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

Well, Memorial Day threw me off my usual weekly clock so this may be a
bit late. I was pondering what I wanted to write to the fine readers of
the “Hominy News – Progress” and my wife came by my desk and gave me my
marching orders for the article.

She said “This is what you need to write, you thank our veterans (at
the Post in particular) THANK YOU! For so many years generations have
forgotten where our freedoms are secured from, our military. The World
War II veterans are personally responsible for us not speaking German
today. All the things they endured seeing the horrors of the Nazi and
Tojo’s empire can never be understated.” My only reply was “Yes mam”.

So there I obeyed orders. I am blessed to be married to a patriotic
country girl. Taking it a bit further I agree we should dedicate this
article to the living, breathing, walking history of these freedoms.
Coming to Post meetings represent a unique experience of hearing and
sharing stories from WWII to current veterans. Korea, Vietnam, and
Desert Storm, all these conflicts since our Greatest Generation carry
on a tradition of service that we are privileged to recognize during
times like these. Memorial Day was originally Decoration Day when folks
would go about the family cemeteries placing flags and flowers to honor
those fallen heroes.

I had the privilege of attending the ribbon cutting ceremony at
Skiatook Lake for a cabin built for wounded warriors. On a holiday
weekend there where Marines presenting the colors and many dignitaries.
Craig T. Nelson (TV show “Couch”, Poltergeist fame) was there as well
as Ree Drummond (Pioneer Woman) and her husband. I met two veterans who
had lost limbs in our current conflict. It was an emotional experience.
I was in good company, my friend from Edmond Oklahoma came up for the
weekend. He is a Major in the Air National Guard who recently returned
from Afghanistan. Most veterans experience mixed emotions on days like
these. Pride, appreciation, while at the same time sorrow for the loss
of comrades. It can be a wonderful, sad time all at once.

I am proud to be a member of the American Legion. I was just informed
that the American Legion is allocating $1 million dollars to veterans
affected by the Oklahoma tornadoes. The money will be used to cover
relocation expenses for veterans and their families whose homes were
devastated by the disaster. With a current membership of 2.4 million
wartime veterans, the American Legion is the nation’s largest veteran’s
organization. On that note a reminder that Post Officer positions will
be up for election June 6th.

We like getting the word out about our Post. Our Post also has a
resource to put out information in the form of a website
“americanlegion142.org.” Check it out if you get the chance!

One reminder, until further notice our Monday morning get-togethers are
on hold. However our regular meetings are the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of
each month at 1900 hours (7:00 PM). All veterans are welcome!