June 6th 1944. The world was going through aggregious hardtimes due to an egomanic despot named Adolf Hitler. June 6th the tide turned. Many sacrificed their lives to end the madness of Hitler. If you have not seen the movie “Saving Private Ryan” you might want to. “The Longest Day” as my generation’s account of the D-Day invasion on the beaches of Normandy France. Our Supreme Allied Commander and future President Gen. Dwight Eisenhower gave the following statement on that day.

“You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven there many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. 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! The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to victory! I have full confidence in you 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 Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.”

Two fronts were in action. Pushing from Normandy beaches was bloody but won the war. My father came up from North Africa, Sicily, all the way through Italy, before being wounded in Germany overturning Nazism. His two Purple Hearts ad heroic Bronze Star for valor under fire inspired me to serve as well.

Don’t forget we have tickets for sale. For only $10.00 [$5.00 goes to the Post] you could win $2,019.00 in cash at the drawing at State Convention in July! The first, second, and third place tickets will win $2,019.00! The next seven winners will get smaller amounts. We also have 100th anniversary American Legion “Challenge’ Coins for $10. They are one of a kind and a collectable item. I got mine, bought a few to present to a few special veteran friends as well.

Regular Legion meetings are the first and third Thursday of the month in June that is the 6th this week. We will be meeting with the Sons of American Legion at 5:00 pm, dinner (if the Chef is up to it) at 6:00 pm and regular meeting at 7:00 pm. Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in June are still scheduled for biscuits and gravy and always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians). Just watch the weather, it is the only factor that my change that. I think the Chef is on duty as we are into the spring. 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”.