photos by Gary D. Brune, Adjutant Post 259, Paradise copyright (c) 2008

It is a pleasure to get responses from readers out of this area. From New York I got an email written by CMSgt (Ret) John Stenstrom. a musician who joined the only musicians Post for the American Legion in New York.

" I hate to admit it, but I do not know our Commander," Stenstrom said " have never been to the post. I joined because I wanted to belong to a post and, when a friend from New York invited me, I accepted. I'd even have to look at my dues card (not on me) to know the post number.

I realize I'm not the kind of member any group wants, but I do hope my dues are welcome."

photo by Gary D. Brune copyright 2008

The other side of that coin came in my e-mail when the commander of my post said there is the possibility that he may have to close our post, not because of the number of members we have, but that there is only a handful of men and women who can be officers on the post. From that handful, a small percentage are willing to be officers.

photo by Gary D. Brune copyright 2008

The onramp was closed off by police while several emergency vehicles and personnel secured the accident scene. A back-up gasoline truck was waiting to unload the tanker's load

Photo by Gary D. Brune Copyright 2007

Shot this morning from the Circle of Flags at the Paradise Veteran's Hall. Due to rain, the Lion's Club elected not to complete the Avenue of the Flags, but this section had been set up before the drops fell.

photo by Gary D. Brune copyright 2007

Smokey the dog rides around Veteran's Hall with his owner during Johnny Appleseed Days in Paradise last Saturday.

photo by Gary D. Brune copyright 2007

American Legion Post 259 Commander Thor Sparre (seated right) met with a Paradise veteran last Saturday at the Johnny Appleseed Days celebration in Paradise. The Post and Auxiliary ran a table in the Veteran's Hall.

Post 259's next general meeting will be at the Paradise Veteran's Hall on Novermber7 at 7 pm. They will also participate in the Veteran's Day celebration at the hall that weekend.

There is a bill in the works in Congress that veterans will be very interested in. Senate Bill 1877, introduced by Oklahoma Senator James Inholfe on July 25, will prescribe that veterans in or out of uniform will present a hand salute to the American Flag during its hoisting, lowering, or passing.

At the present time, Title 4 of the United States Code reads that most citizens shall remove their hats and place their hand over their heart at the flag passes by, is hoisted or lowered.

According to the Library of Congress website this bill passed in the Senate on the same day Senator Inholfe introduced it. As of August 10, it was referred to the House Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, which is part of the House Judiciary Committee.

Since no further action on this bill has been scheduled up to this date, a letter or dispatch to Representative Wally Herger might be useful. His web page is www.house.gov/herger, and I have just sent out a dispatch encouraging him to support the bill. Obviously I can use your help with this campaign.

These are the Post 259 Board Meeting minutes for June 30. Thank you, Adjutant Mike Miles

The entry below is the minutes from the Post 259 June 6 General Meeting. I thank Adjutant Mike Ryan for his work here

Breaking news, Ridge residents;

American Legion Post Commander Thor Sparre announced a Craft Faire for August 18 and 19 at the Paradise Veteran's Hall. Sponsored by the Legion Auxiliary it will feature a wide assortment of hand-made crafts from area
artisans. Commander Sparre described the event as "the best kept secret in Paradise".

As an early event for the Christmas shopping season it will be open from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday and from 10 am to 3 pm on Sunday.