Patriots Day 2021
On September 11th, Patriot’s Day; the American Legion co-hosted the 20th anniversary memorial of the tragic attack on America on 9/11/01.
This yearly Memorial ceremony provides an opportunity for the community to pay their respects to the men and women on public safety’s front lines and commemorates the lives of those first responders who perished on that fateful morning of September 11, 2001. It also provides visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the men and women who sacrificed their lives so that others may live.
The centerpiece of the Memorial ground is an I-beam from the World Trade Center. Surrounding this steel, each of the 403 vertical rods represents one of the emergency responders whose life was lost on this tragic day; communicating the scale of human loss. If you haven’t been there yet, I would encourage everyone to stop by Fire Station One at the corner of S. Broad Street and Santa Barbara Street to view this wonderful memorial.
I want to thank Dave Glidden, Mike Emry, the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Honor Guard, San Luis Obispo Fire Department and Police Department, the Central Coast Pipes & Drums, 8th grade student Ruby Latta from Laguna Middle School, Boys State representative, Weston Jenkins, and Girls State Representative, Grace Byde; for making this remembrance so very special. Weston’s speech was particularly memorable so I have included it in this newsletter.
Nora O’Donnell
Commander
Weston Jenkins’
Patriots Day Speech
As I’m sure many of you have related to each other, everyone has a story of where they were today, 20 years ago. 20 years. I have no such story. I was born after that tragic attack. I’ve never been in a world without the TSA, world terrorism, never forget. But I have grown in that world which has been built by this nation on the ashes of atrocity. A world constructed by heroes and ordinary men and women alike. So let me tell you of this world, the only one I’ve ever known. Growing up after 9/11, I learned of that day in classes and textbooks. I had never known anyone in the towers, never seen them before the collapse. I was not torn from daily life by a news broadcast, a rumor from a neighbor, a shocked murmuring at work. But I was safe. I did not fear, as a child, that a reign of terror could come upon me at any moment. Because when I learned of that day, the story I saw with fresh eyes was one of incredible American resilience. I learned of the way that Americans put aside their differences to come together as one. I learned of the way that the American people forged on through the grief and the tragedy, because they knew they had a responsibility to move forward, but never move on. The world that I lived in was one where Never Forget was the American takeaway from that day, not cower in fear. I learned of the 403 men and women, the emergency personnel who died in that event. Not simply a number or list of names, but a group of heroes who gave their lives in selfless service. Their contributions to the American cause have earned them a spot in the US legend next to revolutionary heroes and Civil War veterans. This is the world I know. A world in which heroes are honored. A world in which future generations are inspired to serve others because we can look on those exceptional people with awe and say “Yes. To be American is to be strong, to be resilient, to never compromise in our mission for selfless duty, honor, and integrity.” Those 403 are the heart of America. Despite their sacrifices that day, that heartbeats on. And so now our children grow and learn as Americans, that all our freedoms and comforts are not guaranteed by convention but by selfless sacrifice. We the people are resilient, we the people are strong because they were that day. It is from the boundless heroism that horrible morning that we have discovered, young and old, what it is to be American. May we all live our lives in a manner befitting that solemn responsibility we have to them.
I yield the rest of my time to those men and women who died that day. Their memory speaks to us louder than any speech can hope to.
Basic Training is key to the success of our Post 66 Legion Family. Just as basic training is an important tool in the success of our military it is even more important to our success. Basic Training is available online 24 hours a day to all the members of our Legion Family (Legionnaires, Sons, Riders, and Auxiliary). It takes several hours to complete, but can be completed as time allows.
Basic Training is highly recommended for all members of our Legion Family and required for this wishing to attend the California American Legion College.
Veteran’s Day, November 11 is a special time for
The American Legion. A time to celebrate.
We have partnered this year with Vitalant to conduct a blood drive. Blood drives are an important component of our National Security pillar of service. To sign up for the blood drive – CLICK HERE
This year our celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will include the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum’s open house with a focus on women veterans. There will be a display of military vehicles, a bounce house, Post 66 and other Veteran organizations will have information booths. Our Sons of The American Legion, Squadron 66 will be barbecuing hamburgers
We can use volunteers to help that day, so if you are interested, contact Commander O’Donnell at (805) 441-1405, or at singingal57@gmail.com.
Our Post 66 medical equipment exchange program continues to grow and expand. For those who didn’t know about our efforts; please be aware that we have a number of pieces of medical equipment available to give to members and their families. Currently, we have 5 Wheelchairs, 10 Walkers, many canes and crutches, and 6 Hospital Beds. We also have several bath commodes for showering. All of these items can be used in times of need. There is no requirement for returning these items. One of the things we don’t seem to hold on to for very long is motorized mobility scooters. The last working one went out to Peter Champion who is recovering from a medical procedure. We really do love helping our family members and taking the financial strain away. If you have any equipment lying around the garage, Please call our Post Service Officer; Dave Glidden and arraignment can be made to accept donations.
805-215-8500
To view photos of the building of our Medical Storage Annex – CLICK HERE
Commander
Hello Legion Members!
I look back a year to where we were at the Post. In October 2020, we were offering “to-go” and outside seating options for our Monday Socials, but Wednesday barbecues had not yet been reinstated.
My October newsletter article from 2020 was delivering the good news that we were able to move dining back inside due to the County’s movement into the red zone of CoVid-19 status. Social distancing was still being observed with the bar only open to servers and meals served to the tables.
As of today, October 2021, new cases in our county have dropped since the spike in August, but we must remain vigilant to keep the spread of the Delta variant from impacting our ability to stay open.
I want to give kudos again to our fabulous kitchen, barbecue, and bar crews for their wonderful efforts that allow us to gather together each week.
Your Post leadership is continuing to hold meetings in the dining room on the first Wednesday of each month and are also making the meetings available via Zoom for those who can’t be there in person. Everyone is welcome to attend in person or virtually. You are encouraged to join us – this is your post and we’d love to welcome new and familiar faces to the meetings. Just send me an email (singingal57@gmail.com) and I’m happy to share the meeting link with you. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, November 3, at 6:30 p.m.
As always, I send best wishes that everyone is staying connected and healthy.
Nora O’Donnell
Commander
commander@slolegion.org
Legion Auxiliary
The date of the Legion Auxiliary’s Annual Raffle fundraiser has changed to December 8 (Wed). There will not be a silent auction this year due to covid concerns. Currently, raffle items include gift cards worth over $300, for restaurants and or coffee shops, etc. Other big items are jewelry made by Keith Hamilton, smoker (BBQ), and gift basket. The grand prize is Taste of SLO – Walking Food Tour. This is our only fundraiser currently to support the Auxiliary. Funds raised support our programs like Girls State and cover help costs of operation like insurance fees.
December 8 will be the last dinner for the year, Santa and Mrs. Claus, toys for kids, and the raffle (ALA).
Project Heros will be bicycling through our area on October 20th. Post 66 and Auxiliary Unit 66 will be hosting the Project Hero cyclists for lunch. We will need lots of volunteers for that day.
Laurie Richards
Unit 66 President
The American Legion Auxiliary
Save The Date
- October 11 – Closed Columbus Day
- October 13 – Top Sirloin Dinner
- October 18 – Burgers & Bingo
- October 20 – Project Heros
- October 25 – Soup & Salad Bar
- October 27 –
Halloween Costume Party - November 11 – Veterans Day
- November 21 – District 16 meeting
10 a.m. Post 371 Guadalupe - December 8 – Auxiliary Raffle
- March 12-13, DEC* Post 56 Santa Maria
*DEC is the Department Executive Committee.
Post 66 has sold its rental property and all of the proceeds from that sale have been invested with Thomas Partners and Charles Schwab. We are using dollar-cost averaging to even out our investment risk and seem to be doing okay so far. It is hoped that this gift, which was originally donated to the Post by Dr. Tedone, will ensure that the post remains financially stable for many years to come. We envision this money as a type of endowment that should be set aside and not spent on programs. I mention this because I have heard people say: “boy we have lots of money, let’s spend it.”
Not on my watch.
Dave Glidden
Chairman of Investment Committee
President’s Message from, Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum
We are finally back and more dedicated than ever to our mission of education, research, and remembering. We also have a new logo that reinforces that we are the “museum with a tank.” However, we need your help.
Our income virtually stopped in February 2020. We need donors and sponsors to step up and help us find our new programs, displays, and outreach. We also need volunteers to help with work such as clerical/administration, archival, tech support, and many other functions. Got an interest, talent, or just some spare time? Contact us and join one of the central coast’s most dedicated veteran support teams.
By the way, you don’t need to be a veteran –
just passionate about veterans!
With profound sadness, I must announce that my dear friend and our immediate past commander Edward Grimsley transitioned to Post Everlasting at 5:00 am this morning. Ed has been a great mentor and friend to many of us in the American Legion. I will personally miss Ed’s advice, counsel, friendship, and well-timed sermons to us all. I want to thank Annette and the rest of the Grimsley family for sharing Ed with us.
Please pray for Annette and the Grimsley family in their time of grief. Services for Ed are pending, and we will provide that information as we receive it. In our time of grief, we must support each other and Ed’s family.
Ed, thank you and Bravo Zulu for a job well done for your family and our American Legion. Farewell and following seas, my friend.
Autrey “AJ” James
Department Commander
Adjutant
Our Adjutant, Rich Powell, and his wife Glenda have been on vacation. He did offer this information on his return.
A “Hot Topic” is having meetings on a Saturday. We’ve done them before and our attendance was good.
Should we do them again? Twice a year? Once a quarter?
What say you? A good topic to discuss, yes?
Our Chef’s Cooking Competition will be a team competition that will start in January. Will your team win the “Master Chef” trophy, cash prize, and bragging rights for a year, or will your team go up in smoke, or do the walk of shame through “Hell’s Kitchen”?
Casting Call instructions:
- Form a Team with at least 2 members, but no more than 6
- Select a team name, and choose a head chef
- Plan a meal that will serve at least 60 members
- Stay within a $225 spending budget
Once all available team slots have been filled …Turn up the flames, light your oven, or fire up the grill, and let the Master Chef cooking begin.
Choose an available date for your Master Chef Team cooking debut. Your team will be responsible for creating a menu, setting up, serving, and clean up.
Make sure to verify with the Cafe’ 66 Producers, Fisher, Topham, or Hampton, that your chosen date is available.
Each competing team will be judged after each meal is served.
Score sheets will be handed out to each member who consumed the meal. In each category, you have the potential to earn 1-5 stars.
The total number of stars will be added up and kept confidential until all Teams have cooked. The Team with the most stars will be announced at the “Master Chef Winner Reveal Party ” in February
Each team will be judged in the following categories:
- Presentation
- Overall meal
- Would you pay $10
- Make it again, please!
- No thank you
Raffle tickets will be sold each night a Team cooks. The team with the most stars will receive half of the proceeds from the 50/50 raffle total ticket sales. The other half will be awarded to one lucky ticket holder.
The team with the most stars will receive the Master Chef trophy, cash prize & bragging rights for a year.
Our Post 66 website is new and it’s not. We acquired a new more descriptive domain name, post66slo.org.
The site also has a new look, but the content and layout of the site are basically the same, although the content is updated. Our monthly newsletters will now be found on the website under the Resources tab.
As a Technical Advisor to the Department’s Media and Communications Commission ( I help take care of the Department of California’s website.) I get exposed to a lot of things you may find of interest. As an example, The Sons of the American Legion was founded in 1932. In 2022 they will be celebrating their 90th anniversary. This the new 90th Anniversary logo developed for the Sons Detachment of California by our Department Web Team.
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