:00.005-05:00

No, not a new one for The American Legion and the traditional Legionnaire's cap, but our Legion Post 463 has a new "cap" - a fresh, off-white, steel roof! And, it comes with a 40-year warranty on the metal and 5-years on the labor so hopefully our previous shingles blow-off problems have been solved for a large number of years in the future.

Apparently, it was installed within a few days or so during the week of September 11-17th (your editor was gone and not sure of the exact days) and the consensus is that it "looks good". Hopefully, you agree.x (Click on photos to enlarge)

SATURDAY SURFING ~ FINE CHOCOLATES!

2011-09-24T19:14:00.008-05:00

The American Legion offers a new benefit through Fannie May candies, both their retail stores as well as on-line, as well as with their sister brands - The Popcorn Factory, 1-800-Flowers.com. Harry London, 1-800-Baskets.com and Cheryl & Co. Fannie May is offering their new Gift Cards to American Legion members at a special discount of 25% off. These gift cards can be purchased by contacting one of the Fannie May's gift specialists at 1-800-444-3629 (reference account #2302414) or by completing the form now found in the Blog's Forms & Publication Library section (see right column).

The gift cards are valid for EVERYTHING in all their stores or on-line, www.FannieMay.com, basically at a 25% discount, just in time for holiday shopping and gift giving needs. So, a $10 gift card costs you $7.50 each, a $25 card is $18.75, etc. For a complete list of where the gift cards are redeemable, go to www.FreshGift.com now.

EARLY FALL CLEAN-UP STARTS

2011-09-23T21:45:00.004-05:00

Friday morning found Joe "Bing" Amigoni and Robert "Bob" Wolfe, along with John Dust's help, doing a little early fall "garden" cleanup that was much needed at the Legion Post. Bing took the electric shears to the bushes and plants in front of the Post building, while Bob got out the weed killer and sprayed all the weeds within the Protective Wall. Then, John picked up Bing's clippings as Bob blew the sidewalks clean and a needed maintenance item was checked "completed".x (Click on photos to enlarge - use browser arrow to return)

EDITOR & READERS TAKE A VACATION

2011-09-22T15:01:00.000-05:00

Please be aware the reason there is only one posting here between September 6th and 22nd was because your editor was on vacation and out of the country. Now that he is caught up on his sleep, he promises to get back to posting regularly so if you have taken a few weeks vacation yourself from the Blog due to lack of new postings and items, please resume coming back often. And, thanks for your understanding.

TAKING CHANCE & 10th ANNIVERSAY OF 9-11

2011-09-13T09:16:00.001-05:00

The following post was written by your editor on an overnight flight while traveling on vacation, with the plan of posting it on 9-11. Sorry to say, he did not find Internet access until today (at $7.00 per hour) but instead of deleting the posting, he decided to upload it anyway, two days late.

On this 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Towers, the Pentagon and Flight 93, that crashed into a Pennsylvania field versus probably headed for the White House or the Congress building, hopefully we will all pause to remember the active soldiers who are out there today, defending our freedom and protecting our country. Ten years after 9-11 and the invasion of Afghanistan for harboring the organization behind the attack, soldiers are still losing their lives almost daily in the war on terror. In fact, last month (August) was the most deadly month of the war, with 66 warriors being killed. And, for each one of these brave patriots who become KIA, another soldier accompanies them home for proper escort and honor. And, thus the tie in to the following.

Your editor a few years back watched a HBO movie titled “Taking Chance” about Pfc Chance Phelps, that stated it was based on true events. Well, usually that means about 20% facts and 80% Hollywood elaboration. But, he watched the movie and was very impressed with the story and the acting by Kevin Bacon as the Lt-Col. Michael Strobl that accompanied the young man back home. But, obviously, the story seemed far-fetched that a Lieutenant-Colonel would travel that far with a Private-class soldier. Well, the story is true!

A few weeks ago your editor came across the DVD, purchased it and watched it again. Then, wondering how much of the story was true, he googled “Chance Phelps” and up came his foundation: www.chancephelps.org

Well, he could go into more detail, but instead, why not click on the above link and read it right from the page. Once on the site, click on "About Chance" to start the story. The point of this post, is there are thousands of "Chances" in these wars, and millions of "Chances" over the years of previous wars. But last month there were 66 "Chances" that gave their all for their country, just as on 9-11, so many did so unexpectedly. May you take a moment to remember them all on this day.

HONOR FLIGHT'S WAITING LIST UPDATE

2011-09-06T00:02:00.007-05:00

Your editor just received an update from Ray Wiedle, chairman of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight out of Springfield (that services our area). After their September 13th and October 11th flights, the last two of the year, they will have 54 World War II Veterans still left on the list and 127 Korean era ones. Assuming donations and funds are available, they fly in April, May, June, September & October of each year. (July & August are too hot to take older Veterans to Washington, DC).

Therefore, if you are a WWII Vet and have not submitted your Honor Flight application yet, please do so TODAY and you will be assured a seat on the April 2012 flight. Or, if you know of a WWII service man or woman who has not submitted or are not aware of the program, please urge him or her to take the opportunity that the Honor Flight network gives them to take "One More Tour With Honor".

With new sign-up continuing to come in over the winter, it is currently assumed that the April flight will still be all WWII soldiers (85-90 per flight), but come May & June 2012, it is projected that the majority will be Korean era. So, if you are a Korean era vet, please get your application in today if you have not done so and you too are almost assured of flying to Washington, DC, to see the Memorials and more come next year.

For more information or to have questions answered, please feel free to contact your editor (who is also the Post Adjutant) through our Post or go directly to www.LandofLincolnHonorFlight.org to read more about the organization.

ROANOKE'S LABOR DAY A CENTURY AGO

2011-09-05T00:01:00.009-05:00

Happy Labor Day, today and a 100 years ago. Click on photo to enlarge. Click HERE for more photographs and information about early Roanoke.

LEGION BUILDING CELEBRATES 40 YRS ON LABOR DAY

2011-09-04T00:02:00.017-05:00

On a Sunday morning - November 25th of 1969 - the fire department was called to extinguish a blaze in The American Legion Post building. The insurance adjusters labeled the building a total loss and offered a financial settlement. Over the next two years, Post 463 met temporarily in the Park building while the Legion accepted plans and ideas for a new building, reviewed blueprints, estimated costs, worked at coming up with financing, priced materials, etc. Finally, it was determined that the Post would purchase the building materials and utilize volunteer labor within the Post to build the new Legion home.

<-Click to enlargexx So, construction was started in October of 1970 at our present location and the official dedication took place on Labor Day, September 6th of 1971, 40 years ago. At the time of this event, the Roanoke Legion was then celebrating our 50th year of organization. A Souvenir Program was published and over 45 area businesses donated to have an ad in the booklet. At that dedication program, Commander Hank Micheletti thanked all who helped make our home a reality. The festivities included performances by the Air Force Band from Chanute Field, lighting of the Freedom Flame, a fish fry, fireworks display on the top of Mt. Jumbo and concluded with a free dance.

A copy of the pages of that Souvenir Program is presented here in photographs. Happy 40th Anniversary to our Post Building on this Labor Day holiday - hope everyone has an enjoyable Labor Day weekend. (Just click on desired photo to enlarge - use your browser return arrow to return to the Blog)

SEPTEMBER'S REGULAR POST MEETING

2011-09-02T01:03:00.007-05:00

The September meeting last night was called to order by Cmdr Helsel, with proper opening ceremonies. The Post's newest member, Ray Armstrong, was welcomed to the meeting. The Minutes from the last meeting was then read by Adjutant Dust and approved. The Finance Report was then reviewed by Pete Remmers, showing a decrease of funds for the month of $6,164, mostly due to the deposit put down on the roof repair. The report was approved as presented. This was followed by the Bar Report by manager Mike Ratliffe, then followed by the Breakfast Report by Bob Isaia, showing a total of 353 served in August. Both were approved.

The Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) report was given by Harley Aeschleman, reporting that 5 veterans or their families were helped last month with $696 and there were 14 veterans that visited the Woodford County office, plus 3 visits to veteran's home or nursing home. Harley also reported that the American Legion County meeting would be held at our Roanoke Post on September 14th at 7:30 PM, with the Spring Bay Post as the host.

Sick Call still included Richard Burton, Gary Corson, Bill Fehr, Gerald Gerardi, Frank Schier and Ralph Wagner, with Bob Isaia coming off and Ken Nelson being added. There was no Sons of The American Legion (SAL) report.

The Membership Report by John Dust showed 163 members, one less than last month due to the death of comrade Walter Schwind. Dues are still outstanding from 36 members and the Post is currently at 76.5% of its goal of 166 paid members. (Mr. Armstrong won't show up until next month's report).

Under the Commander's Report & Correspondence, Cmdr Helsel reported the annual audit of the Finance Officer's and Bar Manager's books and balances was postponed until the next Executive Committee meeting due to a misunderstanding of times. He also announced that Mike Ratliffe had requested to step down from being the Legion Advisor to the SAL and that we would need a new advisor. He tabled this topic until the next meeting when hopefully a member would step forward to volunteer. Helsel also read an email from former R-B teacher Darrel Sutter to the Legion.

Under Old Business, Adjutant Dust gave an update about the progress of the roof replacement, explaining everything was in place and the work would commence in mid-October. There was also considerable discussion of the Legion Breakfast, and although the situation of not enough help during that 11 AM to 1 PM period was not addressed, it was decided to raise the price, effective with the January breakfast. (The last increase had been 5 years ago). It was also decided to donate the proceeds from the Poppy donations to the Woodford County VAC as a method of helping Veterans in need.

Under New Business, it was approved that the price for dinner at the Membership Banquet (first Saturday of November) will be $25.00 per couple or $12.50 per individual, with the Post picking up the balance of the cost. (Reservation form and information will go out around Oct. 1st but save the date). Harley Aeschleman also announced that our "Gifts To The Yanks" drive, to purchase Christmas presents for shut-in Veterans, would take place on October 7th & 8th, the first Friday & Saturday of the month. He needs a number of volunteers to work 2-hour shifts soliciting donations at various spots around Roanoke.

Adjutant Dust read a letter summarizing information to be send to the SAL squadron and it was approved by the membership to do so. The Pot of Gold was then won by Russ Furr and it was announced that John Dust would be responsible for next month's luncheon. After closing procedures, the meeting was adjourned at 8:14 PM, followed by refreshments and sandwiches & chips handled by Brian Blunier.

NEW YORK'S FANG WONG NEW NAT'L COMMANDER

2011-09-01T16:22:00.012-05:00

A portion of the report from American Legion Website... New York Legionnaire will "serve with PRIDE" during 2011-2012. As a Vietnam veteran, FANG WONG remembers how veterans of that war were treated when they returned home. It's those same veterans' responsibility to ensure a similar homecoming doesn't await the men and women who are fighting the war on terror.

That was part of the focus of Wong's acceptance speech in Minneapolis Thursday after being elected The American Legion's national commander for 2011-2012. The New York Legionnaire and member of Lt. B.R. Kimlau Post 1291 in New York City said the future of the organization depends on welcoming younger veterans into the fold, as well as advocating on their behalf.

"Most of us will never forget the way veterans were treated as they came home from the war and as they fought for recognition of their unique war-related health problems in the years that followed," Wong said. "As the largest bloc of veterans represented in this organization today, those of us who served in Vietnam are duty-bound to ensure the same mistakes will not happen to the next generation of veterans. It is our duty to uphold and defend the rights and benefits of today's new generation of wartime veterans and welcome them into The American Legion with open arms. They are the future of our organization."

Wong - who was sworn in by Past National Commander John Brieden and presented the colors by Past National Commander Ron Conley - promised to represent and advocate on behalf of all Legionnaires, as well as the policies of the organization. He presented a list of priorities for the year.

Membership: "We all know that training and leadership are two of the key ingredients for a successful organization," he said. "In order for the Legion to survive, we must develop and provide meaningful training so that we all can do our jobs better."

"During the recent membership workshop meetings, I asked that the new department commanders, in addition to having a plan for their committed membership goal for the coming year, to also review and consider the adoption of recommendations from The 21st Century Committee Report. There is a lot of good information in this report, and solutions that are accurate and valid for our situation today. I asked your commanders to start a process review concentrating on what's needed at each level of the organization to improve or rebuild your mode of operation. We need to know how we operate. We need everyone to understand why the Legion exists. We need to have our priorities in line with the Four Pillars."

For more information, see right column under "LEGION TELEVISION" for video now showing.

AMERICAN LEGION NATIONAL CONVENTION IN PROGRESS

2011-08-29T00:08:00.011-05:00

From the National's website...
Each year, The American Legion’s largest annual meeting is the national convention. Each of the Legion’s 55 departments – the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and Philippines – is entitled to a minimum of five voting delegates to the national convention. A department is granted one extra delegate, a member in good standing, for each 1,000 members (or major fraction thereof) 30 days before the convention. The five annually elected vice commanders round out the group of delegates present. The national convention delegates alone have the authority to approve changes to the Legion’s constitution and by-laws. The group is also responsible for passing programs that determine the course of the Legion, setting membership dues for the upcoming year, and electing a national commander and five national vice commanders to serve until the next convention.

Today, was the opening parade of the convention. From the website...
It's always a big source of pride for Legionnaires to march in the national convention parade. But for Dept of Kentucky Alternate Nat'l Executive Committeeman Randall Fisher, it was an even greater source of pride this year.

Fisher helped carry the department's banner as Kentucky led off the procession of contiguous U.S. departments in Minneapolis Sunday afternoon. The Bluegrass State earned the honor by finishing first in membership for the 2010-2011 year; the department had been 52nd the previous year.

"We were able to turn it around with a lot of hard work, and this is a great reward for that," Fisher said. "It feels really get to be up here at the front. Everyone deserves credit for this."

With the temperature hovering around 80 degrees and humidity virtually nonexistent, it was a perfect day for the parade. Its 89 units included classic cars, trolleys, the Legion's Spirit of Service winners and youth champions, Miss America Teresa Scanlan, nine bands and delegates from every Legion department. The American Legion Riders, three days removed from another successful Legacy Run, led off the event. Retired Brig. Gen. Denny Lord was the parade's grand marshal; immediate Past National Commander Clarence Hill was honorary grand marshal.

"This weather was beautiful," said Fisher, who estimated he's been to as many as 20 national conventions. "It's a perfect day for this parade."

LET THEM REST IN PEACE

2011-08-28T00:06:00.000-05:00

In the event you did not see or hear about it, on August 14th Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation to expand the Illinois "Let Them Rest In Peace Act" law that protects families' right to grieve with reverence and dignity in Illinois at the funerals of those who have given their lives for their country. The new law expands the Act to prohibit protests within 300 feet of a funeral site and to ensure that no protest can take place within 30 minutes before and after a funeral or memorial service. The previous bill had been 200 feet.

“Every family has a fundamental right to conduct a funeral with reverence and dignity,” said Governor Quinn. “This law ensures that the families of those who have given their lives for our country can grieve without harassment. It is our duty to honor their sacrifice by ensuring they are remembered with the respect and solemnity.”

SATURDAY SURFING ~ WW-1 VETERANS BEGAN TRADITION

2011-08-27T16:18:00.022-05:00

From the Woodford County Genealogy Website...

"This group of World War 1 Veterans made the first pilgrimage to the Roanoke Cemetery on May 30th, 1920, to honor the fallen heroes of all wars. They were not at this time completely organized as a Legion Post, but before Memorial Day in 1921, complete organization had been accomplished. It became incorporated in the minutes of an early meeting that this pilgrimage become an annual affair.

A Memorial, designed by Charles Thompson, was built by the library in the late 1940's. The parade for Memorial Day to the cemetery always starts there." And, to this day, the tradition continues each Memorial Day. And, now you know the reason for it.

For much more information on early Roanoke, including a number of photographs like those shown below, click HERE to go to the Woodford County Genealogy Trails site. You can click on any picture to enlarge.

THE WALL THAT THE LEGION HELP BUILD

2011-08-26T19:44:00.029-05:00

Our Post Chaplain, Walter Fehr, at the Vietnam "Wall" Memorial during his Honor Flight in June. (All photos may be clicked upon to enlarge).

Today, some 29 years ago in 1982, The American Legion organization presented a $1-million dollar check to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) to help cover the cost of building "The Wall". That was approximately 25% of the amount to build the Memorial - $4,284,000 - although the VVMF actually raised just under nine million dollars total to build and maintain the Wall. It was all through private contributions from corporations, foundations, unions, civic organizations, veterans and others, including more than 275,000 individual Americans making donations. No Federal funds were needed.

The inspiration for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was by Jan Scruggs, who served in Vietnam in 1969 & 1970 as a infantry corporal. He wanted to acknowledge and recognize the service and sacrifice of all who served in Vietnam. The non-profit VVMF was formed in 1979. Jan lobbied Congress for a two acre plot of land in the Constitution Gardens and with some key Senators' support, President Jimmy Carter signed the legislation in the White House's Rose Garden to provide the ground near the Lincoln Memorial.

Although often misunderstood at the time, with the end of the war so fresh in every one's mind, the Wall is not a War Memorial but a Memorial to those who served in the era, both living and dead. In fact the four criteria for designing it was (a) to be reflective & contemplative in character, (b) harmonize with its surroundings, (c) contain the names of those who died or where still MIA, and (d) make no political statement about the war. The Memorial designs were submitted in a national design competition open to any U.S. citizen over 18 yrs old, and the winner in the judging was an undergraduate at Yale University, Maya Ying Lin, born in Athens, Ohio, from parents who had fled from China in 1949 when Mao-Tse-tung took control of China.

Groundbreaking took place in March of 1982, and black granite from Bangalore, India, one of the few places available to get his amount of black granite in the large sizes, was used. All the cutting and fabrication was done in Barre, Vermont. The Memorial Wall and landscaping was completed in late October and dedicated on November 13, 1982, climaxing a week-long salute to Vietnam veterans. With the last addition of six names added in 2010, the total engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands at 58,272, with approximately 1,200 of those listed as MIA's, POW's, or other status.

However, like the period of time in our history, the Wall was a source of controversies, some of which resulted in additions to the memorial complex, which now consists of three separate parts: The best known part of the memorial is the "Wall", and then the Three Soldiers statue and the Vietnam Women's Memorial. The Three Soldiers is a bronze statue a short distance from the Wall, with the soldiers looking on in solemn tribute at the names of their fallen comrades. They are represented by a white American, a black American and a Hispanic American. The Women's Memorial is located a short distance south of the Wall and dedicated to the women of the USA who served in the Vietnam War, mostly as nurses. The woman looking up is named "Hope", the woman praying is "Faith", and the woman tending to a wounded soldier if named "Charity".

It is estimated that over 80,000,000 have visited the Memorial since its dedication, averaging approximately 3 million a year. Almost every day, you can see Veterans standing in front of the Wall, often touching the name of a comrade who gave the ultimate sacrifice. To look up a comrade, friend or relative, click HERE and then just click on the menu items.

VIDEOS ABOUT VETERANS WE HELPED

2011-08-23T00:02:00.004-05:00

This year, as part of a "more focused" approach to making donations, two of the organizations that our Legion Post have sent contributions to are the Wounded Warriors Project (in May) and the Patriot Guard (in June). Below are a couple videos that relate to these two fine organizations and help illustrate what they do. And, with our funds, indirectly our Post is involved in helping each of these organizations accomplish what they accomplish in the videos.

The movie on the left is our previous Commander-in-Chief going on a 100K (approximately 62 miles) bike ride in southeastern Texas (sponsored by Wounded Warriors) with 14 wounded veterans from the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. It is approximately 8 minutes long and worth the time to watch. The one on the right begins as a sad tale, very emotional, but with the "cavalry" riding in at the end to help make the day less sorrowful. It is about 12 minutes, so allow some quiet time to watch.

Both of these videos were forwarded to your Editor by our member Russ Furr, so that they could be shared here and they are appreciated. So turn up your sound, and click on the arrow of the first video of your choice. And, you can then click on the small box with the four arrows on the bottom right of either video to go to full screen.

OUR NATIONAL SYMBOL STANDS SENTRY DUTY

2011-08-22T07:13:00.010-05:00

Talk about a picture being worth a thousand words as this majestic symbol of patriotism and dignity, our Bald Eagle, stands guard over this National Cemetery. (Thank You goes out to your Editor's neighbor for submitting this photo to him).

But, the story is that it was actually a crow that first caught the photographer's attention. It was flying around erratically so the Minnesota man grabbed his Nikon camera and followed it. It was a hazy day this past June, around 6 AM, and the guy was driving through Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, killing some time because he was early for a training meeting nearby.

So, he followed the crow until he saw it - a huge eagle perched on a tombstone as if on guard. Its eyes were alert, its head craned, as it was outlined in the fog and the dew on the grass. And, that is when Frank Glick snapped this great photo.

If you would like to read the rest of the story at StarTribune, please click HERE.

FIRST HAND ACCOUNT OF A FALLEN SOLDIER

2011-08-21T13:07:00.010-05:00

Many of us have received the Internet chain letter that tells of the pilot announcing that there is a soldier escorting the body of a deceased soldier on board the flight and how there is a silence on the airplane, moist eyes, etc. as everyone allows him to depart first, etc. Well, last month a friend was on a vacation flight when this actually happened to her. Here is her personal account to your Editor, and she has given permission for him to publish it here:

"On the flight to Boston after a 40 minute layover in Atlanta, we were sitting in our seats and two rows up we saw this soldier in dress uniform. I watched him for awhile trying to imagine where he was coming from and where he was going. He sat very erect and pretty much looked straight ahead. He was probably in his 20's and nice looking. Right before we landed in Boston, the pilot came on the intercom and asked that all passengers stay in their seats until this soldier gets off first. You see, he was accompanying a body back from the Philippines. The body belonged to a soldier of WW2 who had been shot down and the body (skeleton) had been found. They did some DNA and found out who it was. When this soldier stood up to deplane, everyone started clapping and he gave a smile.

There was a hearse waiting next to the plane. Once we got inside of the terminal we went to the window to watch the rest. There was an honor guard to take the casket off the plane. There were other airport personnel there and a fire truck and firemen all standing at attention. Pretty soon the honor guard takes out the flag draped casket and very slowly marches it to the hearse. Of course, all of us who were watching had tears in our eyes. It was so moving. The people on the ground had their hands over their hearts and some were saluting. Dan read in the paper the next day that the body was being taken to a little town in Maine for burial. I don't know if the guy from our plane went there or not. I hope the man has some family in Maine so he could finally be put at rest in his hometown. I have never seen anything like this before and I felt privileged to be able to see this. I can't really describe the feelings I got. I won't forget this for a while."

So, your Blogger did a little research and discovered the remains where really being returned from St. Louis, Missouri, but did belong to Lieutenant Robert Emerson who was killed in action 66 years ago in the Philippines. He was one of five airmen who died in a plane crash in April of 1945 while serving in World War II. Emerson had been buried in the Philippines as an "unknown", but the USA eventually recovered the remains and have held them in St. Louis, along with the other four crew members who died. DNA testing finally allowed each set of remains to be identified. And, now with the help of The American Legion Post in Norway, Maine, Lt. Emerson was put to final rest alongside his parents.

For more information, please click HERE and for the burial with full military honors, please click HERE.

SATURDAY SURFING ~ "THE BIG MOUTH"

2011-08-20T11:23:00.005-05:00

Margy Reed, better known by her stage name Martha Raye, was an American comic actress and singer, who performed in movies, and later on television. (If this name does not ring a bell, ask your father or grandfather about her). Margy's parents were vaudeville theatre performers and "Maggie" was on their stage when she was three years old. She later teamed up with her brother for their own vaudeville act. Then in the 1930's she was a vocalist for a couple orchestras, making her first appearance in the movies in 1934 and performed in her first featured film with Bing Crosby in 1936. Over the next 3 years she appeared on Al Jolson's weekly CBS radio show, singing both solos and duets with Jolson, as well as doing comedy. Over the next 26 years, she would appear with many of the leading comics of her day, including Joe E. Brown, Bob Hope, W.C. Fields, Abbott & Costello, Charlie Chaplin, Jimmy Durante, etc. She joined the USO soon after the US entered in World War II.

During WWII, Korea and the Vietnam wars, she travelled extensively to entertain the troops, even though she had a lifelong fear of flying. In October of 1966, she went to Soc Trang, Vietnam, to entertain the troops at the base, which was the home base of the 121st Aviation company, the Soc Trang Tigers and The Vikings. Shortly after arrival, both units were called out on a mission. So, Raye decided to hold her troupe of entertainers there until the mission was completed so that all of the servicemen could enjoy the show. During that time, a couple of the helicopters received combat damage, barely making it back to Soc Trang. A couple of the pilots came back wounded and Raye immediately volunteered to assist the doctor in treating the wounded fliers. (This is how the rumor started on the Internet that Martha Raye was a nurse and helped out treating wounded soldiers - partly true, partly not). But what was true was that Raye waited until all had been treated and everybody was available before putting on the show. Everyone involved appreciated her as an outstanding trouper & caring person.

During Vietnam, she was made an honorary Green Beret because she often visited the U.S. Army Special Forces without fanfare, and she helped out when things got bad in the Special Forces camps. As a result, she came to be known affectionately by the Green Berets as "Colonel Maggie", and later actually received her prized Green Beret and the title of "Lieutenant Colonel" from President Lyndon Johnson himself.

Then, on November 2, 1993, Martha Raye was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton for service to her country. The citation reads: "A talented performer whose career spans the better part of a century, Martha Raye has delighted audiences and uplifted spirits around the globe. She brought her tremendous comedic and musical skills to her work in film, stage, and television, helping to shape American entertainment. The great courage, kindness, and patriotism she showed in her many tours during World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Conflict earned her the nickname "Colonel Maggie". The American people honor Martha Raye, a woman who has tirelessly used her gifts to benefit the lives of her fellow Americans."

Raye had continued her complex career in television and the movies, until her final years were spent dealing with ongoing health problems. She died in October, 1994, at the age of 78. In appreciation of her work with the USO during WWII and subsequent wars, special consideration was given to bury her in Arlington National Cemetery upon her death. However, at her request, Martha was ultimately buried with full military honors at Fort Bragg, North Carolina - the only woman buried in the SF (Special Forces) cemetery at Bragg. Hollywood may have recognized her for her big mouth but the troops loved her for her big heart!

SERIOUS SWELLS AT SEA

2011-08-19T00:03:00.013-05:00

In honor of National Aviation Day today, which is observed in the US on Aug. 19th of each year to celebrate the history and development of aviation. It coincides with the birthday of Orville Wright who, together with his brother Wilbur, made significant contributions to powered flight. To see how far flight has come from that day December day in 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, here are a couple videos of some of our best at work.

There are Military Pilots, and then there are Naval Aviation Military Pilots!!! These two videos showcase the F18 during carrier operations aboard the USS Nimitz during weather that causes a severely pitching deck. It's more dangerous than most combat missions and the stress & tension in the pilots and crew is very apparent. So, turn up your sound and see some of our finest in action, doing incredibly brave landings (and misses).

For Part I: CLICK HERE xxx For Part II: CLICK HERE

THIS AND THAT AND THERE

2011-08-18T22:56:00.005-05:00

Yep, your Blogger got a little behind again - sorry. Anyway, here are a few of the things that have happened in the past week or so...

Wednesday, August 10th, the Legion County Meeting was held at our building, with Post 463 as the host. Sorry to say due to another commitment, your Adjutant was unable to attend. But with the summer vacations, believe it was a somewhat sparse crowd. The next County meeting will be at our Post building again on September 14th, but hosted by Spring Bay #1115.

Sunday, August 14th, was our Legion Breakfast. Last count heard was 353, consisting of 338 adults & 15 children. We seemed to have enough help on the first shift as usual, and even the second shift wasn't bad until that 11:00 to Noon period which always seems to be a little short. (Full review of the Legion Breakfast is on the schedule for the September 1st regular Legion meeting, so hopefully all available members will plan on attending).

Sunday, August 14th, was also "Veterans Day" at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, with Veterans and their immediate family granted free admission. There was free entertainment during the day, with a parade of the veterans taking place around 4 PM. Because of working the breakfast, your Editor was not able to attend but here is a link, along with a view comments from our 4th Division Commander, Ron Umdenstock and Wayne Wagner, Dept of Illinois Senior Vice-Commander. (He is the one with the silver hair & mustache and looks a little like our member Harold Audi). Turn up your sound and be aware there may be a short commercial before the video starts - this is ABC News site (just click):

www.wics.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wics_vid_4420.shtml

On Saturday, August 20th, Diana Umdenstock, the new American Legion Auxiliary President is having her "homecoming" at the Spring Bay Post #1115 (in Spring Bay, IL, obviously) from Noon until 3:00 PM. Her 2011-2012 motto is "Hats Off To Our Veterans" so those attending are asked to wear their favorite patriotic or military hat.

Thursday, August 25th, will be the Post's Executive Committee's meeting,so anyone having suggestions or ideas on the Breakfast in regards to ways to improve it, change it, pricing, etc. can make them to an Officer prior to the meeting. Recommendations will then be made to the membership on Sept. 1st as mentioned above.

Finally, the August copy of the Department of Illinois Newsletter and the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight Newsletter has been added to the Library page - just click on the Forms & Publications icon in the right column, then you can read, print or download both reports.

AUGUST'S REGULAR POST MEETING

2011-08-05T13:45:00.012-05:00

The August meeting last evening was called to order by Cmdr Helsel at 7 PM, with an increased attendance versus the average. After proper opening ceremonies, the Commander suspended the meeting temporarily so that an election of a new Finance Officer could take place to replace the current officer who had requested to step down due to other commitments. Charles "Pete" Remmers was elected and took his position at the officer's table to a round of applause.

The meeting was then resumed with the Adjutant reading the minutes from the last meeting and the new Finance Officer giving his monthly report. This was followed by the Bar report and the last Breakfast report, with all reports approved by the members. Service Officer, Harley Aeschleman, then gave the VAC report, showing 3 veterans were helped last month with $760, plus 5 Veterans were transported to VA facilities in Indiana or Iowa. He reported the Post showed Richard Burton, Gary Corson, Bill Fehr, Gerald Gerardi, Bob Isaia, Frank Schirer, Walter Schwind and Ralph Wagner on Sick Call. Harley also reported that the next County Legion meeting would be on Wednesday, August 10th, at our building with Roanoke as the host Post. He encouraged a good turnout of Post 463 members.

The first membership report of the new 2011-2012 fiscal year was given by Adjutant Dust, showing 164 total members, including 3 new ones since the close of the previous year. They are Gary Flowers, Erik Jochums and Brittany Siefferman. The Post already has 70% of dues paid for the year, including the 59 PUFL (Paid Up For Life) members. The new Department Goal for 100% membership has not been received yet.

SAL advisor, Mike Ratliffe, had nothing to report from the Sons of The American Legion (SAL) nor did Adjutant Dust, since information he requested from the SAL had not yet been received.

Under the Commander's Report & Correspondence, Cmdr Helsel gave our newest member, Brittany, a chance to introduce herself. (The other two new members were not present). He also gave our Chaplain, Walt Fehr, a chance to say a few words about his Honor Flight to Washington, DC. Helsel also mention a flyer received in regards to a Patriot's Day dinner in East Peoria.

Under Old Business, John Dust, the Post's delegate (other delegate Bob Isaia was absent due to being on Sick Call) to the Legion Dept of Illinois Convention, gave a short report of his two day attendance. A motion was made & approved to reimburse both delegate's expenses. There was also discussion of where to donate the money received from Poppy sales to help disabled veterans. After much discussion, it was tabled until next month to investigate a couple organizations.

The topic of what to do in regards to the Post building roof was then open to discussion. After a review of the bids and many questions, answers or suggestions, a motion not to put on a new roof did not garner a majority of votes. A new motion to install a steel roof over the current shingle roof was submitted and approved by a strong majority.

Under New Business, due to the amount of time used on the roof decision, discussion on the state of our Legion Breakfast was tabled until the next meeting. Harley Aeschleman reported that Diane Umdenstock had been elected the President of the Legion Auxiliary for Illinois and would be holding a homecoming on August 20th, from Noon to 3 PM, at the Spring Bay Legion Post and he urged members to attend. (Also, Ron Umdenstock, her husband, was elected to the position of 4th Division Commander for the 2011-2012 year).

Mike Ratliffe suggested the Post build a new storage garage next to our current one and asked the membership and Executive Committee to consider it for discussion at the next meeting.

The luncheon next month will be taken care of by Brian Blunier. Pot of Gold was won by Ron Behnke. After closing ceremonies, the meeting was adjourned at 8:37 PM, followed by refreshments and light luncheon handled by Ron Behnke.

AMERICAN LEGION CAPS & CAP ETIQUETTE

2011-08-04T12:03:00.009-05:00

While attending the Dept of Illinois Convention at Peoria recently, your editor saw Legion caps from all over the state, plus caps from the District, Department (state), and National levels. So, not 100% sure of all the meanings of the caps, or even the proper "etiquette" for wearing one, this posting was born. The following is from the American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana...

• The left side (emblem side) of the cap is reserved only for the Legion emblem, city, county, district or state lettering.

• If desired, the following items may be placed on the right side of the cap:
A) additional lettering, restricted to either the name of a Post, or to an officer title (such as "Past Commander"),
B) cap insignias or badges (for Past or Present officers),
C) consecutive membership insignia, membership stars, and/or authorized Legion or military services decorations.

• Names or nicknames of individual members cannot be used on caps.

• The Legion Uniform Cap should be worn by its members only when in attendance at official Legion meetings or ceremonies, or as official guests at patriotic or other civil functions, or by individuals when officially representing The American Legion on public occasions.

• A member is considered to be in uniform if wearing an official Legion Uniform Cap. Therefore, it is not proper to wear the cap while eating a meal at an official Legion or civic luncheon or dinner.

• The cap should be worn in a place of worship only by the Guard of Honor, Color Guard and Commander of same while in marching order or standing guard. When returned to and seated in pews, the cap should be removed.

• Legion posts marching in formation into a place of worship should uncover, at the door, hold the cap with the right hand over the heart until the arrival in the pews and commanded to take seats, remaining uncovered during the entire service. At the close of the service, upon command, the post shall arise, the members holding the cap with the right hand over the heart will march out of the place of worship, and recover after marching through the door.

• Legion members not in formation will uncover upon entering the place of worship and remain uncovered during the entire service, and will recover after leaving the place of worship.

• When at a funeral, the cap should be held over the heart as one approaches the casket, and is not at any time worn in a place of worship (except by the Guard of Honor, Color Guard or Commander of same while in marching order or standing guard). At the graveside, the cap should be held in the right hand over the heart during the entire service. In cold and inclement weather, the cap should not be worn.

• In Legion meetings, the cap should be worn except during moments of the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, and when standing in silent reverence in memory of departed comrades, when the cap should be held with the right hand over the heart.

• Female members of the Legion should wear their caps in the manner prescribed for female personnel of the armed services.

The local Post is the core unit of The American Legion from which many of the Legion programs and activities start. Legionnaires at the post level are identified as "blue cap" Legionnaires. At the District level, these members are still "blue cap" Legionnaires but have a white crown to distinguish their position. At the State Department level, officers wear a full "white cap", while National officers wear the "red cap" of that top level. If a member has multiple caps, such as both a Post "blue cap" but also a Department "white cap", it is appropriate to wear the cap that you are representing. Example: If attending your local Post meeting, but with Department news to report, the "white cap" would be appropriate. However, if serving on the Honor Guard of your local Post for a function, the "blue cap" would be worn.

HEADQUARTER'S PILLARS NOW ENGRAVED

2011-08-03T00:05:00.010-05:00

While attending last fall's week-long Legion College session at The American Legion National Headquarters in Indianapolis, Florida Legionnaire Bob Brewster walked by the four stone pillars that stand along the front of National Headquarters. It gave him an idea.

"I saw those pillars and thought that we're always talking about what the Four Pillars of The American Legion are and what they stand for," Brewster said. "I thought to myself, ‘Why not put what each of those pillars is on the actual pillars?"

Brewster shared his idea with national staff, and now the idea has become a reality. While the Four Pillars of the core of The American Legion is Affairs & Rehabilitation for Veterans, National Security & Foreign Relations, Americanism & Community, and Children & Youth, the engravings across each of the pillars, due to space, where shortened to read "Veterans," "Defense," "Americanism" and "Youth" Brewster summarized, "It feels really good to know that national is listening to us, listening to our ideas. I'm just really proud of this."

The left photo shows the front of the National Headquarters, with the right photo showing a closer view of the old columns prior to change. The larger photo shows the pillars now engraved.

CITIZENS FLAG ALLIANCE CALL TO ACTION

2011-08-01T12:02:00.012-05:00

For more information from The American Legion, please click the Legion Emblem to the left.

Harvard law professor Richard Parker, board chairman of the Citizens Flag Alliance, has recorded a message on YouTube on the current status of the Flag Amendment - H.J. Res. 13 and S.J. Res. 19 - and expectations he has for the amendment in the 112th Congress. Parker says getting congressional support for the amendment "isn't terribly time-consuming, but it is terribly important," and critical in returning to the American people the right to protect the flag from physical desecration.

If you live in Illinois, you can contact Senator Richard "Dick" Durbin by clicking HERE or Senator Mark Kirk, click HERE. If you are a Roanoke resident (or Woodford County) you can contact your 18th District Representative Aaron Schrock by clicking HERE. If you live out of the area or out of state, you can go to www.house.gov or www.senate.gov to locate your own representative and/or senators.

Turn Up Your Sound, Click On Box With 4-Arrows For Full Screen...

AIR FORCE DAY CELEBRATION

2011-07-31T19:21:00.000-05:00

Air Force Day was established on August 1, 1947, by President Truman "in recognition of the personnel of the victorious Army Air Forces and all those who have developed and maintained our nation's air strength. August 1 was chosen to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment, in 1907, of the Aeronautical Division in the Office of the Chief Signal Officer of the Army.

Air Force Day came into being immediately after the signing of the National Security Act of 1947, although the status of the air element of the military was uncertain. Thus, although it was called Air Force Day, its first celebration was staged by the Army Air Forces and not by the U.S. Air Force.

Underlying the Air Force Day celebration was a need to increase "both official and public awareness of the priority of importance of air forces in any system of national security," according to Mr. Truman. "The great strategic fact of our generation is that the United States now possesses live frontiers -- the frontiers of the air -- and that the oceans are no longer sure ramparts against attack."

In his message to the nation on the first Air Force Day, Mr. Truman said, "I remind all of our citizens that the air power of the nation is essential to the preservation of our liberty, and that the continued development of the science of air transportation is vital to the trade and commerce of a peaceful world."

Today, Armed Forces Day, a celebration by all five branches of the service, have pretty well replaced the once herald Air Force Day.

TUESDAY'S THINGS ~ DEPT OF ILLINOIS

2011-07-26T00:05:00.016-05:00

As a combination of attending the Department of IL Annual Convention at the Civic Center and doing some surfing on the Department's web site, your editor thought he would share a little about the organization of The American Legion in Illinois.

At the top of the pyramid is the Department of Illinois, headquartered in Bloomington, IL. In the state, there were just shy of 100 thousand (99,929 if you need exact) Legionnaires on June 24th, the end of the 2010-2011 fiscal year. This was down 5.3% from the previous year.

The IL Department is then broken up into 5 Divisions, named 1 thru 5. (duh) If you divide 5 into the above mentioned 100 thousand, then the average is 20,000 members in each Division. In reality, the count varies from approxi- mately 16,000 in Division 3 to almost 24,000 in #2. We are in Division 4.

The five Divisions are then broken down into Districts and there are 25 of them in the State. They total 804 local Posts, thus a District on average has about 30+ Posts, consisting on average of about 4 counties, although that varies greatly. In actuality, Districts vary from only 9 Posts in District #1 (although that is in the Chicago area with large Posts) to 54 Posts tied in both District #11 & #19. We are in District 17 with 50 Posts.

The Districts consists of Counties, thus our District has 8 Counties ranging from northern DeKalb to southern McLean. The Counties then have Posts, with Woodford County having 8 of them. And, finally, the Posts are broken down to members - that be you! Our Post currently has 163 of them. And, that is the Legion structure in Illinois and is duplicated in all the other states.

To view a map of the layout of the Divisions & Districts, click on the map icon below. Use your browser arrow to return to the Blog.

OUR CHAPLAIN TAKES TOUR OF HONOR

2011-07-25T22:08:00.013-05:00

Back on June 14th (Flag Day), one of our emeritus WWII members, Walter Fehr, took a Land of Lincoln Honor Flight to Washington, DC. Just recently your editor received a copy of the photographs and clips of the VFW dinner the night before, the actual trip to DC, and the "welcome home" at the end of the day. These were from his daughter Mary, who went on the journey as his Guardian. Over the weekend, he put them into a video and uploaded to YouTube. If you wish, you can watch it here...

Turn Up Your Sound And For Full Screen Click On Box With 4 Arrows Here ^^

And, if you missed the article in the local newspaper that his daughter Mary had written, just click on the photo icon(s) below to read here.

OUR POST IS 9th FOR GTTY

2011-07-24T14:02:00.007-05:00

At The American Legion Department of Illinois 93rd Annual Convention at the Peoria Civic Center on July 15th & 16th, our Post 463 was presented with a Certificate of Recognition for 9th place in donations for year 2010-2011. Presenting the certificates was Ron Umdenstock, Department's Gifts To The Yanks Chairman, and receiving for the Post was Bob Isaia, our Past Commander.

The Grand Total received in the State for the 2010-11 fiscal year was $143,130, with over $109,000 coming from the Legion in the State, $23,000 from the Auxiliary, $8,000 from the SAL, and the remaining balance from other miscellaneous sources. The 4th Division was 2nd in contributions after the 2nd Division, and the 17th District was 2nd in donations after the 11th. The Top Ten Post donations ranged from the top post #1084 (Roselle - a suburb of Chicago - with 266 members) for $10,577 to the 10th post ranking at $2,427.

Thanks goes out to ALL those who donated to our Gifts To The Yanks drive in October of last year, and especially to our Post Chairman Harley Aeschleman and the Post members who solicited the donations. All the work allowed us to come in 9th out of 804 posts in the State.

Click on photo to enlarge - use your browser return arrow to come back.

CONVENTION COMMENTS

2011-07-22T12:20:00.015-05:00

Last weekend, Fri & Sat, July 15-16th, your Adjutant John Dust and Past Cmdr Bob Isaia, as Post delegates, attended the 93rd Annual Department of Illinois American Legion Convention, held at the Peoria Civic Center.

On Friday, after opening ceremonies ranging from Advancing the Colors to singing the Star Spangled Banner to reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, the Convention was called to order. Although your Editor was not present during this part, there was also an "Address of Welcome" consisting of a number of dignitaries ranging from elected officials of the State of Illinois to various Veterans organizations. Bob & John then sat through a number of convention reports and presentations of awards in areas from Membership Reports to Safety, Law & Order to Veterans Affairs to the day's ending business of a report by Ron Umdenstock on the Gifts To The Yanks. (see more on that on this Sunday, July 24th, posting here). Besides a nice lunch break at a local restaurant, time was also spent visiting the various booth displays, picking up literature, talking to representatives at various booths and spending a few bucks in the American Legion Flag & Emblem sales store.

On Saturday, your Adjutant sat through the rest of the convention business of reports and awards, then came the nomination and election of officers for the new 2011-2012 year. These included Ron Umdenstock (Spring Bay Post) as 4th Division Commander and David Hicks as the new State Commander, as well as Wayne Wagner as his Senior Vice Cmdr. Also, earlier on Friday, Diane Umdenstock was elected President of the American Legion Auxiliary for Illinois.

Then after many speeches and "shout outs" to friends and supporters by the new officials (apparently the higher the office the larger entourage you are allowed to bring onto the stage), there was a Benediction, Retirement of the Colors, and the 93rd Annual Convention was adjourned. It was an experience that all members of the Post should volunteer to attend as a delegate... at least once.

Following are a few photos from the convention - just click on them to view in full size, then use your browser to return to the posting.

THE AMERICAN LEGION EMBLEM

2011-07-13T23:18:00.014-05:00

As your Editor heads to the Department of Illinois Con- vention in Peoria on Friday and Saturday as one of the Post's delegates, he assumes all members understands what The American Legion represents, but do you know what The American Legion Emblem parts mean? From the National's pamphlet, it states:

"There shines the Emblem of The American Legion. It is your badge of distinction, honor and service. It stands for God and Country, and the highest rights of man. Of its several parts, each has a meaning. Working from the outer parts to the inner parts...

The Rays of the Sun form the background of our proud Emblem, and suggest that the Legion's principles will dispel the darkness of violence and evil.

The Two Large Rings depict the rehabilitation of our sick and disabled buddies by the outer and denotes the welfare of America's children with the inner one.

The words American Legion between the large rings tie the whole emblem together by representing truth, remembrance, constancy, honor, service, veterans affairs & rehabilitation, children & youth, loyalty and Americanism.

The Wreath forms the center, in loving memory of those brave comrades who gave their lives in the service of the United States, that liberty might endure.

The Two Small Rings set upon the star depict a pledge of loyalty and Americanism by the outer one and a pledge of service to our communities, our states and the Nation by the inner one.

The Star is a victory symbol of World War I, symbolizing honor, glory and constancy. The letters "U.S." leaves no doubt as to the brightest star in the Legion's star."

VIDEOS FROM 4th OF JULY INDEPENDENCE

2011-07-12T17:51:00.024-05:00

Your editor had planned to post these over the 4th of July weekend but found himself in a motel in another state whose WiFi was not working. So, here they are a little late, but with a message that is timeless. Sorry for the delay.

This first video is a lone Marine, retired Staff Sergeant Tim Chambers, in Washington, DC, over this past Memorial Day, saluting for over 3 hours, while the Rolling Thunder parades passes by him. He has been doing this since 2002. The video actually will give some of his background. As for Rolling Thunder, they are a non-profit organization whose main mission is to publicize POW-MIA issues and to educate the public that many American prisoners of war were left behind after all previous wars and to help correct the past and to protect the future veterans from being left behind should they become prisoners of war or missing in action.

Turn Up Your Sound - - Click Box With 4-Arrows On Far Right For Full Screen.

These next two videos were done by a young lady named Elizabeth "Lizzie" Palmer, aka "FlutieCutie" (she plays the flute & guitar), who currently lives in Columbus, Ohio. She loves music, her friends, Ohio State Buckeyes and hanging out just like many young people so what makes her special? Well, the first video, "Remember Me" was done when she was ONLY 15-years old (she is now 19) and the second one, "Till The Last Shot's Fired" was for this past Memorial Day. She wrote all the words in both. She supports the U.S. Armed Forces, especially the Army. Such talent and understanding for a young lady that "Remember Me" has been viewed over 30 million times!

Turn Up Your Sound - Click Box With 4-Arrows On Each Video For Full Screen.

GETTING CAUGHT UP ON PHOTOGRAPHS

2011-07-11T15:35:00.004-05:00

As stated earlier here, your editor got behind a little in updates over the 4th of July period because of some personal projects and traveling. Therefore, here are a few photos he wanted to post here.

The first three were received from a member that has regular contact with Kevin Braker of Roanoke. A friend of Kevin's is a chopper pilot in Afghanistan so Kevin sent him a care package and included some stickers from where he works. So his pilot friend stuck a sticker on a Hellfire missile on his helicopter. By now Kevin figures it has been delivered into a group of Taliban.

The second set of three photos are the completed pad and sidewalk along the building (that now connects to the front one) that a group of the guys completed right before the 4th of July weekend. To view any of the photos in FULL size, just click on it. (Use your browser arrow to return to the Blog).

JULY'S REGULAR POST MEETING

2011-07-10T06:30:00.009-05:00

The Monthly Meeting was called to order by Cmdr Helsel on Thursday evening, July 7th, at 7:00 PM, with Ron Matheny, 17th District Commander present as a guest. After proper opening rituals, the Adjutant read June's Minutes, then Bob Isaia gave the Finance Report in Jerry's absence, recording a $730 increase over the previous month. This was then followed by the Bar Manager's report and the Breakfast Manager's report.

The Service Officer reported that the VAC had helped 4 Veterans and/or their families for $934 in June. There were 19 in-office visits and 1 out-of-office visit by Veterans. He also reported that our Post's Sick Call consisted of Richard Burton, Bill Fehr, Gerald Gerardi, Robert Hix, Frank Schirer, Walter Schwind and Ralph Wagner. It was announced there would be no County Legion meeting in July.

The Adjutant gave the Membership Report, with the 2011 fiscal year ending with 161 paid Members. We missed making the Department of Illinois' goal by ONE member. The SAL advisor had nothing to report on Sons of The American Legion activities but did relay parts of the conversation that he and the Adjutant had with the outgoing SAL Commander.

Under the Commander's Report & Correspondence, Cmdr Helsel read thank you letters from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization and the Wounded Warrior Project for the Post's donation to each. He also read the Certificate of Appreciation that was received from the Gifts for the Yanks committee for the Year 2010-2011 contribution. Post 463 came in 9th in the State. Al also thanked all those members who worked at getting the new slab outside our side door and the sidewalk along the building set up and poured.

Under Old Business, a cost grid of the various options presented to repair our building's roof was given by the Adjutant, and after some discussion, a motion was made to send out a letter to all the Membership in regards to this potentially costly project, with a decision to be made at the August meeting. At this time, the meeting was temporary suspended so that the elected Officers for the new 2011-2012 fiscal year could be installed by 17th District Cmdr Matheny. After proper ceremony, the meeting was called back to order with the new officers. (Click on POST COMMAND under the Blog header for current listing).

Under New Business, some further options in regards to our SAL was discussed with Mr. Matheny for guidance. Sgt-At-Arms Ron Behnke thanked all who helped in the Relay of Life ceremony. Mike Ratliffe came up with some ideas in regards to our Legion Breakfast, both for the membership to think about before the next meeting and for the Executive Committee to review and come up with recommendations. Cmdr Helsel reported about the Heart of Illinois Blue Star Mothers holding a fundraiser at our Post this coming July 30th (2:00-8:00 PM) and 17th District Cmdr Matheny made a generous donation for them.

The Luncheon next month will be handled by Ron Behnke, who also won the Pot of Gold. After closing prayer and procedures, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25, followed by refreshments and a luncheon of hot beef sandwiches and cole slaw handled by Dick Livingston.

SATURDAY SURFING - THE OLD-SCHOOL WAY

2011-07-09T03:14:00.026-05:00

Instead of finding something on the Internet this weekend, your editor went surfing the old-fashion way... reading the local newspapers! He came up with three articles of interest. (You can click on photographs to view full size).

B-17: Hopefully some of you ex-US Air Force fly boy members got a chance to see the restored B-17 that flew into the Peoria airport over 4th of July and was on display on Tuesday & Wednesday, especially since it was free to Veterans. Of course, if you wanted to experience the role of bombardier, navigator or waist gunner on an actual flight of the "Aluminum Overcast", the cost was $439. Sorry to say, your editor was committed to other tasks both days and was unable to view "the Flying Fortress", a nickname made up during WWII by a Seattle reporter, commenting on the plane's defensive firepower. The plane was among the more modern aircraft made during the war, with a total of 12,731 produced during 1935 to 1945. Approximately 4,735 - over a third of them - were lost during WWII combat missions. Today, less than 100 of them still exist, with only about a dozen able to fly. The one shown in Peoria is owned by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and for more information on it, please go to their web site at www.B17.org, where you will find articles, photos, videos, etc. For quick facts, the B-17 was made by Boeing Company in Seattle, had a wing span of over 103 feet and height over 19 feet, required 10 crewmen, and had a maxium speed of 300 mph with a fuel capacity of 1,700 gallons. It was used mainly in the European theater to strike targets deep within enemy territory, with missions often lasting for more than 8 hours.

Side Note: There are one less of these flying now since the B17 "Liberty Belle" had one of the engines catch on fire near Chicago on June 13th. Luckily, the pilot was able to crash land it in a field and all the crew escaped without injury, however the plane looks to be a total loss.

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Honor Flight: Our own WWII member, Walter Fehr, took a flight to Washington, DC, on June 14th, as a guest of the Land of Lincon Honor Flight. (This was Flag Day so there were more flags than usual around the area). His daughter, Mary Streitmatter, accompanied him as a Honor Flight "Guardian" and according to the article in the Woodford County Journal (July 7th issue) they had a great day there with nice weather in the 70's and partly cloudy skies. Walt got to visit the World War II Memorial first, where a group photo was taken of all the Veterans on the trip. He was met there by some friends & family and also was able to honor some of his fellow Army buddies at the Illinois & Wisconsin pillars of the Memorial. They then saw the Korean, Lincoln & Vietnam Memorials, before proceeding to the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. Then, after a stop at the Iwo Jima Memorial, they arrived at Arlington National Cemetery, where they also met up with some more friends & family, prior to viewing the 5:30 PM Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. As they headed back to the DC airport, they drove by the Pentagon building and stopped at the Air Force Memorial, with it great views.

Mr. Fehr received what all soldiers look forward to when on active duty (Mail Call) on the flight back home - a bag filled with cards & letters from friends and family. Then, upon arrival back at Springfield, there were an estimated 500-600 people, including Walt's wife, sons, Mary's husband and a cousin, waiting to greet the WWII Veterans with balloons, banners, flags, signs and cheers. Walt, at 92 years of age, got back into Roanoke after midnight, having had a 22-hour long day. But what a great "flight of honor" for one of our own "Greatest Generation".

Note: A video of Walt's day will be posted to YouTube in the near future - your editor is awaiting a copy of photographs from Walt's daughter. The link will be posted here on the Blog when it is available.

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LST325: In today's edition of the Journal Star, there is an article that a restored landing craft of WWII, the LST325 (Landing Ship Tank) which was at Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944, is scheduled to be returning to Henry, IL, on Labor Day weekend (Sept. 2nd - 6th). The trip to Henry was attempted in September of 2007 but had to be scuttled because of high water not allowing the vessel to clear under a railroad bridge near Chillicothe.

The 328 feet long LSTs were widely used in World War II, as well as the Korean and even the Vietnam War, to transport personnel and equipment. LST325 is the only operational ship of its kind in the USA, having been returned in 2000 from the Greek Navy so that it could be restored. More information on schedule and fees will be posted here later in case any of you ex-US Navy guys or others want to tour it. For now, you can go to www.lstmemorial.org for more info.

HAPPY 4th OF JULY FREEDOM

2011-07-04T13:48:00.003-05:00

CONSTRUCTION TAKING PLACE AT THE POST

2011-06-27T21:50:00.005-05:00

A new project has begun at the Legion building - to install a sidewalk from the large side door along the building to the front walkway. We are also replacing the small patch of blacktop in front of the door with concrete, in order to make it easier for people to get into the building, especially wheelchairs, when that door is used.

The project was started on Friday, June 17th, with the removal of rock along the southeast wall, then the installation of forming. Thanks goes out to Joe Amigoni, John Dust, and Bob Wolfe. Then, on Tuesday, June 21st, the asphalt was taken out and a new sump was put in place, in order to be able to install a sump pump if needed during a hard rain or flood. Thanks goes out to Amigoni, Dust & Woolfe again, as well as Joe Mecagni, Pete Remmers and Mike Ratliffe.

The plan is now to pour concrete on tomorrow (Tuesday), weather permitting, so watch for a new posting and pictures here soon.

Please click on photo of choice to see in full size. Use browser return arrow to go back to the Blog.

A POT OF POTPOURRI

2011-06-26T21:58:00.002-05:00

First, your editor apologizes for the delay in postings here - he had been tied up on some personal projects. So, this will be a "catch up" posting of various items over the past few weeks.

In June, the Legion Breakfast was a challenging one, with 4 key personnel all gone on vacation at the same time, so we were short of help in all areas. We were able to pull it off but it wasn't one of our better ones, especially the last hour.

Due to vacation season, we were down about 10% in attendance by customers. Last count seen was 286-288 adults and 8 children, so did not break the 300 total mark. Regardless, extra thanks goes out to all who helped that day, including a few new non-Legion draftees.

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The Playlist at the bottom of this Blog now has 50 songs available. Take a listen some time. You can also start the player, then minimize the Blog so that you can do other things on your computer but still be able to listen to the patriotic tunes. Take a listen some time.

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Your Adjutant finally completed the receptacle in order to have a 24/7 place that the Community can drop off torn or worn US Flags so that the Legion can retire them with honor. People have always dropped off flags that had become tattered at the Legion, but they always had to catch someone there at the time. Now, with our outdoor box, they can drop them off any time. Basically, your Adjutant mounted a mail box on top of a 4' x 4' treated post, then anchored it in a 5-gal plastic bucket, filled with concrete mix. He then added some labeling to the box, painted the treated post a blue color, and it was good to go... and portable. It now resides at the northwest corner of the Post building.

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Last Tuesday evening, June 21st, we had a "false alarm" that was almost a real one as the Roanoke creek came out of its banks and flooded the area near the Post. A crew (sorry to say your Editor does not know who all helped) placed the gates into the Protection Wall and hooked up the sump pumps, but the rising water luckily did not reach our building as the rains came to a halt. It did get within inches of Fehr's welding shop but our building sits about a foot higher in elevation. Within a few hours, the creek had receded, the alarm was over, and the "Wall" still goes untested.

FLAG DAY & MORE

2011-06-16T21:05:00.013-05:00

A couple days ago - Tuesday, June 14th - was Flag Day and hopefully all were flying the Red, White & Blue that day. Your editor missed writing a posting here about it but had done so last year. If you wish to read (and learn) more, please CLICK HERE

There were many ceremonies nationally, as well as a few in the area, but it is the hope of your Adjutant that next year Post 463 could also hold one. For now, here is an article just received in the Nat'l Hdqtr's eNewsletter that summarizes a ceremony in Maryland:

The American Legion joined state and federal officials June 14th in honoring seven women veterans who served during World War II.

The Flag Day event, which took place at Bedford Court Retirement Community in Silver Spring, MD., featured speakers representing the Legion's Washington office and the offices of Maryland's Governor Martin O'Malley, Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Jr., D-Md., and Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md.

Rebecca Jonilionis, manager of The American Legion's Appeals and Special Claims Unit, told the veterans she was "humbled and honored to stand before you today. All seven of you women have paved the way for all the rest of us who came after you, and I just want to thank you so much for that."

Jonilionis gave each of the women an American Legion "thank you" coin, as well as a specially minted Legion coin that recognizes the service of women in the military.

Six of those honored served in the U.S. Army. Ann Gudmondson was a radar operator and five others were in the Army Nurse Corps: Mary Hacken, Frances Synda, Alice Hosinski, Dorothy McKenna and Silvia Maloy. The seventh member of the group, Aurora Hook, served in the U.S. Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service).

Nancy Whipple, Bedford Court's director of recreation, also addressed the veterans and the audience attending the outdoor event. She noted that "it is not unusual to see women command a ship or fight in combat, or stand side by side with men to protect our nation. I salute all of you for your service during World War II, and I hope you enjoy your day."

Karen McManus, a member of Rep. Van Hollen's staff, said, "I can't think of a better way to celebrate Flag Day and everything it stands for (than) honoring our veterans.

"I have a 90-year-old father who's a World War II Marine veteran, so I have a special place in my heart for World War II veterans."

Citations from Van Hollen and Mikulski - as well as a proclamation from O'Malley - were read at the ceremony, recognizing the women veterans' service and sacrifices for America. Later, an honor guard of U.S. Air Force service members from Ft. Meade, Md., presented U.S. Flags to the honorees.

"We need more ceremonies like this, all across the country" said Verna Jones, director of The American Legion's Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Division. "These seven women are part of our ‘greatest generation' that helped to defeat our enemies in the most destructive war ever fought. We should never stop thanking them for their dedication and their courage."

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO xxxxxxxxxxxPS: Happy 236th Birthday, Dogfaces.

SATURDAY SURFING ~ ENOLA GAY (FROM THE COCKPIT)

2011-06-11T00:02:00.034-05:00

The Enola Gay, named after the pilot's mother just the day before the mission, is a Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber that dropped the first atomic bomb, coded-named "Little Boy" on Japan on n August 6, 1945. Three days later it was followed by another B-29 named Bockscar, which dropped "Fat Man" on Nagasaki, finally convincing the Japanese to surrender.

This aircraft, which came off the assembly line on May 18th (and was personally selected by Col. Paul W. Tibbets, Jr nine days before completion, was built just outside of Omaha, Nebraska, at what is now known as Offutt Air Force Base. It was first flown to an Army Air Field in Utah, then a couple weeks later it was transported to Guam, where it received a bomb bay modification. It was then taken to Tinian on July 6th. It was originally given the victor number "12" (the radio code for identifying the plane when in formation) but later it was given the circle R tail markings of the 6th Bombing Group as a security measure and the victor was changed to "82" to avoid misidentification with actual 6th BG aircraft. The bomber flew eight training missions that month and two combat missions to drop bombs on industrial targets. On July 31st, the 12 crew men flew a rehearsal for the actual mission. It then flew its tactically flawless mission on August 6th, along with two other B-29's - Necessary Evil which was used to carry scientific observers and act as a camera plane and The Great Artiste, which was decked out with instruments for blast measurement. And, then "Little Boy" was released and the world changed forever.

After returning safely to its base on Tinian to great fanfare, the bomber never saw real action again, although it was considered for the test drop at the Bikini Atoll but was not chosen. It then returned to the States. In July 1946 the decision was made to preserve the Enola Gay, and the following month the title to the aircraft was transferred to the Smithsonian Institution, where it was put into storage at various locations until restoration of the bomber began on 12/05/84.

Restoration work would eventually require 300,000 staff hours, with two engines, propellers, the vertical stabilizer (with its famous "R" circle) and the forward fuselage going on display first in 1995, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the end of WWII. While they were on display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, work continued on the remaining unrestored components. After a three year preview, the display was closed until December, 2003, when the entire restored B-29 went on permanent display at the NASM.

Editor's Note: Your editor was privileged to see the Enola Gay, along with 87 WWII Veterans, during his stint as a Guardian on April's Honor Flight. He also was able to see the B-29 Boxscar during a visit to the National Museum of the US Air Force during a trip to Dayton, Ohio, last May. He highly recommends both museums if in the areas - and admission is FREE.

Added Bonus: While the fuselage of the Enola Gay was on exhibit, the following high-definition, 360-degree view from the pilot's seat in the cockpit was recorded. But best of all it is interactive - notice the arrows and zoom along the bottom of the photo. Experiment with the buttons while you place yourself in Col. Tibbets' seat. (Thanks goes out to member Russ Furr for this special link)

Click here: ENOLA GAY COCKPIT

Top Left: Enola Gay landing on island of Tinian after successfully dropping the atomic bomb. Top Right: Restored bomber at the Smithsonian Museum two months ago. Bottom Left: Boxscar B-29 Superfortress at USAF Museum. Bottom Right: Replica of "Fat Boy" bomb next to Boxscar bomber. Editor's Note: You can click on any photo in any posting to view full-size picture. Use Return Arrow to come back to posting.

THANK A SOLDIER

2011-06-10T00:02:00.013-05:00

With the recent Memorial Day and the 67th Anniversary of D-Day now behind us, many won't even think about soldiers for awhile, probably until the 4th of July, when again there will be patriotic music, fireworks, parades, speeches, etc. But soldiers don't get to soldier just on holidays or remembrance ceremonies. They are out there EVERY DAY doing their job, putting themselves in harm's way, and serving our country and the people of it. Therefore a challenge goes out to ALL of OUR MEMBERS:x Between now and the 4th of July, remember to personally thank at least one soldier... and, ask your friends & family to do the same. Just think if our 161 Legionnaire members (obviously all of us are former soldiers) gives thanks to at least one currently serving soldier. And, then add in a multiple number of our family, our friends, co-workers, etc. What a wonderful token of appreciation that would be.

And, then if you wish to take it even a step further, it is suggested you take a look at the following web site to view the video and get more information. Click: www.JoiningForces.gov

Also, with now 48 patriotic tunes in the Playlist at the bottom of this Blog - many of which you probably have never heard before - readers may especially want to listen to #16, #37 and #45. These are three very poignant songs, with words that are stronger than the music. So, to listen just make sure your speakers are turned up, you have a few quiet moments to spare, then use the scroll bar on the right side of the Playlist, and click on the song title. You'll be glad you did. Let's thank a soldier!

DIGNITARIES INVADE NORMANDY

2011-06-09T17:32:00.010-05:00

Nat'l Cmdr Jimmie Foster joins Auxiliary President Carlene Ashworth at Pointe du Hoc in France on June 6th for a rededication ceremony of a forgotten WWII monument.

The following is from The American Legion e-newsletter that your Adjutant received today:

The gray obelisk monument at Pointe du Hoc, a location often described as the most dangerous in the European campaign of World War II, was recently destined to collapse into the English Channel.

It took what American Battle Monuments Commission Secretary Max Cleland called the best of both worlds - “American money and French ingenuity” - to strengthen the earth around the cliff-side memorial, which pays tribute to the U.S. Army Rangers who sustained 70 percent casualties to take out German positions on the coast between Omaha and Utah Beaches on June 6, 1944. The site was rededicated Monday, on the 67th anniversary of D-Day.

American Legion National Commander Jimmie L. Foster and American Legion Auxiliary President Carlene Ashworth joined dignitaries from around the world to unveil the rebuilt memorial site on the northwest coast of France.

Former U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards of Texas was credited for having raised awareness in Congress and pressing for funds to restore the monument. He and his family were at Pointe du Hoc for the ceremony.

Commander Foster and President Ashworth later joined leaders from several nations, including U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., for French national commemorative activities at Utah Beach. “The long shadows of hope and heroism live here,” Kerry told the crowd at Utah Beach. “The meaning of what took place here will never be diminished.”

Foster and Ashworth also laid wreaths at the Normandy American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. “We must never forget the sacrifices of those who fought to the death - and those who lived with the memories of war for the rest of their lives to deliver freedom from history’s darkest hours,” Commander Foster said. “It is our duty as a nation to continue to uphold the values they gave so much for.”

Dignitaries from the USA and Europe, including Cmdr Foster and President Ashworth, prepare to lay wreaths at a monument honoring airborne troops at Ste. Mere-Eglise.

THE HIGGINS BOAT OF D-DAY

2011-06-07T00:40:00.003-05:00

"Andrew Higgins is the man who won the war for us" said President Dwight D. Eisenhower in a 1964 interview. The President went on to explain: "If Higgins had not designed and built those LCVPs (Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel), we never could have landed over an open beach. The whole strategy of the war would have been different." And, as Col. Joseph H. Alexander, USMC (Ret) stated, "The Higgins boats broke the gridlock on the ship-to-shore movement. It is impossible to overstate the tactical advantages this craft gave U.S. amphibious commanders in World War II."

Clearly, these half-wood, half-steel "small boats" meant a lot to the war. These assault, equipment & personnel carriers would land troops and materials onto the invasion beachheads, including on D-Day at the beaches of Normandy. Their designer, Andrew Higgins of Louisiana - a fire-tempered Irishman who drank whiskey like a fish - based the boats made for operating in swamps and marshes. He had actually built the shallow-draft boats in the late 1920's to rescue Mississippi River flood victims. He had tried for years to get the U.S. military interested in his boats but was repeatedly rejected until at last the Marine Corps selected the flat-bottomed landing craft for troop landings on Pacific beaches.

Over 20,000 of these versatile crafts were built by Higgins Industries and licensees for the war effort from 1941 to 1945. With a crew of 3, the boats could ferry a platoon-sized complement of 36 men to shore at 9-12 knots. Men generally entered the boat by climbing down a cargo net hung from the side of their troop transport ship, then exited by charging down the boat's bow ramp. And, on June 6th, 1944, the rest is history...

OPERATION: OVERLORD

2011-06-06T22:10:00.016-05:00

Your editor apologizes for the delay in getting this posted late on June 6th versus the plan of the day before. He will leave the videos in the right column up until the weekend. So much has been written about D-Day of 1944 that it would be difficult to try to add something new here, however, your editor is posting a short summary and hopefully some interesting facts about that eternal date.

On June 6, 1944, from 150-to-160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. Code named "Overlord" and designed to hit five beaches, code named "Gold, Juno, Omaha, Sword and Utah", General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which "we will accept nothing less than full victory". More than 5,000 ships not only transport the men but also nearly 30,000 pieces of equipment, and 800 aircraft, many loaded with the 13,000 jumpers from the six parachute regiments, supported the D-Day invasion. More than 300 planes dropped 13,000 bombs over the coastal area immediately prior to the invasion.

War planners had projected that 5,000 tons of gasoline would be needed daily for the first 3 weeks after the initial assault. It was estimated 3,489 tons of soap would be required for the first 4 months in France.

By nightfall on June 6th, the Allies had gained a foot-hold in Normandy but the day's cost was high - more than 9,000-9,500 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded, but more than 100,000 had made it ashore and were securing French coastal villages. Within weeks, supplies were being unloaded at Utah & Omaha beachheads at the rate of over 20,000 tons per day. Captured Germans were sent to American prisoner of war camps at the rate of 30,000 POWs per month, from D-Day until Christmas 1944. There were thirty-three detention facilities in Texas alone.

The invasion was on a Tuesday but what did the "D" in D-Day stand for? Does it stand for "decision" for the landing on Normandy sure was decisive. Or, is it for "disembarkation" or "departed" since the 150-160 thousand troops were the first invading army to cross the English Channel since 1688. Although there is not total agreement on the question, the most ordinary and likely explanation is the one offered by the U.S. Army in their published manuals. The Army began using the codes "H-hour" and "D-day" during World War I to indicate the time and date of an operation's start. Since at the beginning of planning the actual time, or even the actual date, of the upcoming event was often not known, they would just write in it was to occur at "H-hour" or on "D-day" until the details were filled in later. This was also done to keep the plans secret until the last moment, so the "D" may simply refer to the "day" of the invasion.

Also, back in the pre-television era of WWII, Americans got their breaking news from their radios. London-based American George Hicks made history with his radio broadcast from the deck of the U.S.S. Ancon at the start of the D-Day invasion. "...You see the ships lying in all directions, just like black shadows on the grey sky," he described to his listeners. "Now planes are going overhead... Heavy fire now just behind us... bombs bursting on the shore and among the convoys." His report, including the sounds of heavy bombardment, sirens, low-flying planes, and shouting, brought Americans to the front line, with all it chaos, confusion, excitement and death. This type of reporting continues until this day.

SATURDAY SURFING ~ 2nd MEDAL OF HONOR

2011-06-04T00:15:00.004-05:00

An Army Ranger who lost his right hand and suffered shrapnel wounds after throwing an enemy's grenade away from his fellow soldiers, after he had already been wounded, will be the second living Medal of Honor recipient from the conflicts in Iraq & Afghanistan. Sgt 1st Class Leroy A. Petry of Santa Fe, NM, will be given the nation's highest award for battlefield gallantry for his actions in May of 2008 during combat operations against an armed enemy in Afghanistan's Paktia province. President Obama will make the presentation on July 12th.

"It's very humbling to know that the guys thought that much of me and my actions that day to nominate me for that," said Petry upon learning he had been nominated for the medal."

Here is a portion of the report of Sgt. Petry's actions, as the Army summarized it:
As Petry and another soldier entered a courtyard, they were fired upon, with Petry be wounded by one round which went through both of his legs. While wounded and under enemy fire, as senior soldier, Petry led the other soldier to cover as they continued to take fire from the enemy. With 3 more soldiers taking cover with them, a grenade landed just a few feet from them. Petry, despite his own wounds consciously and deliberately risked his life to move to and secure the live enemy grenade and throw it away from his fellow Rangers. As he released the grenade in the direction of the enemy, it detonated and amputated his right hand. After assessing his wound and placing a tourniquet on it, he reported that he was still in contact with the enemy, and did so until the platoon sergeant and platoon medic could reach him and move him to the casualty collection point.

JUNE'S REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING

2011-06-03T22:04:00.005-05:00

Last evening's meeting was called to order by Cmdr Helsel at 7:00 PM, with 14 members present and no guests. After proper opening ceremonies, the Adjutant read the previous month's Minutes, then the Finance Officer gave his report, showing a net gain of $1,978 over the previous month. This was followed by the Bar Mgr's report, also including the $1,500 he had turned over to the Finance Officer (the main reason for the increase for the month). There was no Breakfast Report due to the Post not having a breakfast in May- it was Mother's Day - however, breakfast manager Bob Isaia announced that we really need all who could help with the upcoming June 12th breakfast. This is due to 3-4 regulars who will be on vacation at that time.

The Service Officer then reported that the VAC had helped 3 Veterans or their family with 7 vouchers worth $714. There were 10 in-office visits by vets and one in-home visit by the VAC supervisor. The SO also reported that Sick Call consisted of Richard Burton, Bill Fehr, Gerald Gerardi, Frank Schirer and Ralph Wagner, with Gary Corson & Kenneth Koch added to the Roll for the month. The Membership Report was given by the Adjutant, being the same as last month with all 161 members paid for the year but 2 short of meeting the 100% goal set by the Legion's Department of Illinois. A number of potential new members were discussed and all were reminded that a couple of them would have to be signed up by June 20th to meet goal. The SAL Advisor had nothing positive to report this month.

Under Commander's Report & Correspondence, Cmdr Helsel reported the grill owned by the Festival Committee would be removed out of our storage to make room for the one owned by the SAL. He also thanked all who helped the days before, during and after Memorial Day to take care of all the chores & details for the holiday remembrance. It was also reported that we have 33-36 extra poles (and stand holes) for the "Avenues of Flags" so hopefully this will be enough for a number of years to come.

Under Old Business, the nominating committee, headed by Joe Amigoni, presented the same slate of officers as last year except for the Finance Officer position. After serving his term, he is stepping down due to a number of other commitments. This slate was confirmed by vote but hopefully a new finance officer can be selected prior to next month's installation. Jerry Hasler then presented the 4 bids he had received in regards to the Post building's roof (the 5th did not bid due a busy work load). After discussion on the various options - repair, re-roof over current shingles, re-roof after tear-off of shingles, shingles -vs- steel roof, etc. it was decided to table until next month. The Executive Committee will review all bids, and make an "apples-to-apples" comparison and a recommendation to the membership next month.

Under New Business, a discussion was made about paying the Membership Dues of any service member while on active duty that has a 61561 (Roanoke) zip code address. A motion was made and passed to do so with the start of the 2011-2012 year. Harley Aeschleman also reported that the County Meeting will be next Wednesday at our building, with the Minonk Post hosting. Dick Livingston, Poppy drive chairman, reported that $405.44 in donations were collected during Friday & Saturday's collections during the Festival weekend.

Luncheon next month will be handled by Dick Livingston and Joe Amigoni won the Pot of Gold. After closing prayer & ceremonies, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM, followed by refreshments and luncheon of "Sloppy Joes" handled by Ken Nelson. MMMmmm.

MEMORIAL DAY IN A WEEK

2011-06-01T22:02:00.000-05:00

What a busy past week at the Post. On Wednesday, May 25th, small US Flags were placed on most of the graves of deceased Veterans of the five local cemeteries that our Post honors. Due to rains on Thursday, the balance were completed on Friday morning. A total of 343 flags were placed on the grave sites, consisting of 226 at Roanoke Township, 88 at Apostolic Christian, 15 at the Mennonite, 12 at Church of the Brethren and 2 at Trinity Lutheran.

The Executive Committee met on Thursday (May 26th) evening, then on Friday members were out at the Festival soliciting donations for Poppies. On Saturday morning (28th) at 8:30 AM, Legionnaires and volunteers met at the Roanoke Township Cemetery to put up the "Avenues of Flags" consisting of 174 large US Flags, each labeled along the spine to honor an individual deceased Veteran. The poles & flags are placed in spaced concrete "stands" located along the roads within the cemetery. Then, at noon, a Roanoke Post 463 Color Guard led the Festival Parade through the streets of Roanoke, beginning just as drops of rain started and concluding in a light sprinkle. Later in the day, Legionnaires were back soliciting for Poppies.

Then Monday morning was the Memorial Day ceremony at the Roanoke Township Cemetery at 11 AM, with Dr. Robb Frank as guest speaker and Mr. Darrel Sutter reading the Honor Roll of Deceased Veterans. This was preceded by the Color Guard marching to the cemetery and followed by a 21-gun salute from the Rifle Squad. After the ceremony, all were invited back to the Legion Post for refreshments & donuts. Then Monday evening at 5 PM, the 174 "Avenues of Flags" and the small grave flags were taken down for storage for another year.

On Tuesday morning, a carton & half of the large flags were properly folded for storage, with the balance being completed on Wednesday morning, June 1st. A full week had come full circle.

A huge "thanks" goes out to ALL the members & volunteers who helped with our Memorial Day "week". They are too numerous to remember all so names won't be listed here but you know who you are and a "well done" is well deserved.

MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE

2011-05-29T14:36:00.010-05:00

The following is from our Nat'l Headquarters for Memorial Day. Most of it is reproduced here - the history about how Memorial Day came about has been deleted since it has been presented here before. If you wish to read the previous posting, you can click HERE.

American Legion National Commander Jimmie L. Foster likes to say that Legionnaires are “SAVED – that’s Serving America’s Veterans Every Day.” We do this not just because it is right for veterans – but it is what their fallen brothers- and sisters-in-arms would want.

During a speech delivered in St. Louis on November 13th, Marine Corps Lieutenant General John F. Kelly recalled the sacrifice made by two Marines in Iraq – Corporal Jonathan Yale and Lance Corporal Jordan Haerter. A couple of years ago, security cameras recorded Corporal Yale and Lance Corporal Haerter on sentry duty outside a barracks housing 50 Marines in Ramadi.

A large blue truck loaded with 2,000 pounds of explosives headed in their direction. Nearby Iraqi police did what most normal people facing certain death would do – they fled. Not the two Marines. Knowing that they only had seconds to live, they stood their ground, fired their weapons nonstop at the truck and died in the ensuing blast. According to the security footage – the men did not even step aside but actually leaned into the danger. Their actions saved countless lives.

And General Kelly, himself, knows of great sacrifice. Just days before telling about the heroism of his Marines, General Kelly’s own son, Second Lieutenant Robert M. Kelly, was killed in action in Afghanistan.

We must honor and remember our fallen – but that alone is not enough. They died not just for their country, but for their comrades serving next to them. The United States would have survived if Corporal Yale and Lance Corporal Haerter fled from their post, but the Marines serving with them would not have. They died protecting those with whom they served. The lives saved are their legacy.

U.S. Army Corporal Zachary Nordmeyer also left a legacy. Killed by enemy gunfire in Balad, Iraq, in 2009, Zachary’s family and The American Legion Riders of Speedway, Indiana, Post 500, have raised thousands of dollars in Zachary’s honor for Operation Comfort Warriors. These donations have been used to purchase therapeutic athletic equipment, CDs, electronics and other gifts for wounded warriors recovering in U.S. military hospitals and rehabilitation units around the world.

It is nothing short of inspirational that even after heroes like Zachary Nordmeyer have given their lives, they continue to give some more. Shakespeare wrote of the bond between warriors in Henry the Fifth... “We few…we happy few…we band of brothers. For he that shed his blood with me, shall be my brother.”

More than one million American service members have died in wars that our nation has been involved in since the first colonial soldiers took up arms in 1775. Many of them died protecting one another, but they served so that we could keep the things that we love the most – God, country and family. By remaining true to these principles, we honor their sacrifice.

Observances like this are happening in communities across America, but there can never be too many of them. As the unofficial beginning of summer, we must never lose focus of what Memorial Day means. It’s not about beaches, picnics or auto races. It is a day to remember.

It is a day to remember men like Army Sergeant First Class Lance Vogeler. The 29-year-old from Savannah, Georgia, gave to his country repeatedly until he made the Supreme Sacrifice on October 1, 2010. He was serving his eighth tour in Afghanistan after serving four tours in Iraq. That’s twelve – yes, 12 – tours of duty in both wars in just over nine years since the 9/11 attacks. This husband and father gave to his country until he simply had nothing left to give. We must never forget what these heroes have done and what their loved ones have lost. There are many ways to remember our fallen heroes. The traditional way is with flowers and flags for their graves or with observances such as this.

If you asked our heroes before they died how they would like to be honored, most would probably say, “take care of my family.” That’s why Hal Moore tells us in “We Were Soldiers Once and Young,” that the last words of many soldiers dying on the battlefield are “tell my wife I love her.” That is also why in his second inaugural address, Abraham Lincoln included widows and orphans when he pledged that the government would “care for him who shall have borne the battle.” Remembering our fallen once a year is not enough. The widows, widowers, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children remember EVERYDAY.

The empty seat at the dinner table, the smaller gathering on Thanksgiving, and the voice of a loved one heard only as a distant memory in one’s mind are constant reminders that they are gone. The American Legion has always shown great pride in our nation’s fallen heroes and unending support for those America sends to continue the fight for freedom in many corners of the world. Whether one fought in World War II, Korea, the jungles of Vietnam, the Middle East or elsewhere, the stories of American heroism and sacrifice continue to resonate.

The Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion calls on us to “preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars…” It is important that all veterans, their families and – in fact, all Americans – pause to reflect on, remember and give thanks to our many heroes. We owe them no less.