Today is National Day of Service and Remembrance, or Patriot’s Day. It is observed in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Please take a moment to reflect on the importance of this day to our country and to remember the first responders who lost their lives trying to rescue people and to those who lost their lives in the planes and in the towers.
Lions set the table
The Sequim Valley Lions Club, supported by the 7 Cedars Resort Properties, is hosting a spaghetti dinner free to veterans from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Sequim VFW, 169 E. Washington St. Guests are $5 a plate. Children younger than 5 are free. There will be live music and random veteran appreciation raffles.
Get Involved
President Trump signed the LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service Act) on July 30. The Act states that the United States has been in a state of war since Dec. 7, 1941. The American Legion sought the declaration as a way to honor 1,600 U.S. service members who were killed or wounded during previously undeclared periods of war.
The LEGION Act also opens the door for about 4.2 million veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.
If you are interested in joining the American Legion please contact Commander Carl at thbkdragon@yahoo.com.
Hearing our voices
The Voices For Veterans Stand Down is on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Clallam County Fairgrounds. Bus transportation is free; just tell the driver you are going to the Stand Down. There will be a hot breakfast and lunch, service providers, doctor, dentist, haircuts, veterinarian services, clothing and camaraderie with fellow veterans.
Please come out and ask questions, get answers, eat good food and enjoy being with fellow veterans. See you there!
Thanks for the space
Many thanks to Rainshadow Storage for donating a storage unit to help veterans organizations. Voices For Veterans is using the unit to stage clothing and equipment for the Oct. 3 Stand Down.
I am using it to accumulate a load of things for Sarge’s Place. Many thanks to Jacque, a DAR member, for providing the unit to help the local veterans.
Thanks also to the Sequim Shipley Center who gave things to veterans moving into apartments from Sarge’s Place from their giant yearly sale.
Bell ringing
The last Friday of the month Bell Ringing for August had 36 names read. This ceremony was conducted in the midst of the construction of the new security fencing around the replica of the Liberty Bell. The three sides are up. The front gates are next.
Many thanks to Patty Pastore and Michelle Barnard who have been cleaning up the park flower beds and trimming the bushes.
And finally …
Happy 72nd birthday to the United States Air Force on Sept. 18.
Contributors: American Legion, Carl Bradshaw, thbkdragon@yahoo.com; MOAA and Voices For Veterans, Lorri Gilchrist, cdrlgilchrist@gmail.com; Marine Corps League, Mark Schildknecht, marana-s@outlook.com ; Korean War Veterans,Jerry Rettela, eletteor@msn.com; VFW 4760, Steve Henrikson, secretary@vfwpost4760.com.
