July 12 Update Article
On my birthday, Friday July 27 th, a dream of mine became a reality when seven of the Syracuse VA Hospitalized patients came to our post for a luncheon and to view The AVTT Traveling Vietnam Wall that was on display at our beautiful post grounds for four days. Some of these veterans were actually Vietnam veteran’s making their visit here even more special.
Because of the extreme heat a decision was made to serve the luncheon in our air conditioned Banquet Hall that was decorated in Patriotic Colors. The tables were adorned with blue tablecloths, flag plates and napkins, silverware wrapped in Buddy Poppy’s and Buddy Poppy Centerpieces.
Sister Mary Reeser made Buddy Poppy Pins for the veterans and the workers who came with them. At each place setting was a goody bag filled with puzzles books, markers, pens, breath mints, drink koozies with our VFW Post 369 on them, peanut butter crackers and goodies for them to take back as a memento for them of being here . The Veterans of Post 369 donated The Wall T-Shirts for them to take back with them also.
The Men’s Auxiliary provided their choice of Hamburgers, Hot Dogs or Fish Sandwiches and the Ladies Auxiliary Sisters made Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, Deviled Eggs and Cupcakes. Our local Fruit Stand “Price’s” donated a large variety of fruits and watermelon that we served and sent back with them also.
After lunch two of our sisters and a friend of theirs entertained them with a really cute song that they used to do when they were cheerleaders for the Mexico Academy Central School 50 years ago. Then eleven sisters sang the song “Soldier Boy” to them. This especially touched my heart when I noticed that one of the veterans was singing along with us.
For the four day event we had people who had donated their Golf Carts which proved to come in very handy with the transporting of the veterans down to view the beautiful Vietnam Wall. We had several members who helped with this and made the day a great success.
VA Hospital Representatives for the State of New York, Jim Czyz and Linda Flanagan were also at this Event.
One of the highlights to my day was when I talked with one of the veterans who was staring at our Huey Helicopter that we have on display at our Memorial Site and he told me of how he was a Combat Army Medic who spent most of his time in Vietnam jumping out of Huey’s and tending to our wounded soldiers. I am so grateful that we finally got these true American Heroes to our Post and I pray that it is the first of several more visits to come.
I would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who made this day so special for our veterans and to me, what a wonderful way to spend my Birthday.