Commanders' Message

Wow what an exciting year! As we come to the end of our election year and begin another, I want to ask that all members consider helping our Post in some way. If we each do a little, we can achieve a lot. I ask that you get involved, meet and know your fellow Legionnaires, and let us have fun along the way. If you have an idea on how our Post can better serve, the American Legion, Veterans or our community, feel free to let one of the officers know. A big thank you goes out to those officers that will be stepping down this year for their hard work in our organization and those new officers and committees coming online.

The month of May is significant to Veterans and should be to All Americans; it is when we observe Memorial Day. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our great nation. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in General Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first; what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all. This is a time to reflect on our freedoms as Americans by remembering those who gave their lives in defense of freedom, those families that were left without a father, mother, son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter and to thank God for their unselfishness and the many blessing He has bestowed on us as a nation.

Our Preamble sums the meaning of Memorial Day up. “It means the bond that binds all ex-servicemen and women together in mutual affection, respect, and gratitude. It also means keeping green forever the memories of the supreme sacrifices of gallant American patriots, sacrifices necessary to the winnings of wars. It means faithful annual observance of Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Be sure your children, grandchildren know and observe Memorial Day as not just as a day off but remembering why we observe this day.

The Stand Up For America July 4^th Celebration is quickly coming upon us. It will be on Saturday, June 29^th. We need all members that can participate to please sign up to help in some area.

By the time, you receive this newsletter Mother's Day may have passed. I hope all of our mothers have a very special Mother’s Day. For those mothers who are no longer with us, we will cherish those memories of our Mother's Love.

Membership is the life and power of the American Legion. Contact us if you are not sure your membership is up to date. I want to thank you for your support in the past and ask that you, please consider renewing your membership and invite a veteran to our meetings.

For God and Country, Harvey Satterwhite

Auxiliary Notes

I hope everyone who attended April’s monthly meeting enjoyed our guest speaker, Mike Dorman, from MMIA (Military Missions In Action) as much as I did. He was very informative on how our unit can help our veterans and service people who are serving away from their home and families.

Next, I want to say Thank You to all the ladies who baked goodies for the Bake Sale and the ladies who helped with the serving for the Fish Fry and with the Bake Sale on April 19, 2019.

I want to welcome two new members who joined at April’s monthly meeting. Their husbands also joined at Post 52. Welcome, Sue and Barbara!

Just a reminder, Poppy Day is May 25, 2019, and we will be in the same locations in Franklinton as last year, but we have added one more location this year in Youngsville at Griffin’s. If able to come and help with staffing the tables, please join us. For more information, contact Karen Nowell or Grace Hendrix.

At our May membership monthly meeting, we will have our election of officers for 2019 – 2020. The nomination slate has been filled but anyone who wants to run for office, please come to our May meeting or contact Linda Kerensky or Donna Greenwood to let them know you are interested.

The Executive Committee/Sew Day will be on Monday, May 13, 2019, at Post 52 beginning at 10 am, and the Membership meeting will be Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at Franklinton Senior Center at 5:30 pm. Please join us and bring a friend!

In the Spirit of Service, not Self,
Carolyn Donnelly, District 6 President/ Unit 52 President

Vice-Commander's Report

Wow! It is May already this year has been extremely busy and successful. Post elections for 2019-2020 are complete, and the Department convention is less than thirty days away. Our post has done some great things this year, and we should all be very proud of these accomplishments. During the next year, we will face many challenges at post 52 which we will overcome once again.

Training for post officers will be held on May 11, 2019, at 1300, at Post 52 and all elected officers should be in attendance. There will be a District 5 meeting held at 10 am on May 11, 2019, at post 52 for the election of the new District Commanders. All interested legionnaires are welcome to attend.

I urge all members of our post to attend the Department convention, June 5-8 at North Raleigh Hilton to see how the business of the American Legion is conducted.

Legion College will be held in Clemmons, NC on July 12 & 13, 2019. Remember if you attend legion college, the post will reimburse you for the cost of your hotel room, bring your hotel receipt to the post and see the finance officer. Please consider stepping up and becoming a member of a post-committee in the new year.

For God & Country, Mike Donnelly