Tuesday, January 6, 2009

February 2009-March 2009 KWVA Newsletter

Chaplain’s Corner By Bill Cummins, Chaplain
When Americans think of February, they are usually reminded of their school days- when the cherry tree, the log cabin, the solemn countenances of the two great patriots looking down from pictures above the blackboard. But we know all of these objects represent more than the childhood impressions they conveyed.

The one virtue in George Washington which impresses us is his incredible determination. In his youth he was touchy about his honor, eager to make money and thoroughly human. In the years of his greatest trials, when he led the ragged Continental Army, his almost superhuman qualities emerge. Consider the man with as few as 3,000 ragged, hungry, ill-equipped troops facing a disciplined, well-equipped, vastly superior enemy and through it all stuck to the job at hand. Any other man would have thrown up his hands in disgust.

Abraham Lincoln’s greatness is different. In him it is humanity and humility that compels our respect. It was sheer horror for Lincoln to think of a war of brothers against brothers. His duty was with humanity. It was with deep sadness that he sent relief to Fort Sumter knowing, in all likelihood, that his move would precipitate a shooting war. The Lincoln of the Gettysburg Address, and of the Emancipation Proclamation, is the Lincoln we remember and respect. It is fitting that we should remember the birthdays of our two patriots. Washington ’s determination and Lincoln ’s humility should serve as lamps to light our way.

LENT, traditionally a season of penance begins on February 25. This holy season presents us with a golden opportunity to reflect on the faults in our character and to strive by appropriate action to correct them.

Don’t let the days of Lent slip by as days of no action. Take time for recollection and communing with God in prayer each day. Take time for serious examination of self, and ask God for the graces you need to make yourself a better person in his sight and in your dealings with humankind.

The days of Lent, like all days, will slip by quickly. Don’t let yourself be caught at the end of Lent saying: “I wish I had spent those days more fruitfully.” Resolve now to spend them well, and each day renew that good resolution.—Be happy, Bill Cummins, Chaplain

“Membership KWVA:” If you need a new membership card, send either a letter to the Membership Office, or email to membership@kwva.org. Mailing address: Korean War Veterans Assn., PO Box 407, Charleston, IL. 61920-0407.

Joke of the month:
A pastor got this note accompanying a box of Christmas goodies, addressed to him and his wife, from elderly Sister Rose Mary:
Dear Pastor, Knowing that you do not eat sweets, I am sending the candy to your wife—and nuts to you.

IRISH BLESSING
May the roads rise to meet you May the winds be always at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face The rains fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again May God hold you in the hollow of His hand. St. Patrick

!!!!CHAPTER DUES ARE DUE!!!
Chapter dues are due by April 1st. Dues are $8 for the year. Please mail them to the Chapter address listed on page 1 of the newsletter. Please remember to send in your dues so that you will continue to receive your newsletter.

LAW CHANGES—RETIREES NOW SALUTE FLAG
Retired Soldiers are Still Proud! Still Serving! Congress has put Still Saluting into law for Retired Soldiers and other veterans. The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 110-181) changed Sect. 9, Title 4, U.S. Code, which covers “Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag.” Following is that section of the U.S. Code, as reworded by the law change. Please share this information with veterans and other retired military who don’t get Echoes.

“During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.”--submitted by Billy D. Gray.

A Few Words from your PR Person
I trust that everone had a good holiday season. Our Christmas party at our Dec. meeting was excellent according to the feedback that we have heard. Thanks to all who participated, brought gifts and food and helped in any way. Cheers to Bill Cummins who organized the whole event.

While we are in the party mode, a Valentine’s Day celebration will be held at our Feb. chapter meeting. Bill Cummins will cover this in his article.

It was sad that our battlefront Christmas tree at our monument in Swansea Park was demolished due to a hard windstorm. Plans are being made to do another one next Dec.

This year’s dues are now being collected. They are still $8.00 and may be sent to our P.O. Box 211, O'Fallon, Il. 62269. This must be done by April 1st to continue receiving your newsletter.

See you at the Jan. meeting. Bill Juergens