Commanders' Message

I want to thank all those who have made plans to attend our awards banquet. During this time, we celebrate the 100^th Birthday of the American Legion as well as we recognize Law Enforcement, Fireman, EMS, Soldier, Community Service and Legionnaire of the year. Each day these people give unselfishly to our Community, State, Nation, and The American Legion. We are thankful that they serve to protect our property, our Nation, and us. We are privileged to have LTC. Jack Midyette (ret) as our guest speaker for the evening and as always there was Good Food and Fellowship.

All life is sacred. At the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, the name JOSEPH PELOSI, is engraved on the very first panel. New York City Patrolman Joseph James Pelosi died at age 27 on December 11, 1924, the first birthday of his second son, Vincent James Pelosi, my father. My dad’s older brother, Louis, was only two years old. Their mother Mary was 23 when she was left alone to maintain a home and raise two infant sons. Before the funeral, my grandmother had to solicit funds from her family and friends with which to purchase a black dress.

Patrolman Pelosi remains the most junior Law Enforcement Officer killed in the line of duty, fresh from the Police Academy, and only six days in uniform in his first week of probationary patrol. He was so junior a Law Enforcement Officer that the City of New York had no provisions for survivor benefits for his widow and family. New York’s Finest petitioned the City government, which, very quickly, passed legislation that provided a pension for his widow which she collected for 65 years until her death in 1989. This just one example of the sacrifices made by our Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters, and EMT’, there are too many others.

Lt. Daniel Furseth, a member of the DeForest, Wis., police department, published a startling confession in American Police Beat, “I stopped caring today because the culture of today’s instantly connected youth is only there to take and never give back. To never accept responsibility for one’s actions, but to blame everyone else instead of themselves... To argue that getting stoned should be a right, yet getting a job or education is a hassle. To steal – versus earn. To have – versus help. Yes, I stopped caring today. But tomorrow, I will put my uniform back on, and I will care again.”

As a reminder, our Nominating Committee is at work seeking out individuals to serve in many positions. I know there are many of you out there that are more than capable of serving in some capacity. So if you are asked by the nominating committee to serve, I hope you will consider and step up. We will be accepting nominations for all positions until the close of business on March 26^th.

Spring is just around the corner, and we will be continuing to upgrade and maintain our building and grounds. When we reach out and ask for help, please consider helping your fellow Legionnaires. As always Thanks to All who continue to make our Post a better organization.

We are not at 100% on membership. We need You!

Harvey Satterwhite, For God and Country

Vice-Commander's Report

American Legion’s 100^th birthday and our annual awards banquet on March 9, 2019. If you have not made plans to attend this event, please do it now. This banquet is our opportunity to celebrate our many blessings and successes we have had at our Post. Your nominating committee is still seeking candidates for post officer positions for 2019-2020. If you have a desire to serve the membership of Post 52, please submit your request to one of the members of this committee, Mike Donnelly, George Tracy or Robert Junk. We will be submitting all nominations for acceptance at our March membership meeting. On Saturday, March 23, 2019, Division 1 will be holding Leadership Training at Post 39 in Greenville, NC. This training is open to all post officers both current and prospective officers. There will be training for Post Commanders, Adjutants, and comprehensive My Legion.Org training. I strongly recommend this training for any member of our post that wishes to attend.

For God & Country, Mike Donnelly

Auxiliary Notes

Ahhh! Spring is almost here!

First a reminder, on March 10, 2019, turn your clocks ahead 1 hour! Daylight Savings Time!

Post 52 will be holding their Awards and Birthday Banquet on March 9, 2019, beginning at 6 p.m. If you plan on attending, please let Commander Harvey Satterwhite know, and he will also know your meal choice of steak or chicken. Also, Commander Satterwhite has asked the Auxiliary Ladies to bring cookies as an alternative to the cake for the 100^th year celebration of the American Legion. Please try to attend this event as the Auxiliary will be presenting a gift to the Post for the American Legion’s 100^th birthday celebration!

Speaking of 100^th-year celebrations, did you know that in 1919 the Auxiliary was founded and at the National Convention held in Kansas City, Missouri in 1921, we adopted the name “American Legion Auxiliary,” and the first national officers were elected. The American Legion Auxiliary, Department of NC, will be selling red polo shirts red for $20 in celebration of the Auxiliary 100^th year.

Doing well in membership, our District (6) slipped down to second place in our Division (2), but our Division is in 1^st place this week.

We will be holding the Executive Committee/Sew day at Post 52 on Monday, March 11, 2019, starting at 10 a.m. The Membership meeting will be held at the Franklinton Senior Center on March 26, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. Please bring a friend to join us.

For God and Country!
In the Spirit of Service, not Self,
Carolyn Donnelly,District 6 President & Unit 52 President