a message from bob davis - vfw8696 2016.pdfa message from bob davis it is memorial day 2016. in...
TRANSCRIPT
A Message from Bob Davis
It is Memorial Day 2016. In cemeteries across the country flags flutter, flowers grace the graves of the departed, and bugles sound the mournful notes of Taps. The crowds paying tribute, however, have grown sparse.
Begun as a way to honor Civil War dead, the
commemoration was long called Decoration Day from
the practice of decorating graves. The observance was
held on May 30 no matter the day of the week. Since
1971, Memorial Day has been observed on the last
Monday in May as the end of a federally mandated
three-day weekend. Now firmly ingrained as the
traditional start of the summer season, the solemn
reasons behind the day have faded despite the
continuing sacrifices of so many.
Seventy one years ago, it was very different. Memorial
Day 1945 marked an uneasy time of mixed emotions.
There was celebration, remembrance, and dread. World
War II in Europe was over by three weeks and no more
battle casualties would join the rows of crosses planted
from North Africa to the beaches of Normandy and
across France into Germany. But the war in the Pacific
still raged. Many Americans who had fought in Europe
feared they would be going to the other side of the globe
to continue the fight against Japan rather than back to
the States for a victorious homecoming.
In the far Pacific, forces led by Admiral Chester W.
Nimitz battled to wrap up the invasion of Okinawa, a
long and bloody struggle that cost the lives of more than
12,000 American soldiers, sailors, and marines, including
U.S. Tenth Army commander Simon Bolivar Buckner. In
the southwest Pacific, having fulfilled his promise to
return to the Philippines, General Douglas MacArthur
sought to complete his occupation of the islands and
plan the final assault against Japan. In the Pacific that
year, Memorial Day observances were particularly
solemn. Fresh graves were decorated in cemeteries with
names largely unknown a year earlier: Saipan, Peleliu,
Leyte, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. The question that could
not yet be answered was how many more graves and
cemeteries would be required to end the war. On Saipan,
a special service was held for crews of B-29 bombers lost
in the air war against Japan’s home islands. Their final
resting places were unknown.
In the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt intended to pay
a quiet visit to her husband Franklin’s fresh grave at
Hyde Park, but found instead an overflowing crowd of
well-wishers. Among the tributes to the fallen leader was
a wreath sent by the current president, Harry Truman. It
was laid on Roosevelt’s grave to honor the man who had
led America longer than any other president and died
within sight of victory.
Truman also sent a message to a “Salute to the GI’s of
the United Nations” rally in Madison Square Garden. The
new president emphasized the four essential human
freedoms long articulated by Roosevelt: freedom of
speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and
freedom from fear. The American Secretary of State and
the Soviet Ambassador to the United States were in
attendance. Each praised American-Soviet cooperation in
the war and expressed hopes for a long-lasting peace.
In Chicago, an estimated 750,000 citizens turned out to
cheer General Mark W. Clark, a veteran of the long,
frustrating Italian campaign. Clark had made a surprise
flight from Paris to Chicago to lead a parade down State
Street to observances at Grant Park. Clark expected to
receive orders momentarily to report to the Pacific.
On the West Coast, ports and shipyards continued to fill
supply lines with men and materiel in anticipation of
bitter and costly invasions to come. Yet, there was also
the anticipation of hordes of returning servicemen.
Newspapers warned veterans to be wary of scams that
purported to offer college benefits.
In the tiny hamlet of Airmount west of New York City,
Jesse Tompkins was one of the few Civil War veterans
still living. Two weeks shy of 98, he spent the day at his
home reading newspapers and listening to the radio.
Quoted as saying he had seen enough parades,
Tompkins would not live to see Japan’s surrender.
Mercifully for all, it came later that summer.
On that Memorial Day seventy years ago—a day one
newspaper called “a day of dedication”—there was
indeed hope that battlefields would become relics of the
past. Such has not been the case. No one foresaw then
the places American soldiers, sailors, marines, and
airmen, as well as coast guard personnel, firefighters,
and law enforcement officers, would be required to make
a stand. To the World War II names would be added
Chosin Reservoir in Korea, Khe Sanh and Pleiku in
Vietnam, Kirkuk in Iraq, the Korangal Valley of
Afghanistan, the World Trade Center, and a thousand
others at home and around the world.
On this Memorial Day, we honor the sacrifices of prior
generations. We honor the sacrifices of the men and
women next door who have served or continue to serve
our country. And we pledge never to forget the true
meaning of Memorial Day. We would not have the
privilege of celebrating this day and honoring so many
memories without the sacrifices of those who gave their
last full measure of devotion.
New Of ficers andCommittee members for 2016-2017
The results from the April elections,
Commander----------------- Steve JacksonSr. Vice Commander------ Bob DavisJr. Vice Commander------ Keith TremblayChaplin----------------------- Terry HowardKitchen Chairman--------- Mike Vaccarro 3yr 3 yr term--------------------- Robert Banks Trustee----------------------- David Lydon
New Auxiliary Of ficer for 2016-2017
President ------------------- Marie RobinsonSr. Vice president --------- Eileen PiekarskiJr. Vice President --------- Millie MaximTreasurer ------------------ Kathy EnriquezChaplain ------------------- Chrissy PadovanoConductress -------------- Shirley CorteseGuard ---------------------- Barbara Kemper3 yr Trustee --------------- Katie Stark2 yr Trustee --------------- Pat Davis1 yr Trustee --------------- Rae Ambach
VFW Cruise 20177 Day cruise on Holland America
Details coming soon, Fliers are up at the post.
DUTY OFFICER For AprilThe following is the list of scheduled DutyOfficers for the month of April. The closing of thePost is an important responsibility for oursecurity and the safety of our bartenders. It's nothard work, but it must be done. If you have anyquestions or are not sure as to what to do, askTom Piekarski and we'll walk you through it. Ifyour scheduled time conflicts with some otheractivity, Please let Tom know ahead of time (597-2756) or switch with someone else.
If your not on the list, but could spare one night amonth, again please call Tom. Thank you!
Sunday BAR Steve Jackson Monday BAR Nemo Farmer Tuesday BAR Jerry Ambach Weds. BAR Don Farron Weds. 5/18 VFW / AUX Meeting Rick Enriquez Thursday After Bingo, Bingo Committee Friday After Dinner Dance, Doug Bentley Saturday BAR Bill Forget
From the Auxiliary ChaplainIf any auxiliary members know of a member that is sick , or has a family member who has died please let meknow. Also if you know of a auxiliary member that has died advise of the date theypassed. Call me at 386-445-8253Thanks,Mary Beck, ChaplainVFW 8696 Auxiliary
From Tom Piekarski
we are looking for volunteers for twoareas:
1. We need volunteers to close the post(DUTY OFFICERS) they would be onstandby for when the regulars are sick oraway. I will train them on what to do andgive them a printed check list for thesame.
2. We need volunteers for the newposition at the POST call informationsecretary. This is a position where theywould be at the front double door by atable. Their job would be to answer thePost phone and direct or give informationto walk in visitors. A logbook would bemaintained so we would have a record ofall business that transpires. The book hasbeen started and Mondays and Fridays iscovered, but Tuesdays, Wednesdays, andThursdays are open. I will train thoseindividuals that need to be trained by conacting my E-mail, [email protected] orhome phone 386-597-2756.
Fundraiser for VFW 8696 GALLERY OF LOCAL ART: "Art is the Flower of the Soul" will be presented May 6-31, with a fundraiser
raffle of flower paintings by GOLA artists. The net proceeds will be donated to VFW Post 8696 in Palm Coastin honor of Memorial Day. The art show starts May 6th with a reception from 5-8 P.M. at the gallery. Our firstGallery of Local Art Annual Tea Party will be held May 15, at 2 P.M. in GOLA's Garden; it's $10 per person
and includes tea, food, a jewelry fashion show, an art demonstration and other surprise activities. For tickets ormore information, call 386-439-6659 or go to galleryoflocalart.com. The gallery is located at 208 S. Central
Av., Flagler Beach, Fl. 32136 and is open from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. daily including Sunday.
VFW Post 8696VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS 47 Old Kings Rd. N. Palm Coast Fl 32137 (386)446-8696 P.O. Box 351003
Palm Coast FL 32135Post Fax 446-4474Post [email protected] [email protected] website: www.vfw8696.com May 2016
An Association of VeteransWho Have FoughtAmerica's Foreign Warson Land, at Sea, and in the Air