Welcome back! September feels like the month to get “back” to it. Back to school, back to our Auxiliary meetings (September 9th at 6:30), back to being able to make right hand turns, back to routine, back to “normal”. What happens when “normal” suddenly changes? Our nation’s normal changed September 11, 2001. One of those moments in history when you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing. I also remember the gamut of emotions I felt, horror, fear, vulnerability, loss, anger, pride, patriotism.
Wait. What? Pride? Patriotism? Senator John Kerry said, “It was the worst day we have ever seen but, it brought out the best in all of us.” I remember September 12th when our nation came together for a common goal, to help those in need. The outpouring of supplies and monetary donations was incredible. People were lining up to give blood and emotional support to one another. We realized how incredibly brave and selfless our first responders, firefighters, and police personnel were. We bought so many American flags that manufacturers could not keep up with demand. 9/11 has been designated Patriot’s Day. President Barack Obama summed it up nicely when he said, “Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness is a way to honor those we lost. A way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.”
WE WILL NEVER FORGET. Let us continue service and kindness every day.
A heartfelt thank you to Howard and Trudy Maaninga for their 20 years of hosting a flag raising program at their home. All gave some, 58,479 gave all.
Thank you to everyone that came out and made the Back Yard Bash a success! The Auxiliary Past President’s Pie Social was able to raise over $500. Thank you to Vanessa and Trilla for raising over $200 in the dunk tank for our school supply drive. What a fun evening!
The Legion Family had a wonderful time at the RedHawks game in Fargo. We were able to present over $2,000 to the ND/MN Honor Flight. Thank you to Post 21 of Moorhead for your hospitality!
Our blood drive results are in! 109 people came out to donate and 125 blood products were collected. We had 7 people donate for their very first time too! Thank you to all those who came out and to Lynn Spilman and crew for hosting a great event!
Working together to support our Veterans!
Erin Hensel
Auxiliary President