The October meeting of American Legion Post 41 in Houston has passed, and there were 15 members and visitors in attendance.
The speaker at the meeting was Bruce Scheets of the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce. I understand that his presentation concerned patriotism, and he also presented awards to the post and post member Bob Simpson. The award to the post was the most patriotic float in the Independence Day parade. The award presented to Simpson was the most patriotic person for leading the float and handing out miniature flags.
As the weather cools down, I’m spending less time fundraising for Boys/Girls State, however this month’s contributors are Gigi’s Nails and Intercounty Electric Cooperative. A big thank you to all the contributors who have assisted so far.
A Veterans Day presentation will be at Houston High School at 1 p.m. Nov. 8. I do not have the complete program, although I believe there will be several speakers. Also a presentation about the two minutes of silence is scheduled and how it began and evolved over the years.
With all the holidays coming up, starting with Halloween, the post would like to encourage everyone in the community to take a few minutes to consider safety both at home and in travels. Crime does rise during this part of the year. Criminals are very opportunistic and will sneak in when your guard is down and relive you of material possessions.
This month’s bit of history goes back to the Civil War in 1862, when Morgan’s Raiders captured a federal garrison at Lexington, Ky. John Morgan and his cavalry surprised Union Major Seidel at Ashland and captured him and his command in broad daylight. After outfitting his command with new horses, colt revolvers and other captured goods, Morgan’s men burned the government stables and railroad depot before leaving Lexington.
The next monthly meeting at American Legion Post 41 will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8. I’m not sure if pizza will be served or if the switch to chili will have been made, but everyone is invited to attend. Also, each Thursday morning is the post business meeting starting at 9 a.m., and again visitors are encouraged to come.
The Fleet Reserve Association meets at the Legion Hall at 1:30 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month. The FRA is geared to members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
There are quite a few veterans updates available that I do not have the space to share. I have no information about the Cabool VFW, but I think the leadership recently changed. Once we connect I’ll post their information.
Houston resident Keith Ford is a retired infantryman and an amateur writer whose work has appeared in publications around the world. Email kf4tap@yahoo.com.