Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 1 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y American Legion Post 637 November News Letter Dedicated to the men and woman that served in the United States Military. Their sacrifice maintained our nations safety and security. God bless all Veterans - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow and may God continue to Bless the United States of America. Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 2 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion NEWSLETTER AMERICAN LEGION POST 637 City Hall, 6360 Fountain Square Dr. in Citrus Heights www.Facebook.com/AmericanLegionPost637 F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Sylvia Thweatt - Commander COMMANDERS CORNER RIGHT TO VOTE (Part 1) I am going to tell you a story. This is not a fiction; this was my parents ’ reality. Just imagine for a moment you live in a country where there is only one party. The elections are every 5 years and every single person age 18 and up are required to vote. The elec- tion is coming up but there are no political ads on TV or radio, no mailers or phone calls. That ’ s because there is only one candidate for each seat and no propositions for you to vote on. You do have a choice to vote either on Friday or Saturday but that is it for the choices. Friday is here and you show up at your voting place which is the closest elementary/middle school. You check in to make sure the officials recorded your name and you receive a preprinted bal- lot with one candidate for each position. You then enter the as- signed classroom, drop your ballot into a box and you are done until the next time. I mentioned, every man and woman 18 and up is required to vote. If you don ’ t show up during the election time, they will find you, you will cast your ballot and then they will pun- ish you. Of course there are cases of citizens being very ill, some- thing like deathbed ill, who are truly unable to physically make it to the voting place. Not to worry, their vote is counted as well. The officials visit the voter at home and make sure the ballot makes it to the box. You must be thinking how ridiculous? What a dictator- ship? You are right. That was the voting under the communist leadership. I just want to share this to remind you how fortunate it is to be living here. I know that the current situation is not the best but we are still free. We can continue to be free as long as we fight to preserve what the founding fathers set forth for us and some many died for. It is true that we all have the right to choose to vote, but I believe it ’ s our duty to do so as much as it is our responsibil- ity to make sure we have all the facts before we check the box. Sylvia Thweatt 15 th Amendment prohibits the federal government and each state from denying a citizen the right to vote based on that citizen's "race, color, or previous condition of servitude". It was ratified on February 3, 1870 19 th Amendment prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex. Initially introduced to Congress in 1878, several attempts to pass a women's suffrage amendment failed until 1919 26 th Amendment prohibits the states and the federal government from using age as a reason for denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States who are at least eighteen years old. It was proposed by Congress on March 23, 1971, and ratified on July 1, 1971 Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 3 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion July 4, 2019 Independence Day July 10, 2019 2nd Qtr Ceremony Service at Dixon August 4, 2019 Coast Guard Day August 24, 2019 Veterans Appreciation Picnic September 11, 2019 Patriot Day September 14, 2019 POW/MIA Recognition Day September 18, 2019 Air Force Day September 22, 2019 Sunday Fun Day October 5, 2019 637 Battle of Bands / BBQ October 9, 2019 3rd Qtr Homeless Service at Dixon October 27, 2019 Navy Day November 10, 2019 Marine Corps Day November 11, 2019 Veterans Day December 7, 2019 Pearl Harbor Remembrance December 14, 2019 Wreath Across America And remember - the 3rd Tuesday of each month is the General Meeting for Post 637. We start at 6:30 and meet at the Citrus Heights City Hall in the Community Room. December 17 General Meeting will be our Christmas Potluck Meeting party F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y January 8, 2020 4th Qtr. Homeless Service at Dixon April 6, 2020 Army Day April 9, 2020 1st Qtr Homeless Service at Dixon May 18, 2020 Armed Forces Day May 27, 2020 Memorial Day June 14, 2020 Flag Day/Army Birthday Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 4 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y “ The American dream lives — not only in the hearts and minds of our own countrymen but in the hearts and minds of millions of the world's peo- ple in both free and oppressed societies who look to us for leadership. As long as that dream lives, as long as we continue to defend it, Amer- i c a h a s a f u t u r e , a n d a l l m a n k i n d h a s r e a s o n t o h o p e ” Remarks at the Annual Washington Conference of the American Legion, 1983 Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 5 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Stephan Gall 1st Vice Commander 916 - 215 - 0685 F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y What Happens During a Meeting? This is a fairly brief explanation of what is going on at an American Legion meeting, particularly to help our newer members become more comfortable with our rituals, what is considered our uniform, etc. MEETING FORMAT The Commander follows the opening ceremony which in- cludes posting the colors, the Chaplain ’ s opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Preamble to The American Legion Constitution, and the posting of the POW/MIA flag. Then the Adjutant calls the roll of officers and announces whether there is a Quorum for the meeting to conduct busi- ness and then reads the minutes and the Commander asks for corrections and declares the minutes approved “ as read ” or “ as corrected ”. The Commander then introduces guests and visiting digni- taries and proceeds to Committee reports. Next on the agenda is balloting on proposed new members, sick call / relief / employment reports, Service Officers ’ reports, unfin- ished business, initiation of candidates, new business / cor- respondence, (draping of the colors and memorial prayer if a member has died), good of the Legion (where anyone can bring up any subject except religion or partisan poli- tics), and the closing ceremony which includes the closing prayer and the retirement of the colors, and sometimes the singing of "America, the Beautiful. CAP COLORS The all red cap is for National officers, including our Depart- ment National Executive Committeeman (NEC) and Alter- nate NEC. The all white cap is for Department (state) offic- ers; the blue with white top cap is for District officers (we are in the 6th District); and the all blue cap is for everyone else, including Past National, Department, and District offic- ers. UNIFORM Technically, if you are wearing your American Legion cap, you are in uniform. The most commonly used full uniform includes a Navy - Blue blazer with the American Legion em- blem on the left chest, white shirt with a legion tie, and gray slacks (skirt or slacks for women Legionnaires). The Eisen- hower jacket (Legion buttons) and navy pants with a gold stripe down the legs is still a full uniform (with white shirt and tie). Sometimes, when parading in hot weather, the uniform specified will be white shirt and gray or navy pants. STAND UP / SIT DOWN The presiding officer (usually the Commander) will rap the gavel three times to signal everyone to stand and one time to sit down. COVER / UNCOVER It is proper to remain covered (wear the Legion cap) during parading or saluting the U.S. Flag, reciting the Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion, and during the regular meeting business. It is proper for male Legionnaires to uncover during the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. When uncovering, place the fingers of the right hand inside the front of the cap with the Legion emblem facing out and hold the hand and cap over the heart. SALUTING If wearing the legion cap, the military salute should be exe- cuted for the U. S. Flag. If not wearing the cap, place the right hand over the heart. Old - time Legionnaires often sa- lute the Commander when standing to make a report or to get permission to speak, but it is not required. Once the meeting has started and the US Flag is posted, always sa- lute the Flag when entering or leaving the meeting hall. THE FIELD You will hear mention of "the Field" and about "not break- ing" it. The area between where the U. S. Flag and the Le- gion banner are posted is dedicated to those who lost their lives in service to their country. As such, no one should walk through or reach through the Field - walk around the colors. POW / MIA The POW/MIA flag or chair cover is placed on a chair in front of the Commander ’ s Station during the opening cere- mony. APPROACHING THE PODIUM Always approach the podium around the U. S. Flag and stop to salute it before passing behind it. When leaving the podium, if at all feasible, exit around the legion banner, stopping to again salute the U. S. Flag when clear of the Legion banner. If it is necessary to exit around the US Flag, again salute it before continuing around it. Stephan Gall Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 6 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Veterans Day November 11, 2019 We don ’ t know them all, But we owe them all. Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 7 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Ron Myers Adjutant 916 - 723 - 7324 AMERICAN LEGION POST 637 POST MEETING 10/15/2019 Commander Thweatt opened the meeting at 1830 hours. The flag was saluted, and the opening prayer was read by Chaplin Barry Fitzgerald. The Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble to the Con- stitution of the American Legion were both recited and the MIA/ PW flag was posted. The meeting was then declared convened. Roll was called and all officers were either present or accounted for. Commander Thweatt read a list of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty over the past month. A representative from the River Cats told us that Veterans Appreci- ation Day will be May 23, 2020. Our Post will buy a block of tick- ets and members can sign up for them starting now. See 1 st Vice Steve Gall for more info. A final financial report on the of the Battle of the Bands will be complete by the next post meeting. Adjutant Ron Myers spoke about the possibility of our Post getting national exposure in American Legion Magazine if we can docu- ment the refurbishing of the WWII monument in Rusch Park. JAG James Monteton said the by - laws are ready for submittal to District. After review and approval from District they will return them to us, and we will then vote to accept or deny the changes. Chaplin Barry Fitzgerald said he had spoken with Gail Barney and she is doing well. Also, Judy Ramsey is in attendance and is recov- ering from back surgery. 1 st Vice Steve Gall noted that the sign up for River Cats tickets starts now. 3 rd Vice Alex Candella read a roll call of those who he had called and asked to attend our meeting. One responded. Service Officer James Miranda had met with a veteran he had as- sisted in filing a disability claim and that veteran said he had re- ceived disability benefits as a result of his help. Financial Officer David Paige stated that our Post has $13,522.93 in our checking account and $8,547.35 in our savings account. Commander Thweatt spoke about our BOTB event. We started out with seven potential BBQ entries and ended up with four that showed up. Changes will be made to event next year. Instead of an appreciation dinner, which would cost the post monies we are try- ing to raise, we will send donors a certificate of appreciation and a “ Thank You ” letter. Our Post “ Buddy Check ” is a work in progress. We want current Post members to assist in contacting those who have not renewed. Volunteers are, as always, needed. Upcoming events of interest to our Post are: 10/20 The Pancake Suppa Time, Sunday October 20th from 1730 to1930 hours, 1951 North Avenue, Sacramento CA. Tickets are $10 each or $40 per family of 5. 11/8 HART Spaghetti feed 11/8 all you can eat. $20 at the door. Citrus Heights Community Center. Doors open at 1730 hours and dinner is served starting at 1830 hours. Contact Sylvia Thweatt at 916 - 792 - 9669 for more info. 11/11 Veterans Day Ceremony at Sylvan Cemetery. The parade starts at 1030 hours and the ceremony begins at 1100 hours. 12/14 Wreath Across America Dixon cemetery at 0900 hours with more info to come. 12/17 Post Christmas potluck meeting /party with more info to come. Old business: there was none New business: Steve Gall invited any member alone for Thanksgiving to come to his house and celebrate with his family. James Monteton noted a Blue Star Moms packing party at Rose- ville Veterans Hall November 9 th starting at 0900 hours. The Post web site needs a constant update of its calendar. For the Good of the Legion: there was none. The closing prayer was read by Chaplin Barry Fitzgerald. The MIA/POW flag was retired, and the flag was saluted. The meeting was declared closed at 1922 hours. Ron Myers Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 8 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y The Servicemen ’ s Readjustment Act of 1944 (commonly known as the GI Bill) almost did- n ’ t happen. The battle came down to a deadlocked conference committee in June 1944 that was broken by one of history ’ s most dramatic efforts to get a bill signed into law. Former Illinois Gov. John Stelle, was appointed to lead the committee to distill all of The American Legion ’ s preferred benefits — including free college tuition, vocational training and $20 a week in unemployment pay for a maximum of 52 weeks — into a comprehensive bill containing 10 provisions. Past National Commander Harry W. Colmery of Kansas, in December of 1943, drafted the legislation by hand in a room of the Mayflower Hotel. Several modifications would be made before it reached Congress, but the Servicemen ’ s Readjustment Act of 1944 did not deviate from its 10 key provisions: college education, vocational training, readjustment pay, home and business loans, discharge review, adequate hospitalization, prompt settlement of disability claims, mustering - out pay, employment services and concentration of all these provisions under the Veterans Administration. On March 17, 1944, the measure unanimously passed in the Senate, but the House re- mained stalled until May 18. A conference committee was assembled to marry the Senate and House versions. The House conferees were deadlocked 3 - 3 with the tie - breaking vote, that of Rep. John Gibson, who was in rural Georgia recovering from an illness. The Legion got through to an operator in Atlanta who called Gibson ’ s home every five minutes until he answered at 11 p.m. The Legion, assisted by military and police escorts, then took Gibson on a 90 - mile high - speed trip through a rainstorm to the Jacksonville, Fla., airport where he was flown to Washington, arriving shortly after 6 a.m. He cast the vote to send the bill to the president ’ s desk and promised to make public the name of anyone who would vote against it, along with their reasons. The conference committee tie suddenly became unanimous in favor. On June 22, 1944, flanked by lawmakers and members of The American Legion special committee, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen ’ s Readjustment Act of 1944 into law. The GI Bill Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 9 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 10 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y COURAGE The general public equates courage with acts of potentially great danger where a single individual may stand out as performing an extraordinary feat at a moment of mortal conse- quence. It is different for Infantry. Courage to the Infantry is not a single heroic act at a crucial moment in the unit ’ s life. That is for the movies and award narratives. Rather it is enduring the daily insults of life in a forbidding and unforgiving environment and the willing subordination of the each in favor of the whole. Family first, me second. Courage is best equated with endurance, perseverance and subjugation of the one for the betterment of the whole. It is the patience and confidence to follow someone into the un- known for either a nebulous or uncertain purpose because that is where the family unit is go- ing. Courage is knowing that where you are going, you may not return from but are still go- ing because that is what you must do. And you know that to be true. Courage is doing exactly what is required and how is it is required as training previous- ly taught and the present demands. Courage is doing you job. Courage is an open appreciation of and a willingness to accept the consequences of your actions should bad luck and ill - fortune prevail. Courage is the act of praying to see darkness during the light of day and pray- ing again for the first morning beams of light during the shroud of night. More than anything, Courage is the quality of rejecting the cold choices between per- sonal desires and organizational needs. It is a fixed resolve to keep that during every moment of service. Quitting is easy. Enduring and performing is much harder and the true measure of the person. One moments performance is a potential within every person. Doing what needs to be done every day is a far better mark of the true level of courage that resides within. Ron Myers Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 11 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Dear Legionnaire, The United States has the most comprehensive system of assistance for Veterans of any nation in the world. As the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Congress established a new system of Vet- eran ’ s benefits, including programs for disability compensation, insurance for service personnel and veterans, and vocational rehabilitation for the disabled. By the 1920s, three different federal agencies administered the various benefits: The Veterans Bu- reau, the Bureau of Pensions of the Interior Department, and the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. In 1921, the Legion ’ s efforts resulted in creation of the federal Veterans Bureau (which is now the Veterans Administration) as part of a legislative victory to consoli- date these three agencies. After persistent pressure from The American Legion, the Veterans Administration was created in 1930, solidifying the relationship between the Veteran ’ s organization, rep- resenting the stakeholders, and the federal agency whose responsibility is to ensure efficiency, quality, and timeliness of services for veterans. Over the decades, the VA ’ s role expanded beyond disability benefits and health care. It will take up many of the GI Bill ’ s provisions after June 1944, including education, home and business loans. In 1989, the Veterans Administration was elevated to Cabinet - level status as the De- partment of Veterans Affairs (VA) after supportive lobbying by The American Legion. The Legion fought hard for the change, arguing that veterans deserve representation at the highest levels of government. Today, the Legion continues to lobby for adequate funding to cover medical, disabil- ity, education and other benefits for veterans. These efforts are possible thanks to the commitment of our Legionnaires. As a member of The American Legion, you are helping to advocate for veterans and their families. Some of our legislative priorities include supporting the VA ’ s suicide prevention efforts, creating lifetime electronic health records, reclassifying cannabis for medical research, instituting gender - specific health care for women veterans, and funding programs to end veteran homelessness. American Legion – 100 years old and 2.5 million strong Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 12 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Vet Death Preps Update 01 ► What DoD Will Provide Upon Death Burial in a VA national cemetery -- Every eligible veteran who is entitled to burial in a national cemetery as long as space is available and the following conditions are met: Veter- an was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Veteran was not subsequently convicted for offenses involving prohibited weapons of mass destruction, genocide and inter- national terrorism. With certain exceptions, service beginning after Sept. 7, 1980, as an en- listed person and service after Oct. 16, 1981, as an officer must have served for a mini - mum of 24 months or the full period for which the person was called to active duty. For a description of requirements refer to www.cem.va.gov Burial benefits in a VA national cemetery include the following: gravesite, headstone, marker or medallion, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care of the grave site. Many national cemeteries have columbaria or gravesites for cremated remains. Gravesites in national cemeteries cannot be reserved. Many national cemeteries are closed to new casket in- terments. Funeral directors or others making burial arrangements must apply at the time of death. Spouses and minor children of eligible veterans and of servicemembers may also be buried in a national cemetery. If a surviving spouse of an eligible veteran marries a nonveteran, and remarriage was terminated by death or divorce of the non - veteran, the spouse is subsequently eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Visit the National Cemetery Administration website at www.cem.va.gov for a listing of all national cemeteries and state veterans cemeteries. Send questions on benefits eligibility to VA at public.inquiry@mail.va.gov. Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 13 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Sacramento County Veterans Services Established in 1946 by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, Veterans Services is respon- sible for providing benefit entitlement determinations, claim development, claim filing, advocacy, and case management services to the veterans population of Sacramento County. DHA Veterans Services can assist you with the following: Service - Connected Disability Compensation Benefits Non Service - Connected Disability Pension Benefits Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Benefits Death Pension Benefits Aid & Attendance Entitlement VA Medical Care Eligibility & Access Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits California College Fee Waiver Program VA Life Insurance State Veterans Homes Requests for Military Records Discharge Upgrade Information Burial Benefits Other Ancillary Benefits & Programs - The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In Person: 2007 19th Street Sacramento CA 95818 Phone: 916 - 874 - 6811 or E - mail: DHA - VET@saccounty.net ( Information thanks to County Supervisor Sue Frost) Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 14 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y History of the United States Marine Corps The history of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) begins with the founding of the Continental Marines on 10 November 1775 to conduct ship - to - ship fighting, provide shipboard security and discipline enforcement, and assist in landing forces. Its mission evolved with changing military doctrine and foreign policy of the United States. Owing to the availability of Marine forc- es at sea, the United States Marine Corps has served in nearly every conflict in United States history. It attained prominence when its theories and practice of amphibi- ous warfare proved prescient, and ultimately formed a cornerstone of the Pacific Theater of World War II. By the early 20th century, the Marine Corps would become one of the dominant theorists and practitioners of am- phibious warfare. Its ability to rapidly respond on short notice to expeditionary crises has made and continues to make it an important tool for American foreign policy. In February 1776, the Continental Marines embarked on their maiden expedition. The Continental Marines were disbanded at the end of the war, along with the Conti- nental Navy. In preparation for the Quasi - War with France, Congress created the United States Navy and the Marine Corps. The Marines' most famous action of this period occurred in the First Barbary War (1801 – 1805) against the Barbary pirates. In the Mexican – American War (1846 – 1848), the Marines made their famed assault on Chapultepec Palace, which overlooked Mexico City, their first major expeditionary venture. In the 1850s, the Marines would see service in Panama, and in Asia. The Marine Corps played only a minor role during the Civil War (1861 – 1865); their most important task was blockade duty and other ship - board battles, but were mobilized for a handful of operations as the war progressed. The remainder of the 19th century would be a period of declining strength and introspection about the mission of the Marine Corps. Under Commandant Jacob Zeilin ’ s term (1864 – 1876), many Marine customs and traditions took shape. During the Spanish – American War (1898), Marines would lead American forces ashore in the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, demonstrating their readiness for deployment. Between 1900 and 1916, the Marine Corps continued its record of participation in foreign expeditions, especially in the Caribbean and Central and South America, which in- cluded Panama, Cuba, Veracruz, Haiti, Santo Domingo, and Nicaragua. In World War I, battle - tested, veteran Marines served a central role in the United States' entry into the conflict. Between the world wars, the Marine Corps was headed by Major General John A. Lejeune, another popular commandant. In World War II, the Marines played a central role in the Pacific War, participating in nearly every significant battle. The Corps also saw its peak growth as it expanded from two brigades to two corps with six divisions, and five air wings with 132 squad- rons. During the battle for Iwo Jima, photographer Joe Rosenthal took the famous photo Raising of the Flag on Iwo Jima of five Marines and one Navy corpsman rais- ing the American flag on Mount Suribachi. The Korean War (1950 – 1953) saw the 1st Provisional Marine Bri- gade holding the line at the Battle of Pusan Perimeter, where Marine helicopters (VMO - 6 flying the HO3S1 helicopter) made their combat debut. The Marines also played an important role in the Vietnam War at battles such as Da Nang, Huế, and Khe Sanh. The Marines op- erated in the northern I Corps regions of South Vietnam and fought both a constant guerilla war against the Viet Cong and an off and on conventional war against North Vietnamese Army regulars. Marines went to Beirut dur- ing the 1982 Lebanon War on 24 August. On 23 Octo- ber 1983, the Marine barracks in Beirut was bombed, causing the highest peacetime losses to the Corps in its history. Marines were also responsible for liberating Kuwait during the Gulf War (1990 – 1991), as the Army made an attack to the west directly into Iraq. The I Ma- rine Expeditionary Force had a strength of 92,990 mak- ing Operation Desert Storm the largest Marine Corps operation in history. Happy Birthday Marines Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 15 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Veterans Gallery – Veterans Building 401 Van Ness Ave San Francisco, CA Now - Through December 26, 2019 Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 16 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y In Memory of the fallen Police Officer That died Post 637, On the 21st day of each month, we ask that all of you take a moment to show your support by remembering those who were prisoners of war (POW) and those who are still miss- ing in action (MIA), as well as their families. The Chaplain ’ s Corner Barry Fitzgerald Chaplain 916 - 692 - 5140 THE SUN STILL SHINING They looked...and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. Exodus 16:10 Without the clouds we wouldn't be shielded from the burning sun. Without the clouds there would be no lavish sunsets, no beneficial rain no beauti- ful landscapes. The same is true with life's clouds. When hard times come, we easi- ly get discouraged. But behind the clouds God is still present, and can even use them to water our souls with unexpected blessings. Longfellow once wrote, "Be still, sad heart, and cease repining; behind the clouds is the sun still shining." As God's people wan- dered in the wilderness, He declared, "Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud" (Exodus 19:9). Each of us experiences clouds in life - sometimes slight, but sometimes dark and frightening. Whatever clouds you face today, ask Jesus, the light of the world, to help you look behind the cloud to see His glory and His plans for you. HOPE FOR TODAY Help me, Lord, not to allow the clouds of the day to prevent me from seeking Your face. May I, like Moses, behold enough to approach the thick darkness (Exodus 20:21) if that is where Your presence is found. (this was taken from the Devotional Book "Hope for Each Day" by Billy Gra- ham) Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 17 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y The Tomb of the Unknowns On November 11, 1921, President Har- ding presided over the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknowns, also commonly called the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which original- ly honored fallen American servicemen from World War I whose remains had not been iden- tified. Congress approved the creation of the memorial in March 1921. To ensure that the identity of the American really was unknown, the bodies of four unidentified WWI service- men were disinterred from various French cemeteries. They were placed in identical cas- kets and brought to Chalons - sur - Marne, France, where Sgt. Edward F. Younger, a war hero, selected one of the four caskets at ran- dom during a ceremony at the city hall on Oc- tober 24. The selected casket was placed on board the USS Olympia during another ceremony and sent to the United States, where it arrived on November 9. The casket was brought with much dignity to the Capitol, where the casket was put on public display on the 10th. An esti- mated 90,000 people came to pay their re- spects to the Unknown Soldier — so many that the rotunda was kept open until midnight to accommodate them all. On the morning of November 11, the newly declared Armistice Day holiday, the enormous funeral procession for the Unknown Solider proceeded from the Capitol to Arling- ton National Cemetery. During the funeral at Arlington ’ s Memorial Amphitheater, President Harding gave a speech and bestowed the Med- al of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross on the Unknown Soldier; other nations also bestowed their highest honors. The casket was then moved to the tomb, where a funeral service was read, and then of- ficials and dignitaries laid wreaths and other tributes. The funeral ended with the playing of Taps and a 21 - gun salute. At the time of the burial, the tomb had yet to be completed. The marble structure that now stands was installed in 1932 and bears the inscription “ Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier Known but to God. ” Un- known soldiers representing the fallen of World War II and the Korean War were laid to rest at the monument in 1958. A soldier from the Vietnam War was interred at the monument in 1984, but through DNA testing the body was positively identified in 1998 and returned to his family. Jim Monteton Judge Advocate Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 18 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y POST 637 POST OFFICE R ’ S Alex Candela 3rd Vice Commander 916 - 990 - 4895 Sylvia Thweatt Commander 916 - 792 - 9669 Ron Myers Adjutant 916 - 723 - 7324 Jim Monteton JAG Officer 916 - 726 - 9390 James Miranda Service Officer 530 - 919 - 5255 Jack Mintz Photographer 916 - 966 - 9041 Stephan Gall 1st Vice Commander 916 - 215 - 0685 Richard Tkach Assist. Sgt. at Arms 916 - 723 - 1932 Barry Fitzgerald Chaplain 916 - 692 - 5140 Vacant Assist. Service Officer David Paige Finance Officer 916 - 801 - 8554 Vacant Assist. Chaplain Maynard Johnson 2nd Vice Commander 916 - 331 - 8716 Tom Sullivan Sgt. at Arms Jim Monteton Historian Officer 916 - 726 - 9390 Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 19 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y I am very proud to announce that earlier this week, Sacramento County approved an ordinance that provides FREE business licenses to Veterans. This was an effort that I have been pushing for since I took office last year, because I believe we should do whatever we can as a county to support and honor our local veterans. Our veterans have made enormous sacrifices, and this is a small way we can acknowledge their service. To be eligible for this fee waiver, an individual must be a Veteran of the armed services, who has been honorably discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions from any branch of the United States military. The Tax and License Collector may require documentation as proof of military service and honorable discharge or release status to verify applicant eligibility. For more information about business licensing, click the link below: http://www.finance.saccounty.net/Tax/Pages/BusLicFAQ.aspx Volume 8 Issue 11 - November 2019 Page 20 Published Monthly By Post 637 Of The American Legion Post Membership 637 If you have not yet renewed your membership, please do as soon as possible. As of October 6 th, we at a low 58.46% of those renewed. I know it is all too easy to put your renewal notice away or put it to the “ later ” pile, but it is important that you renew now. The 2020 year membership numbers are as follows: Source Goal 2020 Paid % as of Post 637 260 152 58.46 11 - 2 - 2019 * This include New Member ’ s & Transfers Dues for the new year 2020 is $45.00 which covers July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 Mail checks to: David Paige American Legion Post 637, P O Box 1, Citrus Heights, CA 95611 MEMBERSHIP NEWS NEXT MEETING Tuesday November 19, 2019 6:30 pm Citrus Heights City Hall 6360 Fountain Square Dr. Citrus Heights, Ca. F O R G O D - F O R C O U N T R Y - A N D C O M M U N I T Y Ron Myers Adjutant 916 - 723 - 7324