Leighton Evatt Post 365

Department of Illinois

1022 Vandalia Avenue

Collinsville, Illinois 62234

618-345-2508

 

Serving the Community, State, and Nation

 

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Memorial Day Parade, May 28, 2001

Pictures from Veterans Day Parade for 2001 (Click here to view)

Social Nite

SAL News

Photo taken by Christopher Adair

 

 

 

Commanders Corner

December 7th and September 11th

I was 13 years old on Sunday, December 7, 1941, when we heard about the news of the suprise attack in Pearl horbor. In my small world of that time, Pearl Harbor was in a "far away place." As time progessed, we later learned about the atrocities committed by the evil leaders of the Japanese Empire and Nazi Germany. The cultures of the two nations were a terrible shock to our nation.

I was nearly 73 years old on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, when our nation and the civilized world were shocked beyond belief by the actions of cruel, ruthless, almost incomrehensible actions of the terrorists who struck our nation.

In my opinion, the perpetrators of these actions in any degree deserve to be "compromised" by the most expedient means. These people and any who may support them, do not belong in the society of respectable people. We should not tolerate their actions.

To the families of the victims, we offer our deepest condolemces as we suffer the grief of their loss with them. may God bless the victims, their families and our nation!

We are kicking off the 2001-2002 Post year and we hope to do some interesting things as the year progresses. We are still in the process of complying with the Army regulations that govern our use and possessions of not only our ceremonial rifles but our 155-mm howitzer as well. All of the requirements must be met before the Army will proceed with our request for a helicopter to mounted in our park area. Cobra gun ships are available from time to time but we have indicated even a Huey would be acceptable. What we get and when we get it, is an open question.

You may have noticed some fund raising activities designated for building a monument that will replace our current one. Tenative plans would include not only our national flag but flags from all of the Armed Forces and a POW/MIA flag as well. Hopefully,we will be able to illuminate the flags and perhaps include a small fountain and pool.

We have ordered some interesting lapel or cap pins that are specifically designed for our Post. The pins indentify our Post and will include a representation of our howitzer as a particularly identifiable symbol. The pins are on sale ($3.50) and all profits will be used to help build our proposed monument.

Our Post functions through the efforts of our members and, believe it or not, nonmember volunteers who roll up their sleeves and pitch in to help us achieve our goals. Our Post does not survive on the dues that you and I pay. The major portion of your dues does not remain in the Post but goes to higher levels of the American Legion. Thenhow do we operate financially? Hall rentals help but they cannot porvide sufficient income. The Pull-Tabs make a contribution..still not enough. So then what? the Friday Fish Fry! The fish fry is the major source of income. however, the fish Fry does not just happen. The volunteers make it happen. So what is the point? The point is where are you, what are you doing next Friday? Some say, "I can't, I am too old, busy, tired, or whatever. Well, tell that to our faithful, loyal 90 year old, who works the fish fry every week rain or shine. So let's go and take part! Get involved in some way. Our General membership meetings are at 7 PM ion the second Monday of each month. Even if you can't participate in other activities, come to the meetings because all of you are important! It is your Post and we can all make it better!

Freeman Hopper, Commander

Post 365

Fish Fry

Patrons enjoying their fish dinners outdoors on the post grounds.

 

Post 365 Fish Fry (Click here to see pictures)

 

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