I hope you all had a safe and memorable Fourth of July!
Many of the groups that I tell you about in this column were in the Port Angeles Parade — Daughters of the American Revolution, Korean War Veterans, etc. It is important to remember why we are celebrating and that patriotism and respect for our country and its flag are necessary in order to keep on celebrating.
While you are on vacation, read a book about the forming of our country or visit a park, museum or city and learn about their role. The next generation needs to understand the difficulties the colonists went through and all they put on the line to declare independence.
Service organizations such as the DAR help to educate and remind us all of our beginnings and others, like the Korean War vets, fought for the principles that came out of the Declaration of Independence.
Greenhouse project rolling right along
Camp Sol Duc in Forks has received $12,500 from the Lloyd J. Allen Charitable Trust toward its greenhouse project. The total budget is $26,900 so they are fundraising to obtain the remaining amount. The goal is to be gardening by spring 2017. This project will provide job training/employment and food for the residents of Camp Sol Duc and Sarge’s Place, both housing for veterans.
If you can donate money, volunteer time/expertise or donate seedling starter grow trays, contact Cheri at ct.sargesplace@gmail.com.
Coming in August
Home Depot’s Annual Veterans Appreciation Day is from
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, in the parking lot. There will be a raffle with proceeds going to the Captain Joseph House, Sarge’s Place and the Outpost. I will list the prizes next month.
On Saturday, Aug. 27, the Sequim American Legion will host the Fourth Annual Turkey Shoot starting at 10 a.m. at the Peninsula Long Rifles camp on Slab Camp Road. Call Carl at 775-1477 for more information. I will have specifics on both in the August column.
Security Services Northwest and Fort Discovery are having their annual celebration dedicated to the men and women who protect our communities and nation from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13. To RSVP by Aug. 10, email jen@ssnwHQ.com or call 877-876-4750. There will be vendors, musical performances, kids’ activities, tours of equipment, K-9 demonstrations and static displays. There will be a shuttle from 7 Cedars Casino to get to the event. From the military they are expecting the Navy EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) from Bangor, the Air Force EOD from Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the Marine Security Forces Bangor. It should be a great time to see what these teams are doing in today’s military. Please let them know you will be attending.
And finally …
Many thanks to the ladies of the Daughters of the American Revolution and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for responding to Sarge’s Place request for blankets and pillows. Every item helps! The veterans appreciate your support.
Contributors: DAR, Janis Flanagan, jflanagan1034@comcast.net; American Legion, Carl Bradshaw, thbkdragon@yahoo.com; MOAA, Lorri Gilchrist, cdrlgilchrist@gmail.com; Marine Corps League, Mark Schildknecht, marana@tfon.com; Korean War Veterans, Jerry Rettela, eletteor@msn.com; Fleet Reserve Association, Marty Arnold, martinarnold2001@yahoo.com.
