 Right now there are four Christmas trees in the hallway, each one
decked out with garlands of paper balloons. On each balloon the
names of veterans are written, and on several there are foil stars,
many to the point of almost covering the entire surface.The
display is all part of a campaign the Legion Auxiliary started only
six short weeks ago, on Valentine's Day. The goal was to collect
names of soldiers, both living and deceased, to place those names in
1,000 balloons, and to launch the balloons in a special ceremony on
Memorial Day.
The plan included red, white and blue balloons for the veterans
who are living and special gold balloons for those who gave their
lives in the line of duty.
When it was planned, the project leaders had hoped for one name
per balloon. But last week when they sat down to talk, Laura
Slayton, Auxiliary president Suzann Lolling and Post Commander Dick
Anderson said that in just its few weeks, the project has far
exceeded hopes and is still growing.
So far, the group has collected over 1,200 names of soldiers.
They have received funding from 39 different local sponsors and have
24 gold sponsors, who are individuals who have given extra money to
the project in remembrance of all the soldiers, named and unnamed,
who gave their life in military service.
The goal behind the project has been twofold. First, the
auxiliary wanted to do something special to recognize veterans on
Memorial Day. Secondly, they wanted to raise money for Legion
programs that assist veterans in need.
The group has asked for a $1 donation for each name submitted,
but many people are giving more, and many names are being submitted
multiple times.
For every time a name is submitted, a foil star is added to that
person's paper balloon. Looking at the trees in the hallway it is
easy to see that many of our local soldiers are held in high regard,
as there are a great many balloons with multiple stars.
On May 28 all the balloons will be set aloft. The launch will
take place at 1 p.m. in the parking lot between the American Legion
and Logan Lanes. It will end a special day that is designed
specifically to honor all veterans of all wars.
Anderson and Lolling explained that the day will begin with a
Memorial Day service in the morning, go into a ham and bean lunch at
noontime, and end with the launch.
Visitors can come for the entire day, or they can come for
specific events, and all are welcome regardless of their military
status.
The group has also extended the invitation to participate in this
event to Legion posts throughout the state. So far they have heard
from Wayne Wagner, senior vice commander of the Illinois American
Legion, who has said he will be in attendance, as well as Diana
Umdenstock, the department president for the state Legion Auxiliary.
So far no other Legion posts have said they would attend the
launch, but the post in Arrowsmith has 30 members and submitted 30
names for balloons.
[to top of second column] |
Lolling said one of the most important things they want to do is
bring in the senior veterans, those in nursing homes and those who
are not.
The group is working toward providing transportation for the
seniors and also will have a special group of young people who will
be their companions for the day.
Youth from the Christian church, Methodist church, student
government and others are going to participate in the day.
This week the student government program at Lincoln Community
High School is going to seek volunteers from the school to come out
on that day and spend time with the senior veterans.
Lolling and Slayton explained they want the seniors to have a
good day without a lot of worry. The young people will spend time
with them, watch out for their needs and in general treat them like
royalty throughout the day.
In addition to the launch, there will be other special
activities. During the morning service, Elizabeth Buttell-Landes
will provide live music. The guest speaker for the morning will be
Mike Thornton.
Ham and beans will start at 11 and will continue as long as there
is food and people want to eat it.
In addition, Karen Guy is heading up a bake sale and is inviting
anyone who wishes, to donate baked goods. Donations should be
brought to the Legion post the night before. The post closes around
10 p.m. on Sundays.
Slayton said she wanted to say a special thank-you also to the
many businesses in Lincoln who have become gold sponsors.
"All the gold balloons are going to be a visual reminder of all
those who lost their lives in service," she said. She added that
right now there are over 500 gold balloons that will be released.
Slayton said the goal of the group has been so much exceeded that
it has really been overwhelming. Now, with two months left in their
work, they have no idea just how many more they can get, but all are
welcome to submit names or make a donation.
Slayton ended by saying anyone who is still interested in making
a donation or submitting a name can call the Legion at 732-3743. She
added that if someone wants to make a donation and can't come to the
Legion post, there are several people who are willing to go to the
donor.
[By NILA SMITH]
Past related
article
|
