Department

Our Memorial Day this year in the Mat-su area was pretty much back to normal. We first started the day with a parade walk from the Wall of Honor in Wasilla to the cemetery where I was honored to attend the 11:00 am cemetery ceremony hosted by our local VFW 9365. Then at 1:00 pm., I attended the ceremony at the Wall of Honor in Wasilla hosted by the American Legion family #35. I had the pleasure of having my granddaughter, Renee Doyle accompany me to the event, where she presented and displayed the American Legion Junior Auxiliary wreath that the Juniors made at our past convention. As your Department President and a grandmother, I had great pride to have her participate with me this Memorial Day.

What does the 4^th of July day (Independence Day) symbolize? It symbolizes SACRIFICE! The sacrifice of those early American patriots. Ordinary people who put their lives aside for a dream. That dream was for a strong and free. The 4th of July is not which political party you represent nor if you support the current leadership of not. It is all about the LOVE for one’s country. While family events are important! We should always cherish them but let us to NEVER forget why we are free to enjoy these pleasures. We need to remember that and never let that sacrifice be tarnished by any influence or alternative teachings. God bless the USA!!

The National American Legion Family Convention is in Phoenix, AZ this year from August 27, 2021, to September 2, 2021. I will be attending and after the convention I will be heading down to Green Valley, AZ to visit with my mother until the end of September, you are all definitely welcome to call or email me during this time.

Then, remember our Fall conference is in Ketchikan, on October 16^th and 17^th, 2021. Barb, our Department Secretary will be sending out information soon. Please be on the lookout for it.