Commanders' Message

As we prepare to celebrate the birthday of this great nation, we should all take a moment to reflect upon what a great country it is in which we live. We should remember all the liberties and rights that we enjoy as citizens of the United States. We should also not forget all those who have served to preserve them. It is an election year, and I encourage all legionnaires to get out and vote in November.

I would remind everyone that the American Legion is a Non-political organization. As such, when we are out supporting our candidates, we should not wear any hats or clothing items that display the emblem of the American Legion.

Governor Cooper has extended Phase II until July 17, 2020. As a result, we will maintain our position of the post being closed until that time. Should the governor move the State to Phase III, then we will conduct a full membership meeting on July 28, 2020.

We will go forward with our planned chicken/pork BBQ fundraiser on July 18, 2020. This event will be for take-out orders only. We will need volunteers to work at this event where masks and gloves will be required. So please come out and support your post for whatever length of time you can provide. We will be serving a free meal to all veterans that day. There is also a chance that Elvis will make an appearance at this event.

Just a quick reminder to please send your tickets in for the trailer raffle as soon as you can.

The Department Executive Committee met on June 24, 2020, via Zoom Meeting, with several topics discussed. With the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Hilton hotel informed the department that they could not support a fully attended American Legion meeting. A motion was approved to conduct the Fall Conference via Zoom meeting with a reduced number of invitees. A motion was also approved to expand the Board Executive Committee to include all Division Commanders, which brings the total members to 9.

Our new year begins on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, and I encourage all members of post 52 to get in touch with our Adjutant Bruce Lobach since he has received the new membership cards for the 2021 year and is ready to do some business! Let us get an early jump on membership and show the rest of Division 1 that Post 52 leads the way!

Finally, I would like to wish all of you a happy and safe Fourth of July Holiday!!

Please continue to stay safe and should you need any help you can reach me at (919) 270-1479 or at mcdonnelly51@gmail.com

For God & Country, Mike Donnelly

Chaplain's Corner

Isaiah 41:10: "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

One of the tools that Satan utilizes is fear. People who do not know God, live in fear of darkness, the unknown, death, and in times of uncertainty.

During Isaiah's time, Israel lived in fear of the Gentile nations. Today, we live in fear of war, terrorist activity, a pandemic, an unstable economy, and so forth. But we have God's promise: "Fear not, for I am with you." In this passage, God is speaking to those who have a relationship with Him.

Jesus said this to His disciples, "And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). God is always faithful, even when we are not. God is there to provide strength, help us, and uphold us with His righteous hand. We are not called to live in fear but by faith.

If you do not have a personal relationship with God, I encourage you to read the book of Romans prayerfully. Praying for you, our service members who are serving, who have served, and for the families, they represent, during this season of global change.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, Thomas Reid

Auxiliary Notes

I hope everyone is well.

Our July meeting for the Executive Committee will be on July 13, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at Post 52; we will continue to exercise social distancing to keep everyone safe. There will not be a sew day. The membership meeting in July is currently unsure.

Girls State had their virtual session on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, and the girls we sponsored joined and liked it.

Membership is coming due in July; there will be more information to come.

Birthdays for July: Anita Wilbourne (July 5), Julia Brock (July 7), Emily Barrick (July 19), Sara Dicky (July 20), Linda Kerensky (July 22)

Please stay safe and take care! Hopefully, we will be together soon!

Karen Nowell, Franklinton Unit 52 President