Centered around the theme, “One Flag, One Nation, One Community,” the event brought together local residents, businesses, and city representatives to honor those who demonstrate exceptional respect and pride in displaying the American flag.

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress approved the design of a national flag. The observance was officially established in 1916 and later recognized by Congress in 1949 as a day to celebrate the history and symbolism of the flag as a representation of freedom, unity, and national identity.

A highlight of the ceremony was a formal 13-fold Flag Recital, a time-honored tradition that reflects the symbolic meaning behind each fold of the United States flag. The recital served as a powerful reminder of the values, sacrifices, and unity the flag represents.

Awards were presented to businesses, community members, and cities that have shown outstanding dedication in their display of the U.S. flag, helping to foster a sense of patriotism throughout the San Jacinto Valley and surrounding communities.

The event was led by Post Commander Lester Fountain, with significant support from 1st Vice Commander Joel Ortiz, who helped organize the program. 3rd Vice Commander Jamie Swan added to the celebratory atmosphere by serving as the event’s DJ.

The gathering was made possible in part through the support of the Lamas Housing Project, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defined the day.

Attendees enjoyed a meaningful and uplifting ceremony that not only honored the nation’s flag but also strengthened community bonds. Events like this continue to highlight the important role local organizations play in preserving traditions and bringing people together.

For many in attendance, the message of the day was clear: the American flag remains a powerful symbol of unity, pride, and shared identity.

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Rusty Strait | Senior Reporter

The American Legion has so much more to offer than merely membership. For instance, all male descendants adopted sons and stepsons of members of the American Legion, and such male descendants of veterans who died in service during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, and Gulf War, War on Terrorism, during the delimiting periods set forth Article IV, Section 1, of the National Constitution of the American Legion or who died after their honorable discharge from such service, shall be eligible for membership in the Sons of the American Legion.

There are many opportunities for the Sons of the American Legion to excel and honor their country. For instance, the five-point program of service:

1. PATRIOTISM: Love of the flag; love of country

2. CITIZENSHIP: Individual obligation of citizenship

3. DISCIPLINE: Respect for and obedience to rules

4. LEADERSHIP: Participation in group activities

5. LEGIONISM: Knowledge of The American Legion

Adherence to these five points can earn The Five Star Award, a gold-plated medal bearing the SAL emblem and the symbolism of the five points.

THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY:

The Auxillary’s membership has more than 600,000 members nationwide. Members are fiercely dedicated to serving, helping and the needs of veterans, the military and their families.

LEGION RIDERS:

One doesn’t think of Legionnaires as bikers, but the LEGION RIDERS are a big part of our Hemet Legion Post 53. Legion Riders (nationally) have helped raise more than 14 million dollars for the Legacy Scholarship Funds. The Riders perform many other services for American Legion-supported causes and provide support at military funerals. Participants must be members of the American Legion, Auxiliary or Sons.

This column will continue to keep the community of Post 53 about Legion events both locally and nationally. So keep reading. Just sayin’

rustystrait@gmail.com

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The event began around eleven a.m. with a buffet luncheon/dinner that would honor any restaurant kitchen.

That was followed by a tremendous amount of socializing and discussing past and present events of the Post. Among the honored guests was Jerry Chase, President of Cloverlane Foundation. For those who don’t know Jerry, he does not reside in Hemet, but he has contributed heavily, both financially and personally, to the welfare of Veterans here and throughout Southern California.

At one P.M, the ceremonies began with the Auxiliary proceedings first on the agenda. The new officers installed were:

PRESIDENT: Jeri Johnston

1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Brandy Rowe

2ND VICE PRESIDENT: Valerie Vandever

CHAPLAIN: Irene Gabriel

SECRETARY: Sally Imel

TREASURER: Gloria Alvarez

HISTORIAN: Charlene Booth

PARLIAMENTARIAN: Cathaleen McCoy

SERGEANT AT ARMS: Charlene Both

ASST. SGT. AT ARMS: T. K. Mason

SAL OFFICERS:

COMMANDER: Arron Ramsey

1ST VICE COMMANDER William Henderson (Membership)

ADJUTANT: Phillip Morales

CHAPLAIN: Robert Garza

SAL ADVISOR: Matt Casey

SERGEANT OF ARMS: Mike Palmer

ASST. SGT. OF ARMS: Robert Garza

HISTORIAN-CHAIRMAN: Danny Ruiz

EXECUTIVE BOARD: Joe Males

EXECUTIVE BOARD: Mike Wofford

EXECUTIVE BOARD: Terry Larned

EXECUTIVE BOARD: Ronnie Imel

LEGIONNAIRE OFFICERS:

COMMANDER: Joe Males

1st VICE COMMANDER: Lance Matthews (Membership)

2nd VICE COMMANDER: Jan Cassella

3rd VICE COMMANDER: Richard Galindo (Dinners Planner)

FINANCE OFFICER: Louie Morales (Post and Sons)

CHAPLAIN: Don Simpson (Scouts Contact)

POST ADJUTANT: Larry Blair (Hall rentals & Special Events)

JUDGE ADVOCATE: Frank Munoz

SERGEANT AT ARMS: George Acosta, Sr. ASST.

SGT AT ARMS: Joe Pike

HISTORIAN – CHAIR: Ralph “Julian” Perez (Veterans Warrior)

EXECUTIVE BOARD: Cynthia Cromwell

EXECUTIVE BOARD: Chuck Oden

EXECUTIVE BOARD: Lawrence Schultz

EXECUTIVE BOARD: Terry Larned

POST SERVICE OFFICER: Ronnie Imel (Veterans Paying it Forward)

When all were sworn in, the members were treated to slices of an enormous cake that would have served an entire regiment – and it went fast. The American Legion is always there for veterans and their families, and perhaps some folks don’t know that. So if you are a veteran of any war or non-war, and have a problem, feel free to call on Joe Males and his Officers. They are there for you – always. Just sayin’. rustystrait@gmail.com

Rusty Strait • Senior Reporter

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American Legion Post 53

Bonnie Kilroe, the ultimate Patsy Cline tribute girl brought something new and well-received at American Legion Post 53 dinner this past week. Not only was she articulate, she sporting a genuine Cline voice, but she opened her show with a sense of humor that kept the house in stitches. The dance floor was overrun with dancers, both country and urbanites.

The event started out at 7 a.m. when breakfast was served. That was followed by watching the Army/Navy’s annual battle for bragging rights. Navy won in a landslide. At 5:30 PM the doors were opened for the big event. Dinner was served at 6 and trust me, it was delicious.

At 7 PM Bonnie came bouncing out in cowboy Christmas garb. From the moment she hit the stage until two hours later, the joint was jumping. I think there were a few teardrops when she ended the show with Patsy’s signature song, “Crazy,” written by Willie Nelson. In between, she ran a songbook of Patsy’s recordings, several of which were new to me and probably a lot of others as well.

During the show she had folks in the audience join her on stage for some skits, truly incorporating the audience into the show. At the end she posed for pictures. She’s a real trooper and negotiations are now on for a return visit in March of next year.

There was an added attraction to the show: the new full liquor bar was now open. It was new to me, although veterans who are not members of the Post have suggested to me that Post 53 would garner a lot more activity from young veterans if there was a bar.  Now they have no excuses.

I also learned from conversations with the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, that young veterans respect their comrades from past conflicts. However, sitting around recalling battles long gone, doesn’t necessarily enthuse some of the young veterans: they are interested in having a comradeship that lives in the future, such as what they are all doing now in civilian life.

I can echo those concerns. As a veteran of World War II, I have heard every story from Omaha Beach to the peace treaty signed between Japan and the United States on deck of the battleship Missouri. As a new generation becomes veterans, times have changed.

American Legion Post 53 is very involved in our community and is an excellent source of information needed by our veterans. Health, pensions and anything else that enhances the health and welfare of Valley veterans and their families is paramount. So, now you have it young vets: the legion is there for you too. So why not join up?  Next year you’ll get to see Bonnie Kilroe…and that’s worth the price of admission!

Just sayin’.

rustystrait@gmail.com

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Search: Pasty Cline Tribute

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