The United States of America was founded by patriots who risked their lives to bring freedom to the nation. The nation’s founders are remembered on Loyalty Day, which is a day when people celebrate their freedom while remembering their responsibilities to continue the legacy of liberty. Loyalty Day is celebrated with parades and ceremonies in several communities across the United States. Schools, churches, and various organizations participate in these events.
Loyalty Day is an observance but it is not a public holiday in the United States. Schools, post offices, stores and other businesses and organizations are open as usual. Public transport services run to their usual schedules and no extra congestion on highways is to be expected.
Loyalty Day was first observed in 1921 as "Americanization Day" to counterbalance Labor Day on May Day (May 1), celebrated in other parts of the world. On May 1, 1930, about 10,000 Veterans of Foreign War members staged a rally at New York's Union Square to promote patriotism. Through a resolution adopted in 1949, May 1 evolved into Loyalty Day. Observances began on April 28, 1950, and climaxed on May 1 when more than five million people across the nation held rallies. In New York City, more than 100,000 people rallied for America.
On July 18, 1958, the Congress designated May 1 of each year as Loyalty Day to foster loyalty and love of the country. According to the Legal Information Institute, the President is requested to issue a proclamation, calling on United States government officials to display the flag of the United States on all government buildings on Loyalty Day, and inviting the people of the United States to observe Loyalty Day with appropriate ceremonies in schools and other suitable places.
Thanks to the Ladies and Mens Auliliary for your donations for snow removal. Let us know if we can help you.
Please, if you have ANY sevice related memorabilia for our display cabinets you are more than welcome to donate or loan it to the project.
Thanks, Jim
Assistance neede for placement of 1000 flags along the burial route for local Airman, one of two shot and killed recently in W. Germany. Contact Chip Schaefer 618.567.5315 Post 805 or go direct to Post @ 223 W.1st St @ 4:00 pm, Thursday, 03/10/11. Bring work gloves and appropriate clothing. Help will be needed Sat. 03/12/11 for take down, times not set to date.
Jim B
It is with sincerest respect that I relate the passing of our Comrade, William "Bill" Skelton. As a relatively new member to Post 1117 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Bill welcomed me and embraced me as a comrade at arms. We shared a bond which literally stretched through the decades as Bill served in the Second Infantry Division during the Korean War. Some thirty-odd years later, I found myself also wearing the insignia of the Second Infantry Division as I patrolled the very land in which so many of our brave comrades fought and died.
"Second to None!", Comrade Skelton. Rest in Peace.
Caseyville Post 1117 observed Veteran's Day on a beautiful fall day. We had about 20 people in attendance and the ceremony featured words from representatives of the Ladies and Men's Auxilliaries and the Post Commander. Special guests included the Mayor of Caseyville, the Honorable George Chance, and the Chief of Police, J.D. Roth, both adding to the observance with their respects to veterans. A special recitation from the Commander asknowledged that on this day, the body of Marine Ssgt. Jordan Emrick would be arriving at Mid America airport for the trip back to his home town of Hoyleton, IL. Ssgt.Emrick was killed by a road side bomb in Afghanistan.
After the observation, veterans, members and their guests retired to the post canteen for a hearty luncheon provided by members of the Ladies Auxilliary. The ladies really put on a good spread and there was good fellowship enjoyed by all. God, bless and keep safe our veterans at home and abroad.
From the left is Boy Scout,Jacob Baird, who took on the task of repainting the 105 Howitzer, displayed at VFW Post 1117 and sprucing up the landscaping in front of the building as an Eagle Scout Project. Along with Jacob are Nathan Arnold and Bill Amos, who were recruited to help on the project. More to come in the near future.
Sept. 20, 2010: Commander Bivens accepted a plaque from the Jeff Staley Safety Foundation on behalf of all of the members of Post 1117 for the foundation's recent "Jeff Staley Memorial Poker Run". The event was truly an "all post" event as VFW members, Ladies Auxiliary and Men's Auxiliary members all pitched in to ensure a successful and fitting tribute to Jeff Staley, a road construction worker killed by an inattentive driver.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is making available a new medallion to be affixed to an existing privately purchased headstone or marker to signify the deceased's status as a veteran.
If requested, the medallion will be furnished in lieu of a traditional Government headstone or marker for veterans that died on or after November 1, 1990, and whose grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker.
The medallion is currently available in three sizes, 5 inches, 3 inches, and 1 ½ inches. Each medallion will be inscribed with the word VETERAN across the top and the Branch of Service at the bottom.
More information about the medallion and instructions for applying for a medallion can be found here: http://www.cem.va.gov/hm/hmtype.asp
The District 14 commander is encouraging all posts within the District to reach out and step into the 21st century. The Caseyville Memorial Post 1117 has heard the call and is stepping into the future. It is hoped that members of the post and its Men's and Ladies Auxilliary members will not only find the information contained here useful, but will contribute to its development. Afterall, the Post is here to not only serve our local veterans and community, but to serve YOU, the Member, Men's Auxilliary Member and Ladies Auxilliary Member. The foundation has been laid.
If you find something amiss, something forgotten, or have a comment or suggestion, please don't hesitate to contact your leadership. In turn, feel free to email me anytime directly. Thanks, Tom
Comrades and Guests, this site represents the first of what I am sure will be many additions and changes to our post's "web presence". This is YOUR site, so feel free to become a site member, post pictures and add to discussions.
To ALL of our Veterans, from those who stormed the beaches on D-Day and toiled in the mud and muck behind the lines to those forgotten on some un-named hill in Korea... To the men and women who gave their all in a small country called Vietnam, and those who stood the line on freedom's frontier during our Cold War... The brothers and sisters who served in Grenada and Panama and those who sacrificed so much liberating Kuwaitis in Desert Storm... And to our men and women warriors defending freedom and fighting tyranny during the Global War on Terror... To all of our named and unnamed Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard, and to our 88,386 American Servicemen still Missing In Action I say, humbly and with sincerest respect "Thank You" for allowing me to live my life as a free man in the world's best country. ~Tom Clark
Never Forget
