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World War II (WW II) National Memorial DedicationAs Planning Coordinator of the local Veterans Steering Group I have a wonderful and worthwhile project I want to inform you of which is being organized in concert with the World War II (WW II) National Memorial Dedication. It is a local project we hope you can assist us with at some level. First, I acknowledge this communication is a bit lengthy and I simply ask that when you can take some time, read on, and consider providing our Northern Daviess and Martin County Indiana Veterans Steering Group some feedback and guidance in our efforts. Please share the contents of this letter within your organization if you would. Your organization may want to assist and/or participate in some capacity and we would certainly encourage you to that end. But first allow me to formally introduce the project.Hopefully, you are aware that on Saturday, May 29, 2004, a national memorial to the veterans of WW II will be dedicated in Washington, D.C., honoring the 16 million American servicepersons who served fought, and died to secure democracy, preserve freedom, liberate the oppressed, and rid the world of tyranny. We are equally certain you are aware that today men and women from the " Greatest Generation " are living in every community throughout America, many of whom will be unable to participate in the formal celebration at Washington, D.C. They are equally deserving of the recognition and honor bestowed on those able to be in our nation's capital. Consequently, the National American Legion through its local posts has encouraged Everytown USA to organize and participate in some sort of local recognition ceremony for those unable to attend the national event. Utilizing the guidance and direction of a planning guide prepared by the National American Legion this is just what we are embarking upon. In tribute to their sacrifice and service to our country, the local Town Councils of Crane Village, Elnora, Plainville, and Odon have designated by formal proclamation Saturday 29, May 2004 as World War II Veterans Recognition Day - A Grateful Nation Remembers. With this proclamation the area American Legion and VFW Veterans Posts are planning a community wide Expo and day of celebration to honor the WW II veterans in our area, which will coincide with the national memorial dedication. A special Expo style event is to be held at local school facility to commemorate this day and honor these men and women. The Veterans Steering Group is a joint venture among the following Indiana veterans organizations and posts: Odon Legion Post 293, Elnora Legion Post 245, Odon VFW Post 9627 and Crane Village VFW Post 9297. We are certain you would agree that since the conclusion of WW II each of us young and old, have in some way been exposed to the strength, faith, and endurance shown by these great men and women and their sacrifices in their youth. A sacrifice you personally can identify with. This one-time event being planned is ambitious and requires the support of the entire community as well as outside sources to make it a complete success. Responses to our planning to date has been very encouraging towards organizing a first rate event. Participation we will be receiving during the Expo is as follows:
Our WWII Veteran Recognition Day will begin with Morning Prayer Breakfast in local church congregations, which are actually designed to honor veterans of ALL generations and specifically those local members of the 1/152 nd. The day will continue with an afternoon Expo focusing on the WWII Veteran. The Expo will include a formal recognition ceremony of WWII Veterans, followed by a community wide dinner free to all veterans and their immediate families, and conclude with a 1940's style USO Show, including Bob Hope, the Andrew's Sister, a Big Band Sound, and swing dancers all provided by local talent. So now that you have read this far and received a mental picture of our event allow me to direct your thinking back to the question, which entered your mind in the first, few sentences of this communication. So why is Mr. Leighty contacting our organization and explaining all this? Two reasons. First, t his event has great possibilities not only to honor what is known as the " Great Generation " but also great education value for the youth in the community. It is intended to include all ages as the community comes together to recognize the sacrifice of many. Second, such an event needs in principal the support of the entire community, as well as the enthusiasm and organizational skills a talented organization such as yours can bring to the table to make this a powerful success. It is the Veterans Steering Groups desire to enlist as much interest, feedback, participation and support as possible from multiple sources. Therefore, we are soliciting your enthusiastic support in whatever capacity you believe you might make available. Allow me to provide you with a couple of suggestions for your consideration: 1. We intend to create as much of a military environment as possible. This is to include current military technology, as well as a WW II nostalgic atmosphere. This will be done through the use of Navy military displays from NSWC-Crane, WW II memorabilia displays, pictures, 3 continuous running theaters etc. We would ask that you consider donating WW II items of interest such as, posters, pictures, newspapers, newsreel or video footage on VHS or DVD. We have reprint capabilities; therefore many items could be provided on disk. 2. We will be designation a WW II History Tourism Table providing information related to points of interest around the country. Possible tourist information could be provided. All donated items would ultimately become the property of the North Daviess High School history department. Naturally, these are just a suggestion. You best know your capabilities to support this unique one time event. We do ask that you consider the possibilities and certainly request your feedback in supporting this memorable event and generating interest within the local community. WW II is a part of American history all to soon forgotten and certainly not taught in the public school systems with the personal accuracy it is due. This is why our planning is intended to include all ages as the community as we all come together to recognize the sacrifice of many. There is not a person in our community or the world for that matter who has not been touched by the sacrifice of the " Great Generation ." It has been said, "Dying for freedom isn't the worst that could happen, being forgotten is." So in conclusion we simply ask that you give this opportunity some serious though and get back to the Veterans Steering Group as soon as possible. Point of contact information is provided below and I would suggest that the best and easiest way to contact me personally is via reply email. The veterans of this community (past and present) thank you in advance for your support and we look forward to hearing from you in the very near future. VR, Home | Aircraft | Crews | Men
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