Commanders' Message

Wow, what an exciting year! As we end 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 know how our Post can better serve the American Legion, veterans, or our community, let one of the officers know. A big thank you to those officers who will be stepping down this year for their hard work in our organization. And also to those new officers and committees stepping up.

May is significant to Veterans and should be to All Americans because it is when we observe Memorial Day. Our Preamble sums up the meaning of Memorial Day. "It means the bond that binds all ex-servicemen and women together in mutual affection, respect, and gratitude. Teach your children why we observe Memorial Day, that it is not just a day off but a day of remembering those who gave it all.

Our Flag, pay the appropriate respect.

Federal law authorizes veterans to salute the US Flag in the following situations:

Pledge of Allegiance. Members of the Armed Forces not in uniform and veterans may render the military salute in the manner provided for persons in uniform. Alternately, military personnel and veterans not in uniform may stand at attention, facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform, men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand over the heart. (Title 4 USC, section 4)

During the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the American Flag: Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes. (Title 4 USC, section 9)

National Anthem. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in a manner provided for individuals in uniform. When the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner, they would if the flag were displayed. (Title 36 USC, section 301).

Before we meet again, we will also celebrate Mother's Day. I hope all of our mothers have an exceptional Mother's Day. We will cherish those memories of our Mother's Love for those mothers who are no longer with us.

Membership is the life and power of the American Legion. Thank you for your service to our Country and support of the American Legion. I ask that if you have not renewed your membership, please renew and come fellowship with your fellow vets on the Last Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. Invite a veteran to join you.

For God & Country, Harvey Satterwhite, Commander

Vice Commander's Message

We currently stand at 200 members. Our goal for 2022 was 227, and our membership was 220 in 2021. With some not renewing, some transferring, and many going to Post Everlasting, our membership is at a deficit. As a Post, we must recruit Veterans to fill the ranks. When you see a Veteran in public (look for the shirt or hat), thank them for their service and ask them if they know about the American Legion. Tell them about Post 52, where Veterans are welcomed, appreciated, and in fellowship together.

I invite you to participate with your Post in placing flags on Veterans' graves on May 27 and attending our Memorial Day Service at Fairview Cemetery on Sunday, May 28. Bring your family, bring a friend, invite a neighbor or co-worker. Be proud of your Post and invite others to join in the traditions that support Americanism.

Thank you for your vote of confidence in electing me as your next Commander. I want to thank those who volunteered to step up and serve as Officers. Together, we will serve Post 52 with integrity and passion.

Hooha!!

Chris Smith, 1^st Vice-commander

Chaplains' Corner

In honor of Memorial Day, I have included a poem at the bottom of this newsletter. This poem is not as well known as "In Flanders Fields." I teared thinking about mother/grandmother being the moon looking down on her son/grandson's burial. Memorial Day reminds us of the fallen, and we must remember our fallen veterans. Please attend our Memorial Day program on May 28^th.

Please continue supporting the Auxiliary by bringing can goods for the food pantry; some recipients are probably veterans.

Keep the Faith, Harry Barrick, Chaplain

Auxiliary Unit 52 Report

I am so very proud of our Unit, especially now that I have finished compiling and submitting our 2022-2023 Impact Numbers and Committee reports! I received volunteer hours and monetary donation reports from 16 members. Our Unit members volunteered 1,138 hours of service. Between our Unit Fundraisers, Unit member donations, Post donations, and Community donations, we donated $12,593 to our Veterans and community. The service hours and dollars helped 200 local Veterans, 150 Veterans' Families and 40 children, and many citizens in our local community! Keep in mind that these are exclusive non-overlapping categories; each individual helped is counted in only one group. The largest beneficiaries of our service are the Durham VA, the USO @ RDU, and the Gold Star Mothers. I pray we have an equally successful 2023-2024!! I sincerely thank you each for everything you do—Service before Self.

There are a lot of upcoming events that I need to make sure you are aware of:

• Our next Executive Board Meeting will be May 4th at 6:30 pm at the Post.
• Our next Members Meeting will be May 18th at 6:30 pm at the Post. This meeting will include the election of Officers for the 2023-2024 year.
• Poppy Distribution will occur on Saturday, May 27th, at various locations.
• The Auxiliary is cooking and serving dinner at the Post on May 30^th.

Thank you for all you do to support our Unit and our Veterans!

Velinda Moore, Unit 52 President