Arthur Veterans Newsletter      

        Post 11456                                                                                                                               Post 0479

 A publication of the Arthur-Lovington VFW Post 11456, RR2, Box 84A, Arthur, IL 61911; Tel: 543-3837; Web Page: geocities.com/paris/rue/6494  

Vol. 9   No. 1                                                                                                                                                                            March 2000                           

Pentagon and New Law to Honor Deceased Veterans.  As of this last year, the Pentagon, by law, must provide at least rudimentary funeral honors to each eligible veteran desiring them.  Spurred by complaints from families who were unable to arrange military honors for their loved ones, Congress last summer ordered the armed services to send at least two active-duty or reserve troops to fold and present an American flag to the survivors and to play a rendition of “Taps”.  While applauding the idea of funeral honors for each veteran, the Pentagon says a combination of base closings, deep personnel cuts and rising veteran deaths has left it strapped when it comes to such duties.  Never the less, the military says it will find a way to comply.  Under the congressional order, at least one of the honor guard members must come from the service of the veteran.  Veterans and their families should not expect a bugler to attend, as there is a shortage of them in the service.  That means that a recorded version is more likely to be played.  Honors will not be provided automatically, the Pentagon says.  To be eligible, the veteran must have served in the active military and been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.  Members and veterans of the Selected Reserves also rate the honors.  Funeral directors will be responsible for contacting the military to arrange for a ceremony.  An 800 number (800-milhonor) is available now for the directors.  An Internet site http://www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil/ is also available.

Cold War Recognition Service Program.  All members of the armed forces and federal government personnel who faithfully served the United States during the Cold War era, September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991, are eligible for a Cold War Recognition Certificate.  Any official government or military document with recipient’s name, Social Security Number/Military Service Number/Foreign Service Number and date of service may be sent to Cold War Recognition, 4035 Ridge Top Road, Fairfax, VA 22020-745 or fax to 800-723-9262

American Legion News.  The next meeting date will be the 18^th of March, Saturday, at the Dutch Oven Restaurant at 0800. The “iBelong” program is an Internet initiative by the national Headquarters to allow Legion members to do a lot of different things “on-line”.  Check out the web site: www.legion.ibelong.com there is a lot of good information available in this site.  The VFW will also meet on the 18^th of March at the Dutch Oven and will conduct business as needed, after the Legion meeting.  Medical Watch.  Keep Joe Trower in your prayers.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!