A history lesson: September 2nd marked the 73rd anniversary of V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) and of ficially marked the end of World War II in 1945. This is when Japan s formal surrender took place aboard the U.S.S. Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay. World War II was the deadliest military con flict in history. Over 60 million people were killed, which was about 3% of the 1940 world population of 2.3 billion. Post 8696 lost two members last month. Comrades, John E. Roberts, USAF, Korean War, and Basil Digregoria, Navy, WWII veteran. Our Deepest sympathy goes out to these member's families. I would like to thank all the volunteers who made the Vietnam Veterans Recognition day a complete success and especially our Jr. Vice Commander Tom Piekarski who coordinated this huge undertaking. It should be noted that there are 1,741 American personnel listed by the Defense Department's POW/MIA Of fice as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, as of April 2009. The United States National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed across the nation on the third Friday of September each year. Many Americans take the time to remember those who were prisoners of war (POW), and those who are missing in action (MIA). Post 8696 hosted the VFW District 19 quarterly meeting and school of instruction on August 25th. We had a good turnout and learned a lot of useful information. The canteen ceiling restoration project did not proceed as planned last month but, is still on our list of things to accomplish soon. I will keep you all posted as new information comes available. The Auxiliary's baskets of cheer raf fle helped raise one tenth of the funds need for the project and the winners will be noti fied this week. That's all for now, thank you for supporting the Post and our local Veterans. Keith Tremblay Commander, VFW Post 8696 Hello brothers and sisters, hope you all had a great Labor Day. This is the of ficial sign that summer is over and fall is coming. We are really getting into the swing of things. We are on track with all of our obligations and off to a great start. I am hoping that we can keep the momentum going. I would like to say thank you to everyone who helped and volunteered for the Vietnam Veterans Recognition luncheon. It was a great turn out and everyone worked well together and the veterans all had a good time. It is with a heavy heart that I say that we have lost 3 sisters. Gladys Pappalardi, Marilyn McAdams and Marie Henle. The repass for sister Marie will be on September 11th @ 7:00pm at the VFW Post 8696. Please don t forget about the Auxiliary Appreciation Luncheon which is on September 15th from 11-2. Please make sure you get your tickets. The tickets are free and on a first come first serve basis. Hope to see you all there. Deadline for the tickets is September 3rd. I would like to thank everyone who was at the district meeting on August 25th. And for all of the help that was given, it was greatly appreciated. Our of ficial inspection will be at our October meeting, please be there and help support our Auxiliary. Remember that September is National Suicide Awareness Month. September 21st is POW/MIA Recognition Day. This day is a day of remembrance and hope for the speedy and safe return of American Prisoners of War, and those still Missing in Action. It also seeks the return of the remains of fallen soldiers. POW/MIA Recognition Day honors the commitments and the sacri fices made by our Marion s prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. September 11th is Patriot Day. Patriot day, also known as the National Day of Service and Rememberance. Occurs on September 11th each year in memory of those killed during the September 11,2001 terrorist attacks. Those we lost on September 11, 2001 will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts and in the history of our nation. Please remember to pay your dues. We would like to be at 100%. Continued page 2
Continued from page 1 Also, if you know of a member that has moved or passed on please let us know. The more communication we have the better. We are in need of cakes for bingo bake sales, please let me know if you are interested in baking or bringing in a cake to bingo. Fall conference is October 26 and 27th in Orlando. The conference is Open to all Auxiliary members. If you are interested please go to the department website vfwaux florida.org to register. Our next meeting is September 19th can t wait to see you all there. Respectfully Christine Padovano VFW Auxiliary President BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS Happy Birthday to the following auxiliary members whose birthdays occur in September. Theresa A. Bongo Virginia Corbett Maria DiGiorgio Anna L. Geter Mary Henle Beatrice Hornby Betty Hostler Karen W. Jones Barbara Kemp Linda G. Maxwell Elsa McKenzie Janice Nichols Ann D. Perry Dianne Preston Barbara Sangiorgio Sylvia M. Sheppard Karen Smith Nancy Smyly Agnes St. Cyr Any additions and/or corrections can be made by calling 386-586-7742. Kathy Enriquez, Membership ATTENTION AUXILIARY Your new Auxiliary Chaplin is Kari McDonald. Please feel free to contact her with any information about Auxiliary members. (386) 246-3285 or email, mckari59@gmail.com Tickets on sale now at the Canteen
The Vietnam Veterans Recognition day event went over very well. Tom Piekarski did a wonderful job of putting the event together. He had lots of help, and I hope I do not forget anyone who contributed their time, and hard work to make the event a success. Keith and Sue Tremblay, Chris Jones, Kari McDonald, Millie Maxim, Tom and Eileen Piekarski, Emily Piekarski, Shirley Cortese, Crissy and Nicole Padovano, Mary McDermott, Carol Vandenberg, Patti Donnelly. Kathy Enriquez, Linda Anderson. The high point of the event was the guest speaker Tom found for us. Medal of Honor recipient, Melvin Morris. It is not every day you have a chance to meet a true hero. Photos from the event are on our website, please check them out. WWW.VFW8696.COM There were also donations from local merchants who also helped with the event, Thank you to, Metro Diner lots of food, Sonny's BBQ Ice Tea, McDonald's chicken Nuggets, and Walmart cheese plate.
VFW Post 8696 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS 47 Old Kings Rd. N. Palm Coast Fl 32137 (386)446-8696 P.O. Box 351003 Palm Coast FL 32135 Post Fax 446-4474 Post E-Mail vfwpost8696@pcfl.net Post Commander cmdrvfw@pcfl.net Post website: www.vfw8696.com An Association of Veterans Who Have Fought America's Foreign Wars on Land, at Sea, and in the Air September 2018