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

I will take a brief departure from the pattern I have been following, honoring the service of our local heroes this week.  The reason is to recognize two significant events, one recent and one past.  I will begin with the past first, as it impacts our lives even today.

Last Saturday, marked a world changing event at great cost, but with great consequence. D-Day began on the beaches of Normandy.  Most of us have seen movies like The Longest Day and Saving Private Ryan, but I thought I would share a bit of information you may not have seen.  Here is the letter from General Dwight D. Eisenhower, commander and future President of the United States to “the troops”.

“From the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force: Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!;

You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months.  The eyes of the world are upon you.  The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.  In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

Your task will not be an easy one.  Your enemy is well trained, well equipped, and battle-hardened.  He will fight savagely.

But this is the year 1944!  Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41.  The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man to man.  Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground.  Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men.  The tide has turned!  The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!

I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle.  We will accept nothing less than full Victory!  Good Luck!  And let us all beseech the blessing of All mighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.  

Signed, General Dwight D. Eisenhower.”

Although the United Nations was formally established through the efforts of President Franklin Roosevelt in 1945, there was a combined effort previous to the organizations official recognition.  He often referred to the Allied forces, as the United Nations.

The second item to cover is closer and more personal.  Years ago in the Air National Guard I taught CPR classes.  Last Friday, I was at a dining event in Tulsa, and an individual had a full choke experience.  He was going purple in the face.  No one seemed to know what to do.  After I preformed the Heimlich Maneuver (from old memory) the blockage came out and things calmed down.  The point is find an opportunity to learn this and CPR.  You never know when you might save a life, stranger or family.

Don’t forget our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month, at 7:00 PM (June 18th).  Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in May are still planned (if weather permits) and running starting around 0700 till about 0900.  As always, much 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”.