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

I would like to take a moment to thank all those who thanked us, last week during the Veteran’s Day celebration.  This week’s article is dedicated to the civilians who recognized the service of veteran’s in the community spanning over seventy years.  From the newspaper staff to the wonderful members of the school staff and the students that participated, more than one tear was shed during the ceremony.  Many of us, like most in the population, had various reasons for joining the service.  Some of us were drafted and did our duty, some joined in the outrage following Pearl Harbor and 9-11.  Some of us joined for a step up, education benefits and perhaps job skill training.  Ultimately we all raised our hand and signed the contract vowing our very lives to defend the Constitution.  The fact that a community would take time to recognize this commitment says volumes about the heart and faith of that community.  Though I live in the country I find Hominy is my hometown now.  A young lady recited a famous poem at the high school ceremony, I would like to pass it on to those who could not attend.

FLANDERS FIELD
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks still bravely singing fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead: Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved: and now we lie
In Flanders fields!

Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw
The torch: be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields
(Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, 1915)

Details will ensure concerning the upcoming on the Hominy Christmas Day Parade on December 7^th.  We will have our Christmas dinner December 12^th with the Auxiliary in lieu of our December 19^th meeting, with more details in the future.  All veterans are welcome.

Our regular meetings are the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays of each month at 1900 hours (7:00 PM). This coming Thursday meeting will not be the usual meal meeting but will include a DVD of John Fields recent Honor Flight trip to DC (and Veteran of the Year BTW).  Our Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings are run by Post Adjutant Eli Prater and Jerry Sebert.  Over biscuits and gravy (or waffles) we will keep up on each other’s mischievous doings. It runs generally from 7 am to 9 am.  If you are a veteran come join us. And if you have a good story it may end up in print.