Commanders' Message

I am sure everyone knows that Governor Cooper has extended the stay at home order until May 8, 2020. He also outlined a 3-phase approach to reopening the state for business. The key point is the COVID-19 numbers must show a downward trend for fourteen days for the reopening to begin. Social Distancing is working, and we must continue this process for everyone’s safety. The post facility was recently cleaned and disinfected by some of our members and I would like to thank Steve Ijames, Harvey Satterwhite and Bruce Lobach for donating their time and energy for this purpose. We will continue to do whatever is necessary to keep our post safe and secure.

Prior to the reopening of the post, a required meeting of the Post Executive Committee will be held to discuss a path forward and any changes or amendments to the post calendar of events. We will have a plan in place to ensure that all members and guests will be safe as the post is reopened.

It was announced that Legion College for 2020 has been canceled. The newly appointed Board Executive Committee at the Department made this difficult decision after meeting with representatives from the Red Lion Hotel in High Point, NC. The annual Convention normally held in June has been canceled and the Department Executive Committee has adopted resolutions 2 and 3 which were approved by the National Executive Committee. The result is that all National, Department and Post officers currently serving will remain in place until the 2021 Convention and no elections are necessary. Boys State, Student Trooper, Baseball and Softball programs have also been canceled for 2020.

I ask all the members of our post to continue to pray for those veterans that are residing in nursing homes and assisted living centers during this pandemic. We have had 3 transition to post everlasting in the last 2 weeks. Please take time to check on your fellow legionnaires to see if they have any immediate needs that we can help with. 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

"Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15 

This passage from the Old Testament, from the book of Genesis is an example of what many commentators refer to the “divine interruption.” And in this chapter, Jacob was forced to leave his homeland after his brother desired to kill him, but during his trouble, he was given a promise of comfort from God. God’s promises are real and evident in the Holy Scriptures. When it come to God’s truth, there is nothing more comforting than His presence: “I am with you.” At the end of the day, God’s greatest gift is Himself. During these unprecedented times, times of uncertainty, times that God’s providence reigns, we know from His word, that He is with us. Regardless of where you are today and whatever your need is, God is right there with you. Praise God, He is a 24/7/365 God! God is as close as your next breath. Look to the Cross, trust in God and in His promises.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, Thomas Reid

Auxiliary Notes

I hope everyone is staying well and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently the Post was cleaned and disinfected. So, moving forward I am scheduling an ALA Executive Committee meeting on May 18, 2020 at 10am. We will exercise the social distancing at this meeting as it is working to keep everyone safe. There will be no sew day at this meeting. As for the membership meeting at the end of the month that is uncertain currently.

The American Legion Auxiliary Department of North Carolina Convention scheduled in June 2020 has been canceled. As for Girls State, the week long session has been canceled for 2020 but the 81^st session will be held virtually via an online platform! Franklinton Unit 52 will be sponsoring 3 girls from Franklinton High School to attend this online session. The session will include information about flag etiquette, writing bills, state and local government, and the ALA – its mission and goals. There will be no cost for these girls to attend the 81^st session. The Legion College scheduled in July 2020 has also been canceled.

As for the Unit’s election of officers, we will follow the guidelines set forth by the National and Department of The American Legion Auxiliary, whereby, the officers from the previous year(2020) will remain in place for (2021) unless an officer from the previous year resigns their position.

A Community of Volunteers Serving Veterans, Military, and their Families,

Carolyn Donnelly, District 6 President/Franklinton Unit 52 President

Election of Post Officers for 2020-2021

Normally Post 52 would have elected officers at its April meeting but, of course, that meeting was canceled due to the COVID-19 Virus regulations regarding gatherings. Our North Carolina Departmental leadership issued directives on how Posts are to handle staffing their Post officer positions in lieu of elections. Accordingly, our Post officers for the 2019-2020 year will remain in office for the 2020-2021 year.