Semper Re: Always Remember

Post Six Honors Elderly Veterans with Special Veterans Day /
Thanksgiving Luncheon

The mission of the American Legion is built on service, community, and the timeless
commitment to our nation’s veterans. At American Legion Post Six, that commitment
was demonstrated recently through the annual Veterans Day / Thanksgiving Luncheon –
 dedicated to honoring our elderly veterans who can no longer easily leave their
homes, retirement communities or assisted living facilities. Now in its second year, the
luncheon is one of the Post’s main outreach efforts for Veterans. It is deeply rooted in
the unofficial motto, Semper Recordabor, which is a Latin expression for always
remember. In true military spirit the Post now shortens the phrase into Semper Re. 
“We wanted to make sure that our elderly veterans were never forgotten,” explained the
event chairman, Tim Smith. Indeed the inspiration is personal, extending back to Tim’s
father, a Purple Heart recipient in World War II, who dedicated his time to veterans’
organizations“ so that we don’t forget.” This event translates that legacy into powerful
community action, directly supporting the veterans’ rehabilitation and community service
pillar of the American Legion.

A Day of Heroes and Heartfelt Moments
The second annual luncheon brought together dozens of veterans from local retirement
communities, assisted living and memory care facilities for a special meal and
fellowship. The atmosphere at the Post was joyful and, for many, deeply moving.
During the ceremony, the group reflected on the service of those present and paid
tribute to those lost over the past year in the emotional high point, the Remembrance
Ceremony. The silence was broken by the solemn ringing of the bell 12 times, followed
by the playing of Taps, a moment that underscored the profound service and sacrifice of
the attendees. As Tim Smith looked out at the men and women who were once young,
strong warriors—seamen, airmen, and soldiers—he shared, “It choked me up to see
these heroes.”
Beyond reverence, there were moments of joy. Following the formal tributes, the
Legionnaires sang “God Bless the USA”—a rendition that moved one of the caregivers
to tears.  This was followed by a lighter request by two veteran pilots (a naval aviator
and an Air Force pilot) to sing “Fly Me to the Moon.”

The Feedback: “We Need This”
The response from the veterans and their caregivers was generous and resounding.
Attendees frequently complimented the beautiful atmosphere of the Post building, but
the highest praise was reserved for the experience itself.

“The compliments were quite generous,” said Tim, noting that the Veterans and facility
sponsors deeply appreciated the effort. As Navy pilot Chuck Waldron commented after
the event, “We need this; it’s so good for us to get together.”

Heroes Behind the Mission
The luncheon’s success is a testament to the dedication of the Operation Shut-In team
and their partners in the community. The largest challenge in organizing such an
undertaking is securing volunteers, but the event succeeded due to a “snowball effect”
of enthusiasm from the entire Post Six community, especially the core Legionnaire
team: Bob Swanson and his dog Calle, Lonnie Kylander, Doug Call, Charles
Weinberg, Cliff Baldwin, Wally Washburn, and Ed and Deb Gerhardt and their dog Nicki.
The Post leadership extends sincere gratitude to the external heroes—the caregivers
and organizers who work tirelessly to get the veterans to the Post: John Haynes and
Carol Coile from Carolina Meadows, Jackie Urban and Beth Beatty from Brookdale
Farmington, and Mo Hazel and her associate, Toby from Brookdale Meadowmont.

Looking Ahead: Giving Veterans the Mic
Moving forward, the Post plans to enhance the luncheon, ensuring the veterans remain
at the center of the celebration. As General MacArthur said, "Old soldiers never die,
they just kind of fade away." The goal is to honor these veterans while they are still
here, and to learn from them. Next year, the event will introduce a “Story
Time” segment, showcasing veterans who can share entertaining and insightful tales
from their years in service. The Post will also be looking to the wider community for
assistance, seeking local business sponsorships to donate food and supplies.

A Final Message
The message for Post members and the wider community is simple: the Veterans Day /
Thanksgiving Luncheon is an essential and fulfilling mission. By supporting the larger
Post’s Veteran Visitation Program and its events, the community can ensure that those
who served with distinction are always remembered and honored. Bravo Zulu to all that
made this event a success!

Post 6 Historian
Matt Attaway