Volume 3 - Issue 2
“Pro Deo et Patria”
April - June 2016
Commander’s Corner
There may still be a few crisp mornings but we’ve
finally left winter behind us and all around you see
signs of spring. As we noted last month, we’ve accomplished a lot of great things over the past year
and we are moving towards election and installation
of our Post Officers for the coming year.
Spring is upon us again, and with spring comes renewal of
nature and our thoughts turn to picnics, baseball and celebration with family and friends. Within the American Legion family, it also brings all these things but also our solemn remembrance of those who have served and scarified so that we may
enjoy these blessings.
We’ve got big plans for the coming months; we will be electing
our Post officers for the coming year, hosting some great
events such as the Annual Past Commander’s Bonanza, a Ronnie Dove concert, adding Karaoke on Sundays on the Patio and
so much more. Remember, nothing happens without dedicated Legionaries and others volunteering their time and efforts,
so when we ask, please answer the call and help out!
We also have some ambitious plans to continue to
work on making our Post better and more productive; which in turn allows us to better perform our
mission. I’d like to see commitment from all the
members of our Post 38 family to volunteer, roll up
your sleeves and help make these plans reality.
Some of the upcoming and on-going projects we
need assistance with are:




Post Clean-up - The Patio and various areas.
Grounds Keeping - This is a massive job the
only a few cannot manage. Any day of the
week, stop in around 8-10am and see Marv
Wells, Bob Redyk or Mark Phoebus and they will
be glad to use your help, even if you can only
spare an hour a week.
Events - Each time the Post hosts an event,
such as the upcoming Past Commander’s Bonanza, Ronnie Dove Concert, Mods vs. Rockers
Bike show, etc. we always need help with set
up, running the event and clean up. These
events bring in much needed money for the
Post and we can only do them with your help.
Beyond these we are hoping to fund repair of
the ceiling in the Hall and other areas, lighting
upgrades, repair of Lounge roof and more.
Remember, together with a little hard work, we can
accomplish so much.
For GOD and Country!
Michael Unger, Sr.
Commander
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Volume 3 - Issue 2
“POST CALL”
April - June 2016
Post Calendar
Subscription to Receive the Post Call
April
First, let me say I want to thank you for your continued
support of the American Legion. As the Post Commander for Dundalk American Legion Post #38, I feel
communication is one of the best ways to make our
post a success and continue to thrive in these tough
economic times.
There is two ways in which we can get the Post Call,
either by email or by U.S. Mail. The only downfall to
sending hard copy by U.S. mail is the cost. We must
defer this cost to you. If you would like the Post Call to
be mailed to you via U.S. Mail, then you need to send a
check in the amount of $5 per year (Jul – Jun) subscription, payable to Dundalk Post 38 with the information
below:
Baseball Bull Roast
Apr 3 @ 1pm
SAL Meeting
Apr 4 @ 7pm
Patio Clean-up
Apr 9 @ 10am
Home Committee Meeting
Apr 12 @ 6pm
Honor Guard Drill
Apr 13 @ 7pm
Auxiliary Meeting
Apr 13 @ 7pm
Legion Riders Meeting
Apr 17 @ 12pm
Executive Meeting
Apr 18 @ 6pm
Post 38 Meeting
Apr 20 @ 7pm
Honor Guard Drill
Apr 27 @ 7pm
May
Past Commander’s Bonanza
May 1 @ 2pm
SAL Meeting
May 2 @ 7pm
Mother’s Day
May 8
Home Committee Meeting
May 10 @ 6pm
Honor Guard Drill
May 11 @ 7pm
Auxiliary Meeting
May 11 @ 7pm
Blessing of the Bikes (Legion Riders)
May 14 @ 10am
Legion Riders Meeting
May 15 @ 12pm
Executive Meeting
May 16 @ 6pm
Post 38 Meeting
May 18 @ 7pm
Legion Baseball Spaghetti Dinner
May 22 @ 4-7pm
Honor Guard Meeting
May 25 @ 7pm
Post Everlasting
May 29
Memorial Day
May 30
June
Connect with Dundalk Post 38 through Facebook, for timely
information updates, event notification, photos and more! —
Our page is here:
http://www.facebook.com/DundalkPost38
If you don’t have a Facebook account, go here to set one up:
https://www.facebook.com
SAL Meeting
Jun 6 @ 7pm
Blood Drive
Jun 8 @ 1-6:30pm
Honor Guard Drill
Jun 8 @ 7pm
Auxiliary Meeting
Jun 8 @ 7pm
Post Installation of Officers
Jun 12 @ 1pm
Home Committee Meeting
Jun 14@ 6pm
Father’s Day
Jun 19
Legion Riders Meeting
Jun 19@ 12pm
Executive Meeting
Jun 20 @ 6pm
Honor Guard Drill
Jun 22 @ 7pm
Dates/Times subject to change
See www.dundalkpost38.org/events for additional information
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Volume 3- Issue 2
“POST CALL”
April - June 2016
Membership
Chaplains Report
1st Vice Commander - George May
Rev. James Thomas
We still have a few folks that need to submit your 2016
membership renewals, we don’t want you folks having a
break in membership - 2017 Dues requests will be going
out in the June timeframe. Please pass the word.
As we do twice a year, on Sunday, May 29th the Post will be
holding our Post Everlasting service to honor our comrades who
have departed us since our last service held in November. Invitations are sent to the families to invite them to attend this
solemn occasion to honor their loved ones service to the American Legion and this Nation.
Reminder — As of 1 January 2016, Post 38 annual membership renewal is now $35 per year.
May’s Post Everlasting will be honoring the following comrades:
Our second task and one that every Legionnaire should
always keep at the forefront, is that of recruiting new
members. You find potential new members anywhere,
they are your relatives, co-workers, folks you meet at
functions or even bump into at the supermarket. You
are our best salesmen, our best recruiters; spread the
message of the American Legion and Post 38.
We really need to look at the young service members
who are not typically attracted to Veteran organizations,
yet their participation is vital so we can stay current and
grow our ranks with those who can become our future
Post officers, etc.
Henry Crane
Vincent J. Derwinis
Daniel G, Fink, Sr.
Herbert Frye
Frank F. Germani, Sr.
Douglas R. Hott, Jr.
Clark Jackson, Sr.
Donald R. McGee
Arie Stouten, Jr.
Dudley E. Taylor
James W. Towers III
Remember you can renew by either of the following:
As always, it is my Honor to be your Post Chaplain...my cell
phone is 443-531-1937, office: 443-467-1706.
1.
Respectfully, Rev. James Thomas III
2.
Place your renewal in an envelop with your name
and membership number and drop off at the Post
Lounge.
Mail a check or money order (do not mail cash)
made payable to ‘American Legion Post 38’ with
you name/membership number to:
American Legion Post 38
ATTN: Membership
3300 Dundalk Ave.
Dundalk, MD 21222.
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“POST CALL”
Volume 3- Issue 2
April - June 2016
Post Elections - 2016-2017 Year
Post Elections are upon us again, where we look forward to
those who want to participate in the leadership of our Post
stepping forward to help make a difference. Any Post 38
member in good standing who is not otherwise prohibited
may self-nominate themselves for any Post Officer position.
The nomination box will be in the Post lounge along with
forms (you will need to provide your American Legion Membership Number off your 2016 Membership card.); these are
the Post Officer positions for which you may nominate yourself:
Position
Current Officer (2015-2016)
Post Commander
Mike Unger
1st Vice Commander
George May
2nd Vice Commander
Bill McElfish
Adjutant
Steve Cutsail
Judge Advocate
Robert Redyk
Finance Officer
Steve Cutsail
Service Officer
Gil Crosby
Sergeant at Arms
Despina Rogers (Acting)
Last Year’s Installation (2015-2016 Officers)
Other Positions are Appointed by the Incoming Commander
Home Committee Member
Two Positions Available
Executive Committee
Two Positions Available
These officers each have specific duties and responsibilities
and you may either talk with the current officer, Judge Advocate or the Commander for more information. It is important that if you wish to run for a position you can meet
these responsibilities and commit to attending meetings
each month.
Self nominations box is currently in the Post Lounge for your
submission. Nominees will be announced at the April 20th
Post meeting and Election voting will be held on Tuesday,
May 17th from 11am—6pm. Election results will be announced at the May 18th Post meeting and installation of
officers will occur on June 12th at 1pm.
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Volume 3- Issue 2
“POST CALL”
April - June 2016
Post 38 - AUXILIARY
President - Nancy August
At the Membership Rally
held in Feb 2016 the Unit
received an award for being
90% in membership, thanks
to all that paid their dues by
the end of Jan. We have
three (3) Girls attending Maryland Girl State at Salisbury
University from June 19-24,
2016.
May 29th Joint Post Everlasting at 2pm
May 30th Memorial Day Services
June 8th Unit Meeting at 7pm
June 12th Joint Installation 12 noon
June 18th Bowling Banquet help needed
June 19-24 Maryland Girl State at Salisbury University.
Any questions just give me a call
H-410-282-2505 or C-410-274-1454
Our National President Sharon Conatser will be coming to Maryland for her official Visit on April 28-29-30. A dinner on Friday
the 29th at Post 296 in Queenstown, MD is planned.
Nancy Lee August, Unit President
Past Commanders Bonanza is Sunday May 1st at 2pm, get your
tickets for a past commander of the bar-maid, help will be
needed in the kitchen.
June 12th is our Joint Installation at 12 noon, help will be needed to set-up the hall the day before or that day at 9am.
May 11th meeting is our nominations & election of new officers
for the year 2016-2017, come out and join a great group of
women helping our Veterans and community.
Memorial Day is May 30th, services at Oak Lawn at 10am, 11am
Veterans Park and 12 noon at post come out and support the
Men & women that have gave there all for use to live in a great
free nation.
Joint Post everlasting will be held for those members that have
passed away since Nov 2015 at 2pm in the post hall.
Dates to remember:
April 3rd Legion Baseball Bull & Oyster Roast 1 to 6pm get tickets at bar.
April 13th Unit Meeting at 7pm our Essay Program at 7:30pm
April 28, 29 & 30 National President Sharon Conatser for her
official Visit to Maryland.
st
May 1 Past Commanders Bonanza at 2pm, cost $40.00 for 2
people
May 11th Unit Meeting 7pm Nominations & Election of new
officers for 2016-2017 year
POST LOUNGE HOURS
MONDAY
3 pm—10 pm
TUESDAY
11 am—10 pm
WEDNESDAY
3 pm—10 pm
THURSDAY
12 pm—12 am
FRIDAY
12 pm—2 am
SATURDAY
12 pm—2 am
SUNDAY
12 pm—12 am
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Volume 3- Issue 2
“POST CALL”
April - June 2016
AMVETS — POST 29
Commander– George Peters
Why Join AMVETS?
AMVETS is a veterans service organization devoted not only fellowship, but
also service to the community and other veterans. Joining with fellow AMVETS in planning and
participating in post activities, members provide significant contributions to all areas of our veterans’ community. Members have joined our organization not only for the pleasures they may have derived during the years, but also for the contributions they can provide to the
well being of AMVETS by working cooperatively with fellow members.
Eligibility...
To be eligible for membership in AMVETS, you must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and
Reserves, anytime after Sept. 15, 1940. Additionally, unless still serving, your discharge must have been under honorable conditions. If you served as an American citizen in the armed forces of an allied nation, under honorable conditions, between
Sept. 15, 1940 and May 8, 1975, you are also eligible, as are wartime members of the Merchant Marine. Proof of eligibility can
take the form of a DD-214, an honorable discharge certificate or other appropriate document.
**Note: If you are already a member of American Legion Post 38, you are also eligible for membership in AMVETS and can
belong to both; additionally, if you served in the Armed Forces but do not meet the eligibility dates for the American Legion,
you will be eligible for membership in the AMVETS.
If you are already a member…
Consider it a personal challenge to bring into our ranks the best of those with whom we associate. Let us dig in with the same
spirit that characterized the men and women who preceded us and bring some fine new members to our next post meeting.
Who to Contact?
You can contact Commander George Peters at (410) 370-4782, call and leave a message at the Post Home (410)288-2297 or
stop into the Dundalk post at 3300 Dundalk Ave, Dundalk, MD and fill out a membership form and someone will contact you
to complete the processing of your membership.
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Volume 3 - Issue 2
“POST CALL”
April - June 2016
The preferred name for the holiday gradually changed
from "Decoration Day" to "Memorial Day", which was
first used in 1882. It did not become more common
until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967. On June 28, 1968,
the Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act,
which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day,
from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in
order to create a convenient three-day weekend. The
change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May
30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect
at the federal level in 1971. After some initial confusion and unwillingness to comply, all 50 states adopted
Congress' change of date within a few years.
History of Memorial Day
The practice of decorating soldiers' graves with flowers is
an ancient custom. Soldiers' graves were decorated in
the U.S. before and during the American Civil War. A
claim was made in 1906 that the first Civil War soldier's
grave ever decorated was in Warrenton, Virginia, on June
3, 1861, implying the first Memorial Day occurred there.
The cemetery dedication at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania,
was a ceremony of commemoration at the graves of dead
soldiers. Local historians in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, claim
that ladies there decorated soldiers' graves on July 4,
1864. As a result, Boalsburg promotes itself as the birthplace of Memorial Day.
Following President Abraham Lincoln's assassination in
April 1865, there were a variety of events of commemoration. The sheer number of soldiers of both sides who died
in the Civil War, more than 600,000, meant that burial
and memorialization took on new cultural significance.
Under the leadership of women during the war, an increasingly formal practice of decorating graves had taken
shape. In 1865, the federal government began creating
national military cemeteries for the Union war dead.
On May 26, 1966, President Johnson signed a presidential
proclamation naming Waterloo, New York, as the birthplace of Memorial Day. Earlier, the 89th Congress had
adopted House Concurrent Resolution 587, which officially recognized that the patriotic tradition of observing Memorial Day began one hundred years prior in Waterloo,
New York. Other communities claiming to be the birthplace of Memorial Day include Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, Carbondale, Illinois, Columbus, Georgia,
and Columbus, Mississippi.
A recent study investigating the Waterloo claim as well as
dozens of other origination theories concludes that nearly
all of them are apocryphal legends.
On Memorial Day, the flag of the United States is raised
briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only
until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.
The half-staff position remembers the more than one
million men and women who gave their lives in service
of their country. At noon, their memory is raised by the
living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain,
but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for
liberty and justice for all.
In 1915, following the Second Battle of Ypres, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a physician with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, wrote the poem, "In Flanders
Fields". Its opening lines refer to the fields of poppies
that grew among the soldiers' graves in Flanders.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
In 1918, inspired by the poem, YWCA worker Moina
Michael attended a YWCA Overseas War Secretaries'
conference wearing a silk poppy pinned to her coat and
distributed over two dozen more to others present. In
1920, the National American Legion adopted it as their
official symbol of remembrance.
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Volume 3 - Issue 2
“POST CALL”
April - June 2016
For the good of the Post...
Anyone remember these?
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