As Memorial Day and Fourth of July has passed and Veterans Day approaches, I have much to recall and yet much to ponder. Though I am not a lifelong resident of this wonderful state of Texas, I have been blessed to live here for the past four years. You, the people of this state are the most caring and giving to others that I have ever met. The beauty of the state, especially NE Texas, is beyond what a painter can put on canvas. I have a beautiful home in the Gladewater/Liberty City area where the sunsets are so beautiful in the evenings.

I am presently the Commander for the American Legion Post 281, which with the wonderfully patriotic residents of this area has been reestablished and making a difference in our communities. As a veteran and the widow of two Nam vets, I know firsthand the importance of our benefits and how very easily they can be lost due to lack of support. I would like to help those in your area pull together to form a Post home that can make a difference for our veterans, their families, the children and youth of your community, and the patriotism and Americanism that so many are trying to destroy these days.

The American Legion is the oldest wartime veteran’s organization, as it was established in 1919 and now has over 900,000 members. We hold a seat in Congress, we have and have had a strong voice as to our benefits. We are in need of individuals like yourself that think our families should be able to get together as a family and enjoy the benefits of freedom. We have programs that assist our injured veterans returning from foreign soil to get back on their feet. We also have programs that will put us in the schools of your children and grandchildren and teach them the importance and understanding of “Old Glory.” The Constitution of the United States will give many of our youth an opportunity to obtain scholarships.Others will learn first hand what our government is doing and why. Our youth who enjoy sports can again obtain scholarships and be seen by scouts for the major leagues through programs already in place by the American Legion.

The American Legion is a family organization; the wives, children (male and female) and grandchildren have a very important place in the Legion.

If you still get that lump in your throat when your National Anthem or Taps is played, or when our Flag is waving in the air, then YOU are the individual that will make a true difference in this organization. I assure you there are many individuals like yourself that will join in the efforts of making a difference in your community. There is much need for visitation to nursing homes and hospitals to maintain the histories of the past wars and begin to understand the present wars.

Have you served in our military and received an honorable discharge, or are the widow, child, or grandchild of such, please contact me to unite your fellow veterans so you can make a difference in your community and in the lives of those that have for centuries kept us free. They made time for us; we can do the same for them. Call or email me at: Linda M. Reed 903-986-2160,903-806-2900, ladilegionnaire@yahoo.com. Thank you for your service!