Did you know that National Poppy Day® is May 25, 2018? Please join us and wear a poppy in honor of our American veterans.
The poppy flower flourished in France and Belgium after World War I. Scientists attributed the growth of the poppies to the enriched soil from lime in rubble left by the war. From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful, red poppy – a symbol of resilience shown by our nation’s service members.
For this special day, we encourage you – and your friends and family – to wear a poppy to show veterans that you honor the fallen and support the living. Please do not delay in ordering your poppies!
Also, On May 25th, Tom Wothke, Finance Officer, will be presenting the Legion Awards at the Zionsville Middle School at 9am (5th & 6th graders) and 10:30am (7th & 8th graders). Stuart Konija, 1st Vice Commander, will be presenting the Legion awards at the Zionsville West Middle School. We will be wearing our Poppies in honor of our Veterans. So, if you can join us for the awards day, we can show our support for the students and veterans. Contact Tom for the details (317-714-0718)
Don’t forget this weekend, May 5th is our Spring Clean-up Day at the Legion. Come by and lend a hand to get our Post looking good for the summer. Stop by anytime between 9am-3pm to help out.
Want to thank everyone who participated in the fund raising for Cody Wilson. It was a great success. We can always depend on our members to step up when needed.
As membership is important, let us not forget our deceased members as Memorial Day approaches. Please feel free to join in as our Post 79 does there yearly service at all local cemeteries.
Thank you.
For God and Country
Bart Colvin
Commander
Stuart Konija
1st Vice Commander
Mission Statement:
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service-members and veterans.
From the Auxiliary President:
May, the month of beautiful flowers and Remembrance. The American Legion Auxiliary poppy is a symbol of remembrance for our fallen soldiers and are made for Veterans by Veterans. Poppies are not sold by the Auxiliary but are available and donations are accepted with proceeds supporting various Veterans programs. The Auxiliary promotes the poppy as a symbol of the sacrifices our military have made. Poppies are available at the bar.
The 6th District meeting will be held at our Post on Sunday, May 6th. The Auxiliary has been asked to provide desserts. Please have your dessert to the Post by 11:00 that day.
A Slate of Officers will presented and voted on at our meeting this month which is Monday, May 14th at 7:00 p.m. We hope to see you there.
There will be a Homecoming Open House Celebration for Department President Judy Morris. The Open House is Saturday, May 19th 1:00 to 5:00. Come celebrate with Judy on the past year as Department President.
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
God Bless our Troops past, present and future
Rita
Mission Statement:
In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
From Post Service Officer:
May 2018 – Post Service Officer News
ARMED FORCES DAY DESERVES TRIBUTE
The month of May brings opportunities for citizens to display patriotism throughout our community, state and nation. Each year, Armed Forces Day is recognized on the third Saturday.
This year’s Armed Forces Day is May 19th. This is a day when Americans give tribute to all the men and women in uniform who serve the United States as your Guardians of Freedom, home and overseas. This salute encompasses all branches of military service. May is deemed Military Appreciation Month.
Historically, President Truman signed a proclamation stating, “Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America’s defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, toward the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea and air defense.” That year’s theme was “teamed for defense.”
President Truman’s proclamation was signed following WWII’s battles, and at the threshold of the Korean War. Americans celebrated the first Armed Forces Day with parades, open houses, receptions, and air shows.
Do you know someone serving in the armed forces to protect your peace and liberty? Show your appreciation by sending them a communication conveying that you honor their devotion and sacrifice. You can also send care packages to their unit while deployed. Invite them for a meal when they are home on leave. Such encouragement builds morale and encourages our oath takers especially during tough times when it’s needed most.
Remember to fly your flag especially on Armed Forces Day. Your Zionsville American Legion sells replacement flags and provides a means for you to bring your unserviceable flags to the Post for proper disposal according to the United States Flag Code.
At your service,
Rick Baum
From Post Adjutant:
Minutes from Joint Meeting:
April 9, 2018
10 officers and 7 members attending.
Meeting was opened in due form by Commander Colvin.
Rita reported that the Little League is this Saturday. Set up is at 9am and the ceremonial pitch by each entity at 11am.
May 5th is designated as the “Post Clean up Day”. This is also the day before 6th district meeting which also “Post Everlasting”.
Commander also reported that the Girl Scouts raised $700.00 and the post raised $4200.00 to donate to the Pickett family. This money will be put into a 501c account set up by the Lebanon Sheriff’s Department. 100% of all money raised goes to the family.
Bill Shoemaker was presented with a 60 year certificate of continued membership in the post.
Dianna thanked everyone involved for the ceremony for passing member Richard Kinnett.
April 28th is a benefit motorcycle ride for the Pickett family which is leaving from the Boone County Fairgrounds. There will also be a car show.
Minutes read and motion made by Ed and 2nd by Kurt to accept.
Tom Wothke read the committee reports and motion made by Stuart and 2nd by Ed to accept the reports as read.
No new sick call or taps as of today.
Andrew asked about the food trucks and Mick reported that no date has been set but it looks like it might be the 3rd Friday in May for the first event.
The Adjutant reported that the floor plan to the excise has been sent and looked at by the excise police. Officer Gillum is supposed to call tomorrow to discuss where to put an outside bar. It was discussed by membership to put the bar under the shelter house because of weather.
Tom Wothke thanked all who responded back about the survey letter he mailed to all the members. Received back 72 letters.
Adjutant reported that the a “Commemorative Brick” is being placed at the front entrance to the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame on the grounds of the American Legion Department. It was reported that a brick had been purchased by the Post 79 Legion Riders in memory of past member Bob Lear. Rick Baum suggested that a brick be purchased in Post 79’s name. Bill Shoemaker offered to pay for the purchase of the brick. Motion made and accepted and everyone thanked Bill. Randy Johnson thanked the Riders for purchasing a brick in Bob’s name.
The director of the Legion Riders, Andy Ricketts, asked the legion for a donation for the Legacy ride that he is participating in this year. Commander Colvin is going to meet with the SAL and AUX Presidents to discuss their monetary donations.
During the legion clean up day, Bart wants to get the pipe Bollards installed around the flag memorial. Steve is going to see if their auger will be available to dig the holes required for installation.
Tom Wothke reported that there had not been any new nominations for officers this year. He makes a motion to accept past officers for the new year. Ed Hogan nominates Jack Wurtsgaugh as 2nd vice since he will be moving. Jack accepts nomination. Kurt Borcherding request to be removed from the Executive board. The new nominations are:
1st Vice: Stuart Konija
2nd Vice: Jack Wurstgaugh
Sgt of Arms: Andrew Mehringer
Adjutant: Bob Parker
Service/Chaplain: Rick Baum
Finance: Tom Wothke
Judge Advocate: Chris Riley
Historian: Mike Sadaj
Motion Made and 2nd to accept nominations as read.
Andrew reports that the golf outing is a no go.
Beth and Rita working on getting the 5k run for the post
Adjourned at 7:40pm.
From the Club Manager:
Dates to Remember:
1st – SAL Meeting 6pm
4th – Legion Pizza Night 5-8pm
5th – Spring Clean-up Day 9am-3pm
6th – 6th District Meeting & Post Everlasting
11th – SAL Steak & Catfish Dinner 5-8pm
14th – Legion/AUX meeting 7pm
15th – ALR Burger/Pork Chop Dinner 5:30-8pm
19th – Judy Morris Open House 1-5
19th – Broasted Chicken Dinner 4-7
19th – Tim Newman Band in Bar 7pm
22nd – ALR Meeting 7pm