Adjutant’s Report May 2001

Sorry to say, we still are adding to those who have given their last  

full measure, with no end in sight. 

When the time comes, you can help your loved ones with your  

request for Military Honors by doing some simple things now. 

First, if you desire Military Honors during your memorial service,  

you need to talk with your family, so they know your wishes. 

Second, find your DD214 or discharge papers, again, tell your  

family their location, this is a key piece in requesting Military  

Honors that are provided by DOD personal. 

May is the month we pause to remember those who have given  their last full measure. 

May 5, 1868 

On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan issued a proclamation  calling for "Decoration Day" to be observed annually and  nationwide; he was commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the  Republic (GAR), an organization of and for Union Civil War  veterans founded in Decatur, Illinois. This observance not only  decorated the graves of Union Soldiers but also those graves of  Southern Soldiers. 

Memorial Day, initially referred to as Decoration Day, was  observed by many communities after the Civil War, when the  nation suffered more than 620,000 military deaths, roughly  2 percent of the total population at the time.  

John A. Logan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of  Republic, chose May 30, 1868, as a day to decorate the graves of  Union troops across the nation. From this beginning, Memorial  Day is now designated as an annual day of remembrance to honor  all those who have died in service to the United States during  peace and war. 

Third, talk with your family as to where you would like to be  interred. The local family plot or in a VA National Cemetery. You  can find answers to many of your questions on the VA’s web site.  The VA’s site will help with requesting a VA grave head stone,  how to request burial in a National Cemetery. 

Again, thanks to all those who have served. 

Legion is still working on renewing those who have yet to pay  their 2020-2021 dues. Current paid membership is at 1327 or  about 93% of our goal. About 100 paid members short. 

Legion National HQ is processing 2021-2022 member cards  currently. Notices will be mailed out at the end of June, only a  month off. 2021-2022 Legion Year begins August first, 2021. At  this time, I do not believe there will be any dues increase for  2021-2022. 

Have a great summer and stay safe out there as you enjoy getting out of the house for a change. 

Ed Schnabel 

Adjutant