“News from the Hut”
for American Legion Post #142; Hominy, Oklahoma.
>>> by Gary Lanham

We at the ‘Hut’ want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Due to the season, this article will do for a bit, we all need time for the family and to reflect with gratitude for the reason we celebrate; the birth of the King. What a profound event. It has such an impact that even wars can he halted. You may have heard about this event during WWI.

The Christmas truce was a series of widespread, but unofficial cease fires along the Western Front around Christmas 1914. In the week leading up to the holiday, German and British soldiers crossed trenches to exchange seasonal greetings and talk. In areas, men from both sides ventured into No Man’s Land on Christmas Eve and Christmas day to mingle and exchange food and souvenirs. There were joint burial ceremonies and prisoner swaps, while several meetings ended in carol-singing. Men played games of football with one another, giving one of the most enduring images of the truce. However, the peaceful behavior was not ubiquitous; fighting continued in some sectors, while in others the sides settled on little more than arrangements to recover bodies. The following year, a few units arranged cease fires, but the truces were not nearly as widespread as in 1914; this was, in part, due to strongly worded orders from the high commands of both sides prohibiting fraternization. Soldiers were no longer amenable to truce by 1916. Commanders on both sides were not happy, but the enlisted men were in “the trenches” and made things more bearable.

As a teaser after the first of the year, I will begin a series collecting and reporting the military careers of our precious crew beginning with our hearty WWII veterans through Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm to now. Pay attention because you may learn a few things about our folks who support our community and served our country. You might even be related to a few.

I will be on the road during the season and wish all readers of our wonderful newspaper, a Merry Christmas and pray God’s blessing on your households.

Our regular meetings are usually the first and third Thursdays at 7:00 PM; but due to the holidays, January is now 8th and 22nd. Jerry will probably put on a feed for the 8th, so 1800 hrs (6:00 PM) would be a good show time if you are hungry. Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in December and January are still up (if weather permits) and running starting around 0700 till about 0900. During Christmas week we will still have the Monday morning Koffee Klatch. Thanks to the crew for providing biscuits and gravy and maybe a waffle or two and always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians). If you are a veteran come on by. If you have a good story it may end up in print! Also keep up with us at website “americanlegion142.org.