Americanism
Chairman: Eileen D'Andrea
203-621-4258, [email protected]
Hello everyone! Hope you are keeping warm! We are on our way to warmer weather, keep the faith.
Dates TO REMEMBER:
o March 15th - 105 TH Birthday of The American Legion
o March 15th - Department Essay Contest Deadline
o April 15th - Purple Up! Day for Military Children
o April 27th - American Legion Family Day
‘Essay Contest- By now you should be planning how and when your committee will read and submit the Essay winners to Me- Dept. of CT Chairman by March 15th , 2024.
April is Purple Up! Month - get ready- How will you get the word out? Will you hold an event? Please share your ideas.
Be prepared: Star Spangled Kids is not recognized until September, but you might want to think about it now.
Reminder: Order your hand flags now for the upcoming months and patriotic holidays. Be prepared!
Hang your Flag! Everyday.
Photo Contest Winners: CONGRATULATIONS!
1st place: Picture # 19 Submitted by Ines Morris, Unit 95
2 nd place: Picture #10, Submitted by Kate Salerno, Unit 72
Flag photo Contest- is starting again! We will have another contest at Convention, so please E-MAIL me your photos to be entered.
Dates TO REMEMBER:
o March 15th - 105 TH Birthday of The American Legion
o March 15th - Department Essay Contest Deadline
o April 15th - Purple Up! Day for Military Children
o April 27th - American Legion Family Day
‘Essay Contest- By now you should be planning how and when your committee will read and submit the Essay winners to Me- Dept. of CT Chairman by March 15th , 2024.
April is Purple Up! Month - get ready- How will you get the word out? Will you hold an event? Please share your ideas.
Be prepared: Star Spangled Kids is not recognized until September, but you might want to think about it now.
Reminder: Order your hand flags now for the upcoming months and patriotic holidays. Be prepared!
Hang your Flag! Everyday.
Photo Contest Winners: CONGRATULATIONS!
1st place: Picture # 19 Submitted by Ines Morris, Unit 95
2 nd place: Picture #10, Submitted by Kate Salerno, Unit 72
Flag photo Contest- is starting again! We will have another contest at Convention, so please E-MAIL me your photos to be entered.
Hello everyone! How are we all holding up in this bitter cold?
How will your unit recognize Presidents Day on February 19th? Encourage your members to
fly their flags. A bit of trivia can be found at this link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidents%27_Day
‘Presidents Day, officially Washington's Birthday at the federal governmental level, is a holiday in the
United States celebrated on the third Monday of February. It is often celebrated to honor all those
who served as presidents of the United States and, since 1879…’
We have received 34 ‘my favorite flag’ photos for our contest. There will be a DISPLAY at Mid-
winter conference and a bucket to vote on your favorite. Please take a moment to place your vote by lunch break. Votes will be counted at lunch time and winner will be announced in the afternoon.
Essay Contest- The time is NOW! Let’s get the notice out to your schools and town. It’s a great way to get kids involved. Call me if you need help getting started. Department deadline for your winners is March 15th , 2024.
Order your hand flags now for the upcoming months and patriotic holidays. Be prepared! Fly your Flag! February 19th - President’s Day
How will your unit recognize Presidents Day on February 19th? Encourage your members to
fly their flags. A bit of trivia can be found at this link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidents%27_Day
‘Presidents Day, officially Washington's Birthday at the federal governmental level, is a holiday in the
United States celebrated on the third Monday of February. It is often celebrated to honor all those
who served as presidents of the United States and, since 1879…’
We have received 34 ‘my favorite flag’ photos for our contest. There will be a DISPLAY at Mid-
winter conference and a bucket to vote on your favorite. Please take a moment to place your vote by lunch break. Votes will be counted at lunch time and winner will be announced in the afternoon.
Essay Contest- The time is NOW! Let’s get the notice out to your schools and town. It’s a great way to get kids involved. Call me if you need help getting started. Department deadline for your winners is March 15th , 2024.
Order your hand flags now for the upcoming months and patriotic holidays. Be prepared! Fly your Flag! February 19th - President’s Day
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I hope the new year brings you happiness and good health!
“Send Me Pictures” of your favorite American Flag flying, or yard display, etc. is now a
CONTEST! There will be a DISPLAY board at Mid-winter conference to place your vote. So
please send me photos, by text or email by JANUARY 20 TH and they will be included!
Essay Contest- The time is NOW! Let’s get the notice out to your schools and town. It’s a
great way to get kids involved. Call me if you need help getting started.
Department deadline for your winners is March 15 th , 2024.
Order your hand flags now for the upcoming months and patriotic holidays. Be prepared!
Hang your Flag! Jan. 15- Martin Luther King Day
“Send Me Pictures” of your favorite American Flag flying, or yard display, etc. is now a
CONTEST! There will be a DISPLAY board at Mid-winter conference to place your vote. So
please send me photos, by text or email by JANUARY 20 TH and they will be included!
Essay Contest- The time is NOW! Let’s get the notice out to your schools and town. It’s a
great way to get kids involved. Call me if you need help getting started.
Department deadline for your winners is March 15 th , 2024.
Order your hand flags now for the upcoming months and patriotic holidays. Be prepared!
Hang your Flag! Jan. 15- Martin Luther King Day
Hello All! I hope you all are enjoying this fall weather and having a productive and successful month of October. What did your unit do this month for Americanism? Did you get the info to your schools for the Americanism Essay Contest? Please, take a look at the calendar to see what dates of significance are coming up. Do you have plans for Veterans Day? Hang your flag, plan an event, or work with the legionnaires to recognize our veterans on Nov 11. This year, I am asking units to have members take pictures of American Flags hanging in their community. I would love to put together a collage of photos from around our state. If you label your photos with your town name, that would be even better. I will share our collection with Dept and National! Let’s put CT on the map for PATRIOTISM!!
Reminder! If you haven’t done it yet, now is the time to finish putting together your essay contest papers. Essay form for students was in the PIC papers. If you did not get the form, I would be happy to send a copy to you. I also have sample letters available for you to write to your Board of Education and ask them to share with teachers.
I HAVE ALSO ATTACHED: 5 WAYS TO REMEMBER VETERANS ON VETERANS DAY and PATRIOTIC CALENDAR DATES. (see below)
I am still missing many email addresses for unit chairman or president. PLEASE, I want to be able to communicate with everyone directly.
If you would like me or my committee to come and visit your meetings, please reach out. When emailing me please be sure to mark the subject line Americanism so it doesn’t get buried. Thank you and looking forward to working with you!
Reminder! If you haven’t done it yet, now is the time to finish putting together your essay contest papers. Essay form for students was in the PIC papers. If you did not get the form, I would be happy to send a copy to you. I also have sample letters available for you to write to your Board of Education and ask them to share with teachers.
I HAVE ALSO ATTACHED: 5 WAYS TO REMEMBER VETERANS ON VETERANS DAY and PATRIOTIC CALENDAR DATES. (see below)
I am still missing many email addresses for unit chairman or president. PLEASE, I want to be able to communicate with everyone directly.
If you would like me or my committee to come and visit your meetings, please reach out. When emailing me please be sure to mark the subject line Americanism so it doesn’t get buried. Thank you and looking forward to working with you!
5 ways to remember veterans on
Veterans Day
https://www.legion-aux.org/Blog/5-ways-to-remember-veterans-on-Veterans-Day
ALA Mission Statement
In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to
support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by
enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and
abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor
youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
Veterans Day is just several days away. What do you typically do on this special day?
Make it more than just a day off from work or school. Take an hour or two to volunteer
on behalf of veterans who placed their very lives on the line to protect and ensure our
freedom. It’s impossible to compensate them for their great personal sacrifice, but we
can demonstrate deep appreciation for all they’ve done by sharing a little bit of
ourselves. Here are five meaningful ways to volunteer on Veterans Day.
1. Be an active listener. Veterans are often expert story tellers. They have
journeyed to places you may never see, often in a time you can’t imagine. They
have a lifetime of wisdom and experience, and if they’re willing to share their
journey with you, most likely you’ll be the one to come away with a gift you never
imagined. As you prepare to listen, keep these tips in mind:
1. Give your veteran your undivided attention.
2. Lean into the conversation, giving them nonverbal cues that you’re really
engaged.
3. Be sensitive to questions our veteran may not want to answer.
4. Refuse to be judgmental.
2. Celebrate with veterans. Show your support and encourage veterans on their
day by participating in festivities. Take time to research what activities are
happening locally in honor of their day. Then go out and participate.
1. Stand in the crowd and enthusiastically cheer your veterans on during a
parade.
2. Congratulate them on their service by introducing yourself.
3. Thank them personally for their service during the celebrations in your
community.
3. Make it personal. If you know a veteran, ask them what they need. They may
need transportation to and from community activities on Veterans Day. They
might like for you to drop off or pick up their mail, stop by the grocery store for a
few things they need, or mow their lawn. If they are reluctant to share a need,
feel free to ask a friend, caregiver or loved one how you could meet a need.
(Whatever you commit to, make sure you deliver on your promise that day or the
next few days.)
4. Pick up their tab. If you see a veteran in line at the coffee shop or out at a
restaurant, pay for their drink or meal. Those serving them are more than happy
to bring you the check and it’s a nice surprise to honor them for their service.
5. Write a personal thank you. As you have the opportunity to get to know some
of our veterans, express your thanks in a letter or notecard. Try to mention
something about them that personal and relevant to your time together, even if it
was a short hello. Then share how much you appreciate their service. Veterans
often keep your words of appreciation as a reminder that someone took the time
to care.
Thank you, veterans!
Nov. 11 — the day we know as Veterans Day — is significant in history. It marks the
11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month in 1918 that fighting between the Allied
nations and Germany ceased. On this day, we pay tribute to all veterans: those who
have served and are currently serving, along with those who have passed.
The American Legion Family is grateful for our nation’s veterans every day, but on Nov.
11, our members make sure to show appreciation and invite others to do the same.
Units will be holding ceremonies, hosting meals, distributing poppies, and more.
Veterans Day
https://www.legion-aux.org/Blog/5-ways-to-remember-veterans-on-Veterans-Day
ALA Mission Statement
In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to
support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by
enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and
abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor
youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
Veterans Day is just several days away. What do you typically do on this special day?
Make it more than just a day off from work or school. Take an hour or two to volunteer
on behalf of veterans who placed their very lives on the line to protect and ensure our
freedom. It’s impossible to compensate them for their great personal sacrifice, but we
can demonstrate deep appreciation for all they’ve done by sharing a little bit of
ourselves. Here are five meaningful ways to volunteer on Veterans Day.
1. Be an active listener. Veterans are often expert story tellers. They have
journeyed to places you may never see, often in a time you can’t imagine. They
have a lifetime of wisdom and experience, and if they’re willing to share their
journey with you, most likely you’ll be the one to come away with a gift you never
imagined. As you prepare to listen, keep these tips in mind:
1. Give your veteran your undivided attention.
2. Lean into the conversation, giving them nonverbal cues that you’re really
engaged.
3. Be sensitive to questions our veteran may not want to answer.
4. Refuse to be judgmental.
2. Celebrate with veterans. Show your support and encourage veterans on their
day by participating in festivities. Take time to research what activities are
happening locally in honor of their day. Then go out and participate.
1. Stand in the crowd and enthusiastically cheer your veterans on during a
parade.
2. Congratulate them on their service by introducing yourself.
3. Thank them personally for their service during the celebrations in your
community.
3. Make it personal. If you know a veteran, ask them what they need. They may
need transportation to and from community activities on Veterans Day. They
might like for you to drop off or pick up their mail, stop by the grocery store for a
few things they need, or mow their lawn. If they are reluctant to share a need,
feel free to ask a friend, caregiver or loved one how you could meet a need.
(Whatever you commit to, make sure you deliver on your promise that day or the
next few days.)
4. Pick up their tab. If you see a veteran in line at the coffee shop or out at a
restaurant, pay for their drink or meal. Those serving them are more than happy
to bring you the check and it’s a nice surprise to honor them for their service.
5. Write a personal thank you. As you have the opportunity to get to know some
of our veterans, express your thanks in a letter or notecard. Try to mention
something about them that personal and relevant to your time together, even if it
was a short hello. Then share how much you appreciate their service. Veterans
often keep your words of appreciation as a reminder that someone took the time
to care.
Thank you, veterans!
Nov. 11 — the day we know as Veterans Day — is significant in history. It marks the
11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month in 1918 that fighting between the Allied
nations and Germany ceased. On this day, we pay tribute to all veterans: those who
have served and are currently serving, along with those who have passed.
The American Legion Family is grateful for our nation’s veterans every day, but on Nov.
11, our members make sure to show appreciation and invite others to do the same.
Units will be holding ceremonies, hosting meals, distributing poppies, and more.
Patriotic Days of the United States of America
President’s Day – 3rd Monday in February
Armed Forced Day - 3rd Saturday in May
Memorial Day - The last Monday in May (half-staff until noon)
Flag Day / Army Birthday - June 14th
Independence Day - July 4th
Coast Guard Birthday – August 4th
POW/MIA Day – 3rd Friday in September
Patriot Day - September 11th
Constitution Day - September 17th
Air Force Birthday – September 18th
Navy Birthday - October 13th
Election Day - Tuesday following the first Monday of November
Marine Corp Birthday – November 10th
Veterans Day - November 11th
Pearl Harbor Day – December 7th
Bill of Rights day – December 15th
Space Force Birthday December 30th
Do not forget to Look up these holidays and read all
about them and why we recognize these days as
special days to remember and share what you have
learned.
I compiled this list to include in student’s gift bag during Covid when we, in Southington,
distributed activity bags for all students. They were very well received!
A Proclamation on the Death of Dianne Feinstein Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American and a true trailblazer. In San Francisco, she showed enormous poise and courage in the wake of tragedy, and became a powerful voice for American values. In the United States Senate, she turned passion into purpose, and led the fight to ban assault weapons, also making her mark on everything from national security to the environment to protecting civil liberties. Senator Feinstein was a role model for so many Americans and she had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors. She was a historic figure, and our country will benefit from her legacy for generations.
As a mark of respect for the memory of Senator Dianne Feinstein, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
As a mark of respect for the memory of Senator Dianne Feinstein, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
Happy Fall everyone! I hope you all have had a chance to look over the information in the PIC packet. It’s time to look at the calendar I supplied to see the upcoming holidays and dates of importance. You can plan an event around these dates. It’s time now to put together your essay contest papers. Get them out to your board of education to distribute to your schools, and reach out to clubs, libraries, churches. etc. Set your unit deadline so you have enough time to read and judge the essays to determine which ones you will be sending to me. Department deadline is March 15, 2024. Please, before then, send me an email with your Unit chairman or President’s- Name, address, email and phone. I want to be able to communicate with everyone directly. There is a lot of information I want to share! I am excited to be chairman and hope to get your units excited, as well. This month I am attaching the rules and guidelines of Pocket Flags. If you want to order I will send you that information as well. If you would like me or my committee to visit your meetings, please reach out. When emailing me please be sure to mark the subject line Americanism so it doesn’t get buried. Thank you and looking forward to a great year!!