Memorial Day in Paradise
photos by Gary D. Brune, Adjutant Post 259, Paradise copyright (c) 2008
May 27, 2008
April 04, 2008
Two sides of the same coin
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.
March 28, 2008
View from Skyway bridge
photo by Gary D. Brune copyright 2008
On the heels of yesterday's reports of the capsized tanker on Highway 99 at the Skyway onramp Wednesday, I heard the reports of this accident while on the bus going home and shot this on the Skyway, Highway 99 overpass in Chico, enroute up the Ridge.
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
November 12, 2007
Happy Veteran's Day
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.
October 13, 2007
Smokey is resting
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.
Post 259 meets veterans at Johnny Appleseed Days
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.
September 05, 2007
Veteran American flag hand salute stalled in House of Representatives
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.
August 24, 2007
AL Post 259 June 30 Board Meeting
These are the Post 259 Board Meeting minutes for June 30. Thank you, Adjutant Mike Miles
AL Post 259 General Meeting, June 6
The entry below is the minutes from the Post 259 June 6 General Meeting. I thank Adjutant Mike Ryan for his work here
August 14, 2007
259 Auxiliary Craft Faire
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.
August 08, 2007
Letter "American Legion is seeking veterans"
I published this letter in the Paradise Post on August 4.
American Legion is seeking veterans
Editor;
As the newly appointed historian for American Legion Post 259 here in Paradise, I would like to invite any veteran who lives on the Ridge to visit us.
The American Legions is an 89 year old veteran's service organization.
We have members who served in all of the major conflicts from World War II to the present operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
We serve not only our fellow veterans but the Ridge community as well
Our new commander, Thor Sparre, is a good man interested in helping us get to know the community better, and for the Ridge to know us better as well.
Our members are good listeners, having been through the travails of the military service experience themselves.
We would be honored to meet with men and women who have just gotten back from overseas. Our vets have cast their eyes to the future and extend comradeship to all who have served.
We sponsor a friendly and spirited game of bingo every Tuesday.
Our next upcoming general meeting is the first Wednesday in September at 1900 hours at the Paradise Veteran's Hall on Skyway.
As a full-time re-entry student at Chico State, I know how tough the day is. I am honored to be in the presence of men and women who have brought something special to the United States/
On behalf of my fellow members and officers, I welcome and invite you.
We will be at Johnny Appleseed Days and will willing to talk in to any veteran of their spouse interested in finding out what we're about.
Gary D. Brune
Historian, Post 259
American Legion
Paradise, California