WHY I JOINED THE AMERICAN LEGION
Why did I decide to get more involved in the American Legion after being out of the service 52 years?
Having a loving family came first and which included any and all activities everyone was involved in. Being a professional small business owner for 44 years took up a large percentage of my time. Even though I have been a member for several years, it is now time to get involved and help veterans to ensure they know the gratitude of other veterans that have served. Pretty much everyone, male or female, I have met with and talked to, are the same general age as myself. We have different stories, different limitations, but we all have our stories of what it was like in the earlier years. It does not matter if you were drafted for a 2 year term or enlisted and spent many years as an officer. Some were very fortunate and did not see battle while others were wounded and have various health conditions. Every soldier in all branches of the armed forces went through a genre of experiences.
Since becoming involved, I have met several others who are members for the same reason – to support everyone who has given part of their life to help keep this country safe and say “I am proud to be an American”, the land of the free and home of the brave.
Being a member of the Honor Guard and being a part of the Rifle Brigade for funerals of other veterans who have passed, has been very rewarding. The gratitude of the families shows on their faces and the public expresses their respect for the lost veteran in their appreciation for the Honor Guard and the Rifle Brigade. For most of the funerals, the families and attendees personally than the Honor Guard and Rifle Brigade for their OWN service in the protection of our United States of America. When a young person stands along a parade route and at full attention holding the hand salute until you return one to him is a very powerful statement of how much young children are being taught respect for what the flag stands for, which is what veterans, past and present, have served the United States of America for. The schools need to be given credit for continuing with the Pledge of Allegiance to start each day.
Since becoming an active member of the American Legion, I have become aware of the need of assistance in the recruiting endeavor for more veterans to join and get involved with reaching out to those needing our thanks, encouragement and respect, so they know they are not forgotten. As current members age, new members are needed to assist families of any deceased veteran with whatever is needed. Someday it could be your family that needs support. Several of my family members have received the same support system we are providing today. It makes a person very proud and humble to know their service mattered.
In addition to honoring any deceased veteran, new members are always urged to become involved with other aspects of the American Legion because the general public needs to be aware of other services and events available to be enjoyed thorough out the year.
The American Legion is here to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. There is also a group called the “The American Legion Auxiliary”. The families get together for several events. Children have the opportunity to learn how the Legion helps the local area.
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