On December 8, 1941, addressing a joint session of Congress and the American people on radio, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares; yesterday, December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. “Roosevelt ends his address by asking Congress to declare “that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.” Congress declares war with a vote 388 to 1, and the United States enters World War II.
This historic address follows a surprise attack of Pearl Harbor on Sunday morning December 7, from Japanese fighter, bomber and torpedo planes launched from a fleet 239 miles north of the base along with midget subs that had infiltrated the harbor the previous evening. American losses are staggering: 2388 killed (1177 aboard the USS Arizona), 1178 wounded, 21 ships sunk or damaged and 323 aircraft destroyed or disabled.
We should not have forgotten this event, but we were shocked again on September 11, 2001 with another attack on our country and don’t forget we are still at war 17 years later.
Let’s not forget our men and women of the United States armed forces. Pray for them, send cards and letters, packages whatever you can to let them know we are thinking of them and that they have our support.
In January another year will have passed –2018 is gone! It is time to reflect on what we have accomplished and a time to look forward to what we hope to accomplish in 2019. The American Legion is now 100 years old. We are the oldest and largest war time veteran’s organization. Post 283 has been a member of this organization for 38 years and we have a Post that we all can be proud of.
To the membership, the Ladies Auxiliary, SAL, staff and families, on behalf of the Executive Board and myself we extend a very warm wish for a Merry Christmas and very prosperous New Year.
MORE FROM THE COMMANDER
As I have been writing about since August, we are still looking for more “butts in the seats.” We need your support both at meetings and in the lounge. For those of you that are new to our Post we have new member packets and Legion pins to present to you at our general meetings on the 1st Thursday of the month (ie. Dec. 6 and Jan 3)
Please notify us by e-mail at djohnstonpost283@gmail.com. If you have access to a computer and e-mail so we can delete you from hard copy mailings as they are very expensive. I have received 5 notifications since my last newsletter. The newsletter is available on our website at alpost283.org.
Christmas Gifts? We have items for sale that benefit your Post activities and memorials: bracelets - $5.00 – T-shirts $15.00 – Hats $10.00 – polo shirts - $35.00 and bricks for our memorial $30.00. If you haven’t paid your dues ($35.00) please get them paid before the end of the year.
On Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24th the Post will close early at 7:00 p.m. We will be closed on Christmas Day. New Year’s Eve, Monday, December 31st, the party begins at 7:00 p.m. with food, party favors and champagne at midnight. The band is Shot Gun Karma and will play from 8:30 to 12:30. There is no cover charge. We will be open on New Year’s Day.
“God shed his grace on thee and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!”
For God and Country
Commander Dave
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