As if we needed another reason to conclude that our country is headed in the wrong direction, or will be if certain of our elites have their way, I now see that New Jersey legislators have UNANIMOUSLY voted for a bill that overturns a State law requiring that schools teach about Veterans Day in the public schools.  The same bill also eliminates requirements to teach about Columbus around Columbus Day and the Pilgrims at Thanksgiving.  There is no word on whether the Governor will veto this bill or not.
   Being a veterans' organization, our primary concern is the elimination of the Veterans Day mandate, though certainly the other two are no less serious.  The debt we owe our veterans for their sacrifices to protect the freedoms we enjoy should never be forgotten, even during times of relative peace and prosperity.  To take this action now, at a time when our troops are actively fighting an enemy who has vowed to destroy us, is the height of folly.  The fact that even more of our young people will soon be sent in harm's way only adds to the insult of this action by some of our elected representatives.
   This vote clearly shows how skewed the values are of many of our cultural and political elite (not that there is any shortage of other evidence).  One of the legislators was quoted as saying he did not think it was appropriate to dictate what the schools have to teach.  I haven't noticed any reluctance to tell schools what to teach when it supports their political agenda; especially when that agenda runs counter to values held by most Americans.
   If you hadn't heard of this before it's not surprising.  I don't think it has received much coverage in the mainstream media.  I would anticipate that the American Legion and other veterans' organizations will try to address this issue as forcefully and publicly as they can.  Let's hope some sanity finally prevails with our legislators and educators.

-Mark Weldon, Commander

   The American Legion Auxiliary has (5) major programs; Americanism, Children and Youth, Community Service, Junior Activities and VA&R (veteran affairs and rehabilitation).  I would like to use this column to give you a little information about these programs beginning this month with my favorite, Americanism.
   The Auxiliary's Americanism program promotes patriotism and responsible citizenship.  Its goal is to educate every citizen on the fundamentals of American government and the value of active, informed involvement in the home, in the Auxiliary organization and in the community.  Most successful Americanism programs are cooperative efforts between Auxiliary Units and their communities.
   How does Massillon Unit #221 promote Americanism?  We offer Flag Education classes to area elementary schools that focus on the history of our flag, how to respect and display it, and concludes with a question and answer period.  We work with the Legion to offer both the Oratorical and the Americanism and Government Test each year to area high school students with the opportunity to win awards and scholarships.  We sponsor debates and essay contests, present flags as well as educational material on Flag Etiquette and the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance.
   Because Canton is the county seat of Stark County, Naturalization Ceremonies for new citizens take place on a monthly basis.  Massillon Unit #221 has gained a reputation for attending these ceremonies to offer each new citizen refreshments and congratulations as well as individual American flags and a laminated book mark that tells the Poppy Story.
   Another aspect of Americanism is our "Get out the Vote" campaign.  Town hall meetings are held to help voters "meet the candidates."  Auxiliary members offer to babysit or drive voters to the polls so that everyone can have the chance to make their voice heard by casting a ballot.
   A premier part of the Auxiliary's Americanism program is Buckeye Girls' State.  This program is an in-depth, hands-on opportunity for girls of high school age to learn about the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of good citizenship.  By getting involved in the process, Ohio's young women learn more about City, County, and State government in one week than they will learn in an entire semester of high school.
   Each year, Massillon Unit #221 interviews and selects 14 to 16 junior girls from area high schools to attend Buckeye Girls' State as delegates representing our unit.  These young ladies return to our communities as better informed citizens and voters.  They are then invited to attend a dinner given at the post in their honor and tell stories about the impact this single week made in their lives.
   The American Legion Auxiliary's Americanism program is all this and much more.  If you would like to get involved - or if you have any questions - please feel free to contact me at (330) 477-9844 or ask any Massillon Unit #221 member.

-Martha Lee Thatcher, Unit President

   It's a conversation starter or it could be.  In our business lots of veterans have tattoos, especially those squids.  It's one of those "common bonds" veterans have.  Regardless of our brand of service, we can be comfortable that we have a lot in common.
   As discussed before, as legionnaires it's one of our responsibilities to perpetuate membership.  It's not always easy, but it can be.
   I recently opened a conversation with "What is that tattoo?"  It flowed easily from there; Navy, 1960/1964, you're invited to join the American Legion.  I didn't get dues of DD-214 yet, but he didn't say no.
   Keep trying please.  We need your help.  We are getting close.  Help me make Commander Weldon a "QUOTA" Commander.  He deserves it.  We are, as of this writing, at 86% of our goal for the year with 610 paid members.
   Introduce yourself and please welcome the newest members to Post 221:
 

-Rich Patti, First Vice Commander

   On January 22, 1943 the U.S.A.T. Dorechester (a troop ship) left New York bound for Greenland.  At about 1:00 A.M. on February 3rd the Dorchester was torpedoed without warning by a German submarine, 90 miles off the coast of Greenland.  Of the 904 persons on board, only 229 were saved.  Among the 675 who perished were four Chaplains; 1st Lt. George L. Fox (Methodist), 1st Lt. Alexander D. Goode (Jewish); 1st Lt. Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed) and 1st Lt. John P. Washington (Roman Catholic).
   When the ship went down, survivors saw these four men of God standing on the deck with heads bowed in prayer.  They had given up their personal life jackets so that others might live.  Their calm demeanor helped save many lives.
   On Sunday, February 11, 2007 we will observe the sixty-fourth anniversary of the sacrifice of these four Chaplains with a service to be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 107 Sixth Street S.W. Massillon beginning at 9:15 A.M.  This is a program supported and sponsored by Massillon American Legion Post 221.
   Please join us on the 11th to hear the complete story of the 4 Chaplains.  After the short service, we will walk to the nearby Viaduct bridge - renamed the Four Chaplains Memorial Viaduct - to commemorate their heroism with Taps and a rifle salute.

-Francis H. Elmerick, Chairman
Four Chaplains Committee

   This is a remider to everyone (Legionnaires, Auxiliary members, and S.A.L. members) to come out and support the Sons of the American Legion as we hold our breakfast on Saturday, February 17th.  This will help everyone get a jump start on the Presidents' Day Weekend!  We will be having pancakes, bacon, home fries, eggs, coffee, juice, and milk.  You can't even get this kind of deal at McDonald's for $4.  And remember, you will be supporting your S.A.L., so please come on out and invite your friends!  This event will be held from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.
   And now a little bit on a program that the S.A.L. has.  The Five-Point Program of Service is a study program which focuses on five "Points" of the star (See the star in our emblem?)  The five points represent Patriotism, Citizenship, Discipline, Leadership, and Legionism.  Some of our squadron members will be completing this program in order to earn the Five-Star Award.  If you are interested in completing this program, call the legion at (330) 833-4545 or my cell phone at (330) 933-2349.

For God and Country
-Ben Gutscher, Commander

   16 dedicated Legionnaires provided military honors at 95 veterans' funerals in 2006.  In addition, the Post 221 Honor Guard provided honors at four casket services while Bill Matthews, Post 221 Chaplain, conducted Legion services.
   Of these 95 funerals, 65 were for local area veterans and 30 were for veterans at Western Reserve National Cemetery.  It is also important to note that (12) of the local funerals were for Post 221 members.
   Our Honor Guard is also called upon to display the (50) large American flags that line the main road into Western Reserve National Cemetery for both national holidays and military services for active duty veterans.  This involves two trips for each holiday; to put the flag up and then to take them down, fold and store - and event hat took place on (6) occasions in 2006.
   Statistics for 2006 are as follows:

Honor Guard Sgt.
C. Richard Thatcher

From Otto Galey:  One pair of WW2 Air Force pants.

From David Frost:  Red & Yellow 19th Division Artillery banner.

   Bring in to the museum all of those war mementoes that no one has seen for years and I'll put them on display where they can be seen by many people.

DID YOU KNOW?

Terrorist acts against the United States:

1984 - A suicide bomb attack on the U.S. Embassy in East Beirut, Lebanon kills 23.

1985 - A TWA flight is hijacked en route to Rome from Athens.  Eight crew members and 145 passengers are held for 17 days.  A U.S. Navy diver is murdered.

(continued next month)

-John Tsocheff

ATTENTION MEMBERS!  YOU MUST HAVE YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD WITH YOU TO BE SERVED ALCOHOL.  NO EXCEPTIONS!
NO CARD - NO SERVICE! - TAVERN NOW NON-SMOKING
 

WEDNESDAY SPECIALS FOR FEBRUARY