The Lake-Sumter Gazette

Transcription

1 LAKE - SUMTER CHAPTER of the The Lake-Sumter Gazette Editor: Bob Beightol November 2017 SPECIAL NOTICE Recently, the Chapter has experienced a declining interest in the Tavares Christmas Parade. Our Chapter has participated in the Christmas parade for over 10 years, which I think qualifies it as a tradition. I, among others, would like to continue this tradition and are asking the members to reconsider their participation and notify President Hardwich if they can attend either as a walker or a rider in the parade on December 2, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. As of now, we can only accommodate walkers; however, if enough non-walkers volunteer, we may be able to persuade our benefactor to again provide transportation for those who prefer to ride. FYI, the parade requires an investment in time and physical activity (walking) of about 30 minutes; and perhaps an additional 60 to 90 minutes in wait and travel time. Uniforms are not required. Those of you who have the proper skills, may be asked to carry a flag or give out candy. Did I mention that parking is free in the Tavares City Garage and that in two of the last three years, Santa Claus has been seen in the crowd? So, whether it is for your inner-child or you bring your kids, kids (observers and participants) love parades by the way, so give a call or President Hardwich, and come join our parade!

2 November 2017 Lake-Sumter Gazette Chapter Officers Committee Chairs President: Gerald C Hardwich 1 st VP: Allan Lane 2 nd VP: George W Chaffee Secretary: Edward J Riley Treasurer: Ronald L Grove Historian: Richard K Offutt Registrar: John H Moore Sergeant at Arms: Basil Linville, Jr Member at Large: Robert L Beightol Member at Large: Basil Linville Genealogist: Tom Wilcox Public Service: Flag: Good citizen: Veteran Recognition: SAR Service: SAR Tenure: Audit: Awards: Color Guard: Americanism Poster: DAR Liaison: Education: Eagle Scouts: JROTC: Oration: Meeting Donations: Membership: Editor: Nominating: Program: Publicity: Quartermaster: Veteran s Programs: Website Manager: Allan Lane Glen Langston Ralph Nelson Jim Carl Ralph Nelson Ed Riley Allan Lane Allan Lane Glenn Langston Ron Grove Robert Moody Ron Grove Bill Hayes Bill Hayes Ron Grove B.J. Linville John Moore Bob Beightol Ralph Nelson Allan Lane Bob Beightol Basil Linville, Jr George Chaffee Scott Bushnell Table of Contents Officer, Committee 2 Officer/ Committee Chairs Reports President s Msg 3-4 Presentation Next Meeting 5 Members Induction 16 Dues Due 5 Chapter Activities Article Fred 5-10 This and That 18 Harrison - WWII Diane Hardwich 10 Gazette Info 18 DAR Memorial Monthly Meeting Extra Photos 19 2 P age

3 November 2017 Lake-Sumter Gazette President s Message As I prepare to write this note for the November newsletter, my mind drifts away thinking about our patriot ancestors. What were the events surrounding their daily lives? For those in the New England area, the crops were harvested in late September and early October, and brought into the sheds or barns for the bleak winter months. For those in the southern climes, the harvest of plenty was about to begin and would conclude in the next few months. As many were tending to their daily chores, there was protest, conflict, and the development of the theory of our foundation was taking place in the country. On October 30, 1775, the Continental Congress appointed seven members to serve on an administrative naval committee tasked with the acquisition, outfitting and manning of a naval fleet to be used in defense against the British. Almost two weeks earlier, on October 13, 1775, Congress had authorized the construction and arming of vessels for the country s first navy. November 8, 1775, General George Washington seeks to resolve several problems facing the army: how to encourage experienced troops to enlist, how to assemble a capable officer corps and how to overcome provincial differences and rivalries. Describing the problems, he wrote, Connecticut wants no Massachusetts man in her corps. Massachusetts thinks there is no necessity for a Rhode Islander The USS Ranger, on November 2, 1777, with a crew of 140 men under the command of John Paul Jones, leaves Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for the naval port at Brest, France, where it will stop before heading toward the Irish Sea to begin raids on British warships. This was the first mission of its kind during the Revolutionary War. October 27, 1787, the first of the Federalist Papers is published. The Federalist, as it was originally called, was a series of articles written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay, to explain and justify the need for the newly proposed United States Constitution. We continue to celebrate our heritage. We have accomplished much this last month, with much more to do in future months. December is membership dues month. Please submit your dues as soon as possible so that we do not have to call you. 3 P age

4 November 2017 Lake-Sumter Gazette The October meeting attendance was 20, including 16 members and 4 guests. New member classes have increased our membership to over 90. Hopefully, we will be able to retain our members during the renewal period. Many former members that were contacted this summer have expressed an interest to renew their affiliation with the chapter. The Tavares Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 2 at 5:00 PM. Please let us know if you can march with us. We were asked to participate in Wreaths Across America on Saturday, December 16 at 12:00 PM at Shiloh Cemetery, Fruitland Park, FL. On February 22, 8:30 AM we will be in the GeorgeFest Parade in Eustis. A new Education Development Committee is headed up by Ron Grove. He has contacted about 40 schools, and we will have entries into the Poster Contest, the Oration Contest, and the Essay Contest. We have a very active effort in education that may not be matched by any other chapter in the state. As you do your end of year tax planning, remember the Matching Donation Challenge. In closing, please give thought to what our Patriot ancestors were challenged with, protesting the implementation of taxes without any representation from the colonies. God bless our patriot relatives for what they did to persevere and save our country. All the best to each and every member. Good health, prosperity, and happiness. Jerry Hardwich President Lake-Sumter Chapter Sons of the American Revolution 4 P age

5 November 2017 Lake-Sumter SAR Gazette Next Meeting The next meeting of the Lake-Sumter SAR Chapter, will be: Date: December 2, 2017 Time: 11:00 AM - General Membership Meeting 10:00 AM - Executive Committee Meeting. Members are encouraged to attend. Place: John Gela Memorial American Legion Post 219, 194 West Fountain Street, Fruitland Park, FL Speaker: Mr. Gene Klein Topic: Holocaust Survivor Lunch: The Post will be serving their BBQ sandwiches or plates with pork & chicken, baked beans, slaw, and a roll. Coffee $1 with free refills and deserts for $1.00. Canned soda is available in the meeting room. Dues are Still Due! Just a reminder that our dues are due. Our Chapter must pay to NSSAR and FLSSAR their share of our dues by December 1, NSSAR, FLSSAR and our Chapter received $35.00, $20.00 and $20.00 respectively, from your $75.00 dues payment. Please submit your dues payment to Treasurer Ron Grove immediately, to allow him time to account and process all payments. As you remit your dues, remember the many benefits our Chapter programs provide and that your dues and donations are our Chapter s only source of income. World War II Experiences of Compatriot Fred A. Harrison By H. Allan Lane Author s Note: Compatriot Fred Harrison, age 93, served our nation from aboard Navy combat ships during World War II. His many and varied experiences brought him near to death from Japanese naval gunfire, submarines and bombers targeting US ships. Recently I had the privilege of speaking with Fred, a retired minister, at his residence in Tavares. The interview revealed a tremendous recollection of his Navy service and an unfaltering memory of even the smallest detail. As communicated with his ministerial skill, this is his story of service to our country: 5 P age

6 I became interested in joining the Navy in 1941 when I was 16 years old. The US was not yet at war, but I decided I wanted to see the world. My father s younger half-brother had joined the Navy in 1935 and I wanted to have the same experiences. I enlisted at age 16 and was taken to a public relations event where my picture was taken with the oldest sailor in the Navy at the time. The photograph was released to the public with a caption identifying us as the oldest and youngest sailors in the Navy. FIGURE 1: NEWS ARTICLE - KALAMAZOO, MI 1941 After enlistment, I was sent to Newport, Rhode Island for basic training, since the Great Lakes Naval Training Base was under a quarantine at the time. After basic training, I was assigned to the battleship USS Mississippi, and joined it at Norfolk, VA around Christmas The Mississippi had been built in 1924 and was armed with twelve 14- inch guns. FIGURE 2: BATTLESHIP - USS MISSISSIPPI By the time I arrived on the Mississippi, the US was at war against Japan and Germany. Pearl Harbor had been attacked and most of our battleships were sunk or damaged. The Mississippi was transferred to the Pacific to fight the Japanese. I was assigned to an anti-aircraft gun mount adjacent to one of the forward 14-inch gun turrets. After a while, I was made gun captain of my antiaircraft gun mount. My first action aboard the Mississippi was in 1942 at the Aleutian Islands, which are a long chain of islands which form part of Alaska. I remember we were in port in San Francisco, and we were ordered to pile all our cold and foul weather gear on the dock where it was left. We all assumed we were headed for the South Pacific. But, after we were under way for two days, the Captain announced we were headed for the Aleutians. Most of us had never even heard of the Aleutians. The Japanese had invaded the Aleutians and occupied several islands and airfields. Our mission on the Mississippi was to prevent the Japanese from reinforcing Kiska Island until the Army assembled a sufficient force to take back the islands. We stood gun watch of 4 hours on and 4 hours off for 4 ½ months. The Army invaded Attu island first but were ill prepared for combat in the weather and terrain they faced. Many died of frostbite and exposure. After Attu was secured, we re-fueled at sea and attacked Kiska next. The Japanese retreated into the hills overlooking Kiska. The Japanese were not a stupid people, and their military was extremely capable and ruthless. There was fog that would roll down the hills at Kiska. This fog was used to great advantage by the Japanese to cover their advances down the slopes to attack US forces. In some instances, troops being cared for in hospital tents were attacked and slaughtered in their beds by the Japanese. As the fog would dissipate, the Japanese would advance 6

7 back up the hill maintaining their concealment. Eventually, the Japanese abandoned Kiska and their Navy successfully withdrew most of their troops. Off the coast of Kiska, we engaged in a night battle. Our radar picked up ships over the horizon. We fired our 5 and 12 guns. We determined in one incident that star shells (night time illumination rounds) were being fired by one of our own ships. That firing was halted fortunately before we suffered any friendly fire casualties. In the same incident, a star shell was fired over us. I remember looking up and seeing Old Glory flying in the light of a star shell. To this day I think of that whenever the Star-Spangled Banner is played. Our ship put in at a small port in the Aleutians called Dutch Harbor. The Captain made an announcement that 24 hours liberty would be granted to the crew. The Captain added that the good thing was that there was a woman behind every tree at Dutch harbor. The bad thing is that we soon discovered there were no trees at Dutch Harbor. Our Captain had quite a sense of humor. After we left Dutch Harbor we sailed to Bremerton, WA to refit our guns and take on ammunition. I was given a ten day pass, and was able to get home to Michigan to see my parents. Servicemen had priority on all commercial air flights at the time. When I returned to the Mississippi we departed for the Gilbert Islands. This was in late We provided support for Marine landings at Tarawa and Macon Island. I remember watching the Tokyo Express fly over every day. This was the nickname given to the Japanese bombers who would fly from the Marianas over our position and attack our forces battling on the islands. During the action in the Gilbert Islands, I was leaning one night on the gun shield of a 5 gun mount. Off our port bow about 2000 yards away, was the escort carrier USS Liscome Bay. The Tokyo Express was flying overhead. The Liscome Bay was one of many small escort carriers built by the Kaiser Corporation using fast assembly line techniques. They were produced in great numbers but were very lightly armored. Suddenly, the Liscome Bay erupted in a tremendous explosion on its starboard bow. The ship was enveloped in a fireball and sank within minutes. It was later determined that a Japanese submarine had torpedoed the Liscome, and the torpedo had struck in the most vulnerable position where aviation gasoline and munitions were stored. Nine hundred sailors perished in a matter of minutes on the Liscome, a scene that has stayed with me to this day. After witnessing the sinking of the Liscome Bay, I remember telling a shipmate that if I were ever assigned to one of those escort carriers I would run away. Within 30 days I was reassigned to an escort carrier! FIGURE 3: USS LISCOME BAY TORPEDOED/ SUNK NOV 1943 Before joining my escort carrier, I had to go to gunnery school where I learned to operate a twin 40 mm antiaircraft gun. I also had to undertake rifle practice. While shooting prone, an instructor kicked my foot. I asked him what was wrong, and he asked me where I was from. I told him I was from Michigan. He said I would be OK then, and that the sailors from the northeast did not know which end of the gun to point downrange. I was always proud of my gunnery and shooting skills. 7

8 After gunnery school, I joined my new escort carrier, the USS Salamaua, CVE 96. I was assigned as gun captain of a forward twin 40 mm antiaircraft gun. FIGURE 5: USS SALAMAUA - ESCORT CARRIER The Salamaua carried a complement of Wildcat and Hellcat fighters mostly for fleet air defense. On one occasion, we were headed for New Guinea to drop off P38 fighters for the Army. One night an air alert sounded, and I reported to my gun station. I saw Japanese planes dropping flares. Their flares were orange colored and not as effective as ours. I wanted to open fire, but the gunnery officer said we could not shoot. He explained that there were Japanese bombers circling above the planes dropping flares and that they were looking for our gun flashes. In other words, the Japanese were using the flares to bait us into firing so they could bomb us. In late 1944 or early 1945, I was transferred from the escort carrier to landing craft school. I was trained in the handling of the Higgins Boat, a landing craft used to transport combat infantry soldiers and marines to the beach during an attack. After completion of the school, I was assigned to an attack transport and participated in the assault on Iwo Jima, where I made several trips from the ship to the beach ferrying marines into combat. FIGURE 4: HIGGINS BOAT - OKINAWA APR 1945 At Iwo Jima, I ended up with my Higgins boat on the Mt. Suribachi end of the island. After a period of inactivity, I became quite bored and decided to take my boat down to the other end of the island to break the monotony. I stopped some distance offshore, and eventually fell asleep. My boat drifted in too close to the shore and I woke up to the sound of rifle bullets striking the hull of my boat. I jumped up, started the boat and returned to the place I started. I never did find out if the rifle bullets came from the Japanese or Marines on the shore. In 1945, my ship, the USS Rockbridge (APA228) was sent to participate in the invasion of Okinawa. We were assigned to the first wave to go in. There were constant air raids and two watches every night. There was very little sleep to be had. The fleet was under constant attack by Japanese suicide bombers, and nerves were frayed. After weeks of this, I was so tired I kicked my helmet and told my shipmate that I was not getting up for another alarm, period. Needless to say, as soon as I laid down an alarm sounded. I found my helmet and dashed to the gun. I spotted a Japanese suicide bomber headed towards us and began yelling there it is. There was a destroyer anchored between us and the bomber, and as the bomber was making its attack run towards us, it hit the mast of the destroyer and exploded in the air. I was glad for that destroyer that day. 8

9 Over the years, I planted two churches in Canada and eventually returned to Clawson where I started and pastored a third Church. I pastored the church in Clawson until about 1991 when we decided to move to Florida for Lawna s health. One of my sons, who holds a doctorate, was called to take over the church I retired from. FIGURE 6: USS ROCKBRIDGE - ATTACK TRANSPORT After Okinawa, the Japanese surrendered, and the surrender documents were signed on board the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. We were sent to Cebu in the Philippines to pick up Marines and from there to Tsingtoa, China. We used a paravane device to clear and detonate mines. From there we were transferred back to the States and I was discharged in November After discharge, I returned to Michigan. Lawna Dyer and I had been engaged for the last two years I was in the Navy. She wrote me a letter every day of those two years. We married within nine days of my return. I liked the Navy, and I think she might have suspected that I would stay in if we did not marry soon. I had a good rank, Boatswain s Mate and held responsible positions. I liked the Navy, but decided to marry and settle down. After the war, I worked for a while as a brick layer, and then served as a policeman in Clawson for four years. In 1949 I became a Christian. I felt called to the ministry, and went to Canada as an evangelist. I had obtained a union card as a plumber and would work as a plumber to support my family so that I could minister without compensation. I have an ancestral connection to Canada. My great-great grandfather was exiled from Scotland to Australia for refusing to bow to the Queen. A storm blew the ship into Halifax, Nova Scotia where my great-great grandfather settled. Some of his descendants, including my father, settled in the Detroit area. In 2016 I went on an Honor Flight to Washington, DC. At the WWII Memorial, I went to the area that honors the forces who fought in the Aleutians. I was approached by several people who asked about my service in the Aleutians, and said they were related to men who had served there. They were gratified to meet someone who had served there, and I was happy to have met them and shared some of the history of the little-known battle that occurred there. In the 1980 s, Lawna and I visited the USS Missouri which was docked at the time in Long Beach, CA. We re-united with shipmates I had not seen since the war. We had a great time together, and it was very gratifying to visit the ship where General McArthur had taken the surrender from the Japanese. In 2012, Lawna, my wife of 68 years, passed away. Together we raised 3 sons and have a total of 41 grandchildren and great grandchildren. As to my current medical condition, my doctor tells me that it is probably related to asbestos exposure during the war. I recall that my gun position on the Mississippi was adjacent to a 14- inch gun turret. The powder bags for the 14-inch guns contained asbestos, and every time the guns fired asbestos laden smoke would blow on us in our open gun position. There was also an incident in which one of the 14-inch guns blew up in the turret next to my mount. We were again covered with asbestos debris. No one at the time had any idea that asbestos posed any health risk. 9

10 Author s Note: I would like to thank Fred for allowing me to make this attempt to take down his WWII experiences. More than twelve million men and women served in the armed forces during WWII. All too often they have for their own reasons not shared their experiences, even with family. I believe these experiences need to be shared as part of our noble history, lest we forget the extraordinary sacrifices of ordinary Americans. It was my honor to speak with Fred that day and hear first-hand his experiences. H. Allan Lane DAR Marker Diane P. Hardwich By H. Allan Lane Compatriots, as most of you know, Diane P. Hardwich, beloved wife of our Chapter President, Jerry Hardwich, passed away in July after an illness. Diane was a regular attendee at our chapter meetings and a member of the Ocklawaha Chapter of the DAR here in Central Florida. Diane was interred in Jerry s family home town in Lakeview Cemetery, Skaneateles, NY, where many of Jerry s kin are buried. Thanks to the collaboration of the Ocklawaha Chapter, here, and the Bigelow Lawrence Chapter of the DAR in Skaneateles, a DAR grave marking ceremony was conducted on October 13 th. Jerry served as a speaker and was most appreciative of the kindness shown him by the DAR at the memorial event. Jerry shared the following photographs taken at the event: Pictured with Jerry Hardwich are Col. Bigelow Lawrence Chapter Regent Karen Swart, Treasurer Margaret Redmont and Christine Tauzel 10

11 Member Meeting November 4, 2017 Attendance Roster Members Guests 1 Beightol, Robert 1 Bushnell, Myra 2 Carl, Jim 3 Chaffee, George 4 Hampton, Don 5 Hardwich, Gerald 6 Hayes, Bill 7 Lane, Hubert 2 Lane, Vertis 8 Langston, Glenn 3 Shuckstes, Phyllis 9 Linville, Basil, Jr. 4 Moore, Thomas E - Prospect 10 Moody, Robert 11 Moore, John 12 Mosher, Ken 13 Offutt, Richard 14 Rich, Lewis 15 Riley, Edward 16 Vorhees, Donald If your name is not on the list, then YOU did not sign in!! Members Gather 11

12 The Gavel Raps! Chapter President Jerry Hardwich, assisted by Secretary Ed Riley, called the meeting to order at precisely 11:00 a.m. The Color Guard, consisting of Commander Glen Langston and Compatriots John Moore, Ken Mosher, and George Chaffee, posted the colors. Compatriot Robert Moody, in the absence of Chaplain Ralph Nelson provided the invocation; and Compatriots Ron Grove and Bob Beightol led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and the SAR Pledge respectively. Guests were identified and acknowledged as DAR Myra Bushnell, Vertis Lane, Phyllis Shuckstes and Thomas E. Moore, a prospective member. To those of you that thought Ms. Shuckstes looked familiar, you may remember her as she assisted David Shuckstes during his presentation on the James Webb Space Telescope in May Officer, Committee Reports Chaplain s Report Compatriot (and former Chaplain) Robert H Moody filled in for Chaplain Ralph D. Nelson Jr, who was attending the FLSSAR Board of Management meeting in Orlando, FL. Chaplain Moody advised that he had received from Compatriot Glenn Langston, a note from Compatriot Chuck White about his current health issues and delayed return to our area. Chuck s cancer has re surfaced; however, for those who know Chuck White, he continues his treatment with a positive attitude and sense of humor. Chuck didn t ask, but most assuredly would appreciate our prayers and best wishes for a rapid recovery and speedy return to our area. The content of Chuck s note has been copied to the end of the Chaplain s Report. No new notification of members with injuries or ailments were received; however, several members continue with their rehabilitation. Compatriots Glenn Bowron and Fred Harrison continue with their respective rehabs at Waterman complex and Somerset Assisted Living Facility, respectively. Compatriot Moody also passed box tops and labels collected by the members in support of the DAR Labels for Education Program. 12

13 Note from Compatriot Chuck White Color Guard Color Guard Commander Glenn Langston reported that due to failing interest, the Chapter would not be marching in the Tavares Christmas. As a result, the Chapter s next parade will be the GeorgeFest, February Color Guard Commander Glenn Langston Color Guard (Left to Right): Ken Mosher, John Moore, George Chaffee and Commander Glenn Langston. Eagle Scout Committee Chairman Bill Hayes reported that efforts of Eagle Scout candidates are on a par with last year s totals with 18 scouts having been approved with two more anticipated by the end of December He was also in attendance when the Citizenship award was presented to a Sea Cadet on November 2, 2017, at a dinner held by the American Legion. Compatriot Hayes also spoke of Eagle Scout candidate Daniel Gantz, age 15, a member of Troop 250, Eustis, FL. Gantz s Eagle Scout project involved the construction of a greenhouse with raised beds, brick floor and cistern for recycled water. His project required the expenditure of 600 manhours and which so far, has raised $3,700. An amazing feat even for an Eagle Scout candidate. 13

14 November 2017 Lake-Sumter SAR Gazette Treasurer/ Education Committee In the absence of Treasurer Ron Grove, President Hardwich reported a healthy financial situation for the Chapter and provided a reminder to the members to renew their membership and pay their dues. President Hardwich also reported that the Chapter Education Committee is awaiting responses from 46 local schools contacted concerning this year s Poster and Oration contests. In addition, the Chapter is sponsoring the Knight Essay Contest which is due to be completed by December 1, Judges for the Essays will be needed, so be prepared to step up when the call is made. Newsletter, Lake-Sumter Gazette Lake-Sumter Gazette Editor Robert L Beightol announced that the November edition will contain an article written by Compatriot Allan Lane detailing the World War II experiences of Compatriot Fred Harrison. Word was received from Compatriot Ralph D. Nelson, Jr, that, on behalf of the Chapter, he accepted the First Place Award for the Multi Sheet newsletter in the NSSAR Carl F Bessent Award contest for SAR Chapter Newsletters, while attending the FLSSAR Board of Management. The Award will be available for viewing by the Chapter at the December 2, 2017 member meeting. Veteran Recognition Committee Chairman Jim Carl provided a news article from his home state of Pennsylvania entitled Persian Gulf Bonus. According to the article, Pennsylvania citizens who served on active duty in the Persian Gulf during the period of August 2, 1990 through August 31, 1991 are eligible for a Bonus. Applications must be submission prior to August 31, The article also acts as a reminded to all personnel who serviced in the Persian Gulf that their own states may have a bonus to which they may be entitled. 14

15 November 2017 Lake-Sumter SAR Gazette Presentation Compatriot H. Allan Lane provided a fascinating presentation on Union General William Tecumseh Sherman s final campaign of the Civil War which occurred in Lane s home state of North Carolina. On April 18, 1865, three days after the assassination of President Lincoln, and nine days after the surrender of General Robert E Lee, Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston signed an armistice accepting terms offered by General Sherman, surrendering his army and all Confederate forces in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. The lenient terms offered by General Sherman, were deemed unacceptable by Congress and additional hostilities were ordered. General Ulysses S. Grant managed to avoid additional hostilities and ordered General Sherman to renegotiate the surrender, which he did. An acceptable armistice was signed by both sides on April 26, 1865, for all intents and purposes ending the Civil War. Editor s Note: Curious about the time line, lenient surrender terms and/ or the order for additional hostilities? If you had attended, you wouldn t be curious. Don t miss the next meeting. Normally on the giving end, Compatriot H. Allan Lane receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Chapter President Jerry Hardwich following his presentation on the end of the Civil War in the Carolinas. 15

16 November 2017 Lake-Sumter SAR Gazette New Member Induction Compatriot Lewis Rich was inducted into the Lake-Sumter Chapter by Chapter President Jerry Hardwich and Historian Richard Offutt. Following the ceremony, Compatriot Rich spoke briefly about his Patriot before being welcomed into the Chapter by the members. Member Induction (Left to Right): Historian Richard Offutt, Compatriot Lewis Rich, Registrar John Moore and President Hardwich Chapter Activities FLAG PLACEMENT, LONE OAK CEMETERY Compatriots George Chaffee, Basil Linville, Jr., Ken Mosher, John Moore and Bob Beightol Joined with members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Daughters of the Confederacy in U.S. flag placement at the Lone Oak Cemetery, Fruitland Park, FL for the 2017 Veteran s Day celebrations. 16

17 November 2017 Lake-Sumter SAR Gazette GETTING THE VOTE OUT By Ralph D. Nelson, Jr It s an off-year for elections, with few names on the city ballot (only one office up for election in Mount Dora). It s easy for people to shrug and say it isn t worth the time it takes if there is only one office being filled. However, these off-year elections provide an opportunity to send a message to those who govern saying whether we do or do not like the policies that their party, or affiliates, are pursuing. Those elected may be the swing votes that allow a new policy to be defeated or adopted. It may be that those who make last-minute decisions to vote will cast ignorant votes, which could be almost as bad as (or even worse than) not voting. I like to be optimistic, so this morning, and again this afternoon I stood in a prominent location close to the polling place in our community. I was dressed in my Continental uniform and held an eight-foot flagstaff with a 13-star Hopkinson-style flag in my left hand while saluting passing cars with my right hand. One of the election workers sent a photo to the Orlando Sentinel, and if they publish it I hope that they mention the SAR. Kay took several photos, which I include here for the newsletter (if you wish to publish an article on this activity. The polls are open 7 AM to 7 PM. I was out there from 8:30 to 9:30 AM and 1:45 to 3:00 PM. It was warm, but there was an occasional breeze, and sometimes the shadow of the flag protected me from overexposure to the sun. Later in the afternoon, it got a bit warm, so I took off the woolen jacket for my last hour of duty. Many people waved and said Hi, and some honked their horns. I said, Don t forget to vote and many said they either had voted or were about to vote. One gentleman in a purple-heart cap stopped, got out of the car, and shook my hand. He thanked me for getting out the vote, and I thanked him for protecting our nation. I think it was worth the effort and the sun, to remind people how their ancestors got the right to vote for their leaders, and to remind them that it is their duty to continue that hard-won tradition. I hope that people appreciated receiving the courtesy of a military salute, reminding them that the military respect their civilian leaders. It is the civilian leaders who determine our foreign policies and who try to prevent armed conflicts, but when they cannot maintain peace, they declare both the start and end of our conflicts. Editor s Note: As of the publication date of this edition, I don t know if the Orlando Sentinel has published the photo of Compatriot Nelson or not, but they should have. Compatriot Nelson has demonstrated what one person can do to better our world. Thank you, Compatriot Nelson, for a job well done! 17

18 November 2017 Lake-Sumter SAR Gazette This and That Chapter Web Site: /lakesumtersar.org Personal Information Update: Updating member information such as address, , or phone number is the responsibility of the member. If you are registered on the state/ chapter website (which uses the same data base) and/ or the National website (a different data base) you can update your own information. If you aren t registered on either, or need help completing the update, contact or send the information to our Chapter Secretary Edward Riley, at apej2313@yahoo.com. He can then update the appropriate data base. Recruitment: Our individual primary effort should be in the direction of new member recruitment. Remember, male children, siblings and grandchildren are all eligible for the SAR. Should you have candidates, please connect with Registrar John Moore at jmoore417@gmail.com or via phone at Wreaths Across America: Mark your calendar for the ceremony scheduled for 12:00 p.m., December 16, 2017, at Shiloh Cemetery, Fruitland Park, FL. Lake-Sumter Gazette Contact Information Robert L Beightol bogi0104@bellsouth.net Phone: Compatriots, please submit all news items and photos you believe of interest to the membership, via , with a name and telephone number for a point of contact. Remember, if you think it is interesting, chances are your fellow members will too! 18

19 November 2017 Lake-Sumter SAR Gazette Extra Photos 19