Days of Remembrance
April 11 was Holocaust Remembrance Day, part of a week-long remembrance established by the U.S. Congress to never forget the victims of the Nazi Holocaust which the Nazis called “The Final Solution” to exterminate all European Jews and other unacceptable groups. During and before World War II, over six million Jews were murdered in Nazi death camps such as Treblinka and Auschwitz. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. is asking Americans to honor veterans who defeated the Nazis and liberated the death camps. On Sunday, April 25 the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County in Glen Cove is having a Walk To Remember the Children of the Holocaust. Their website is www.Holocaust-Nassau.org.
Essay Contest
Fork Lane Elementary School third grader Samantha De Turris has submitted an essay, “What America Means to Me,” for the Sons of the Legion Essay Contest. Post 421 Commander Charles Rockwell read Samantha’s essay aloud at a recent meeting. Hicksville Legionnaires are proud of Samantha, her third-grade teacher Mrs. Abramson and her grandfather, a United States Marine Corps veteran. Samantha’s essay follows:
“What America Means to Me”
By Samantha De Turris
America means the world to me. My family and I were born and raised in the United States. I am proud to be an American. It is an honor to have the troops protecting our country. They give their lives for our families and they give us many freedoms doing that. My papa was in the Marines and he was proud to be an American and to serve his country. When we say the “Pledge of Allegiance” it shows that we love our country and should always say “thank you” for getting to live in this beautiful and free country.
There are many countries that do not have freedom and the people are told what they can or cannot do. For example, in China a couple can only have one child. They are very crowded in their country. Also, in many countries the people are forced into a certain religion or government. In America you can make that choice by yourself.
The American flag is so beautiful. It has 50 stars that represent 50 states and the 13 stripes represent the 13 colonies. On the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day we should see American flags in every house. Every day, but especially on these holidays, we salute the men and women that protect our country.
As you can see, America means everything to me and I will always be proud to be an American citizen.
Oratorical Contest
Hicksville Legionnaire Richard Hockbrieckner, past county commander, was with the New York delegation at the 73rd American Legion National Oratorical Contest held last weekend in Indianapolis, IN. At this time, 53 department or state oratorical finalists – all high school students –competed in nine quarterfinal contests. Representing the Department of New York was Madison Kircher of Queensburg, NY. The 53 department finalists in the oratorical contest have already earned scholarship funds.
Support the Moving Wall
The Charles Wagner Post has made a donation to support the Moving Wall, a one-half size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that travels across country to honor our Vietnam veterans and those who gave their lives. From June 10-13 the wall will be on display at Greis Veterans Memorial Park in Lynbrook. Please send a donation to Western L.I. Detachment, Marine Corps League, PO Box 7, Lynbrook, NY 11563 to support this great endeavor. There will be a parade and historical exhibit. Semper Fi to our Marines.
Membership and Support
Charles Wagner Post 421 meets at 8 p.m. on the first and third Monday of the month at the Hicksville VFW, 320 South Broadway. All veterans are invited to join. New auxiliary members are welcome. Send donations to help hospitalized veterans and military to American Legion Post 421, P.O. Box 925, Hicksville, NY 11802.
