Commanders' Message

The April membership meeting closed with the election of the following Legionnaires to be your 2024-2025 officer team (Post Executive Committee): Commander, Chris Smith; 1^st Vice Commander, Scott Vickers; 2^nd Vice Commander, Eric Pearce; Adjutant, Bruce Lobach; Finance Officer, Steve Ijames; Chaplain, Harvey Satterwhite; Historian, George Tracy; Parliamentarian, Mike Donnelly; 1^st Seargent At Arms, James Bracknell; 2^nd Seargent At Arms, Todd McPhetridge; 3^rd Seargent At Arms, Joe Dillehay; 1-yr. Exec. Committeeman George Miller; 2-yr. Exec. Committeeman, Pat McCrary; 3-yr. Exec. Committeeman, Tony Kerensky.

Thanks to Parliamentarian Judge Bob Hobgood and Executive Committeeman David Field for serving the Post as officers in 2023-2024.

That is all the Legion news I will cover. I desire to turn my attention to the state of our Country because I feel it in my heart to bring a message of hope to you when the month of April has been marred by hate speech, antisemitism, discord, violence, loss of Constitutional rights, arrests, injury, NC LEO deaths, and fear on many of our Nation’s college campuses and large cities. I am proud to be a member of The American Legion. I know that we all see ourselves as AMERICANS first, above all political beliefs and social and economic statuses. When all else fails in society, we stand tall and proud together because we all have bled physically and/or mentally as Veterans for the sake of America. Our rallying cry against our enemies is U.S.A., U.S.A.! We know the Flag of the United States of America is not just a piece of cloth. It is sacred and honorable. It represents freedoms found nowhere else in the World, bestowed on us by our Creator, God. The US Flag represents all those Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen who went before us to secure this truly American freedom. The Flag covers our nation’s military heroes when that “blank check is written and cashed” and Legionnaires when their soul goes to Post Everlasting.

While much of this discourse was perpetrated by young generation Americans, I give up way too easily on these kids and “that” generation, thinking this Country’s future is doomed on their watch. In reality, you and I only see a small segment of these younger Americans hating and shaming their Country. They have always been around. Ask our Vietnam Veterans. I ask you to join me in remembering that with a Country the size of ours, this is a very, very small population group. What we don’t see on TV and hear in the news is the much larger group of young Americans that love this Country. Young Americans like our oratorical contest winner, Victora. Young Americans like our Boy’s State Delegate Sam and Student Trooper candidate Bryson. And the fraternity brothers at UNC-Chapel Hill stood without fear at the campus flagpole while getting pelted with objects and shouted down with obscenities when a Palestinian State flag was removed, and Old Glory was returned to her rightful position.

I don’t know about you, but I needed these “good” stories. These “American” stories. This is one reason why The American Legion and its youth programs are such a vital endeavor. God Bless America!

Chris Smith, Commander Post 52 csmithforest@gmail.com

Chaplains' Corner

"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." – John 15:13 (NLT)

Memorial Day, one must wonder how we can best remember those who gave their lives for our continued freedom. Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). How can we honor the sacrifices that continue to be made?

Our freedom has come at such a high price that we dare not squander it by seeking only to serve our interests. We are free to live at liberty and pursue the happiness found in seeking to do the will of Almighty God. We can use our freedom as an opportunity to bless and serve others rather than using it to gratify our desires.

Indeed, there is no greater love than sacrificial love. Therefore, it is suitable to honor our loved ones and their sacrifice. As you remember the lives of those who sacrificed for your freedom, ask God how you can be an instrument of His love.

Please continue to pray for those who have served and those still serving our nation in the Armed forces, as well as first responders, law enforcement, firefighters, and their families, and thank God daily for the blessing He gives us.

Harvey Satterwhite, Chaplain

Vice-Commander's Report

As we enter the month of May, we still have 13 members who have yet to renew their dues for 2024. These legionnaires are now suspended and have no rights at post 52. Please don’t let this happen. Please renew as soon as possible because the post needs your support.

Work has begun at the Franklinton Veterans Memorial Park to refurbish the park and make it an exceptional place to visit. Many thanks to Joe Ferrell and his wife for all they are doing to help with this project. Your Memorial Brick Committee members are working hard to put together an SOP and marketing plan. We hope to kick off our memorial brick sales very soon, so please stay tuned.

Now is the time to consider attending the Department Convention on June 19-22 and North Carolina Legion College on August 1-3.

Mike Donnelly, 1^st Vice Commander

Auxiliary Unit 52 Report

Our Good Friday Bake Sale was our most successful to date! We will be getting some new signs made for the next Bake Sale; our current ones are getting a little ratty looking. Our Unit Impact numbers have been compiled and submitted. We completed 1,169 service hours and donated $4,804 while serving 1,413 Veterans, 90 Veteran Families, 53 Youth, and 250 Community members. What a great year! Thank you for all you have contributed to the success of your Unit. We have established a monthly date for Sewing and Craft Days. These will be held on the 1^st Sunday afternoon of each month, except when that is a Holiday weekend. Please follow our Facebook page for more information on meetings and events.

We have an exciting new way to serve our local Veterans through the VA. The Compassionate Contact program is up and running. Watch your email for forms and flyers outlining how you can volunteer!

The next Members’ Meeting will be Thursday, May 16th, at 6:30 PM at the Post. We will take any final Nominations for 2024-2025 Officers and Committee Chairpersons and vote to elect your suite of officers.

Saving the bad news for last. This will be my last Newsletter submission. While the doctors are making some very good progress in helping me recover from a medical condition. I need to step back and focus on my health during this season. I will still be an active member, and perhaps you will consider me for President again in a couple of years.

In the Spirit of Service, not Self,
Velinda Moore, Unit 52 President

Memorial Day Activities

Flag placement on local veterans' graves.
Meet at 9 am at Fairview Cemetery,
Chavis St, Franklinton

Memorial Day Program
2:00 pm, Sunday, May 26, 2024, at
Franklinton Veteran’s Memorial Park,
South Main Street, Franklinton

Need assistance dealing with the Veterans' Administration? Contact our Franklin County Veterans' Service Officer, Brenda Wilkins, at 919 496-1939.