22nd District
“The Nation that forgets its Defenders, will itself be forgotten.” San Diego County American Legion www.ALD22.org
Monday, May 25, 2020 MEMORIAL DAY 1
“Serving San Diego County Communities”
C OM MA N DE R 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 :
AU X I L IA RY P R E SI D E N T 2019- 2020:
SAM FLORES
DONNA L. SMITH
As we come into a time of year when we commemorate the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while in military service of our country, please take some time to remember those who lost their lives and could not come home; reflect on their service and why we have the luxury and freedom that we enjoy today. Although during these difficult times, there may be obstacles to outwardly observing these moments in which we memorialize our nation's heroes, I am sure that all will absolutely find a way to ensure that they are never forgotten. "To remember the fallen, is to remember the past."
A
Through these interesting times, I would like to commend all the Posts and Legionnaires that have been active within their communities and assisting each other during this pandemic. Please continue to follow the policies in place set by our elected officials so that we can come out of this on the other end as safe and healthy as possible. Some Posts have decided to continue with their nomination and election processes. I would like to express my congratulations to those newly elected officers and to those that will have been elected. Finally, the month of May also signifies the final stretch to the American Legion calendar year, as District 22 will be having the final round of nominations and elections in June. As most of you may already know, I will be moving on as the newly appointed Department of California Service Officer. I would like to thank the entire American Legion family for your support in this year as your District 22 Commander. The support, guidance, mentorship, and above all friendship have really been appreciated and truly show what District 22 is made of. I am very fortunate to have an outstanding team and family to carry our mission forward. To my wife, close friends, and mentors, thank you for being there for me from the beginning and steering me through this course with honesty, integrity, and truth. I owe my success to you. (Continued on Page 3)
It is hard to believe this year as District President is about to come to an end.
PLUS INSIDE...
I
Final Frontier...................Page 7
It has been a pleasure to work with our American Legion Family, hearing about the exciting projects in which our Units are involved. Not to mention that we celebrated our 100th Birthday. 100 years is a milestone, it was a special occasion to celebrate, an opportunity to momentarily look back, but a golden ticket to chart the path forward. Now this brings me to one of the American Legion Auxiliary’s programs “Cavalcade of Memories.”
Oratorical Contest...........Page 10
When we joined the American Legion Auxiliary, we were born into its rich history. We came into the middle of a story that began long before we became members of its cast. By joining, knowingly or not, we expressed a desire to have a place in that history. Asking others to join showed that we wanted them to have a place in that history as well.
Shelter to Soldier...................Page 12
However, if we don’t preserve and share it, no one will know we exist or why we matter. So how can we move forward if we don’t know where we came from? Help put your Unit history together if there isn’t one. Search for newspaper articles covering past events. Have questions or need advice while creating your history? Contact cavalcade@ ALAforVeterans.org. As American Legion Auxiliary members, let us never forget why we do what we do. In faith, let us always remember why so many have sacrificed so much and pray for those who continue to make incredible sacrifices on our behalf. As a family working together to make a difference, let us never forget our commitment to service. And let us never take for granted (Continued on Page 3)
A PROUD CALIFORNIA AMERICAN LEGION PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARD WINNING PUBLICATION
Start a Charter.............. Page 16
Mother Goose Parade..... Page 21