for American Legion Post #142; Hominy, Oklahoma.
>>> by Gary Lanham

Well, as I reported last week, it was a special time for our local heroes
Dick Pope and Babe Long. April 17th marked a historic journey for two
of our World War II veteran’s to the National Capitol to tour amazing memorials
and historical commemorations of our collective history as a free
nation. While Babe stayed in the area to visit relatives, Dick
returned packed with souvenirs and stories. Besides commemorative hats,
shirts, and coins, one special treat was a handwritten letter from a
5th grader named Allysn from Owasso, contained in a beautiful
cover that displayed “Home of the Free BECAUSE of the Brave”. The
letter was very nice, and not what I would call cookie cutter. It
expressed gratitude for his service, but also asked questions wondering
about his experiences during that war far from home. Among all the
bounty he brought to us at the Thursday evening meeting, I believed he
found that letter the true treasure. A thoughtful future generation.

At our Thursday night meeting, the topic of Memorial Day weekend and
Armed Forces day arose. Babo reported that high winds and bad weather
last year destroyed over six hundred flags the Post had placed in
various places. Now, we find ourselves in need of donations to replace
those flags so we can honor our past patriots. The good news is, since I
first announced this, we have received donations from Epsilon Sigma
Alpha and other private donors. But, we still need a bit more. If you
are a current patriot that believes in recognizing the service of our
past defenders of freedom and want to contribute, call Babo at
918-885-6041. It will be appreciated!

There was so much information flowing about at our last meeting, I will
share what I can now, and save more for my next offering. Our Post
Commander read a thank you card from our American Legion Auxiliary
District 1, 1st Vice President and Unit 142 President Polly Frazier,
Officers and Members recognizing the Units participation donating to
the Child Welfare Foundation Child & Youth Program as well as the
Homeless Veterans Buddy Baskets to the Bryce House and Yale Avenue Apartments.
These baskets I am told contain home gifts for cleaning and setting up
a household for former homeless vets who have graduated the training
program. I believe over twelve baskets were donated.

I want to cover one more thing of interest that will blend into next
week’s contribution, and try to mix in other items I can’t fit in this
week. I know you are busy and must get onto to your day, as well as I
do. But this item is important. Charlie O’Leary brought it to our
attention that April is Vietnam Remembrance Month. The Vietnam Memorial
at the Mall in Washington D.C. is something I have visited many times
myself, and though in its inception…it was somewhat controversial in its
design, it still impacted me because of the list of names representing
the cost of freedom. Charlie shared a website I found interesting, that
allows a person to research and find by state and town heroes lost in
action (http//:www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm).

Here, in Hominy we had two lost, and next week I am dedicating my contribution to those
individuals who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving their country. A
special thanks to Charlie for sharing is important information. We
sometimes get so busy with our current worries and affairs we can miss
the truly significant things of our past that affect our present in so
many ways.

Our Post Commander Jim Frazier wants to remind everyone that the
American Legion District Convention for District 1A and 1B (NE
Oklahoma) this year will be held April 27th at 1105 West Graham Ave in
Pryor Oklahoma. Registration starts at 0800 hrs. with Convention
beginning at 0900. Lunch will be served for $7.00 per person. He
emphasized that a good showing goes along way when voting takes place.
Please contact him so he can develop an attendance roster.

Our regular meetings are the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at
1900 hours (7:00 PM) and our Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings with
waffles where we keep up on each other’s mischievous doings run
generally from 0700 to 0930. All veterans are welcome!