Area News

American Legion Auxiliary Announces Gold Star Project

The Stronghurst American Legion Auxiliary met at the Legion hall on April 21st with President Donna Pindell opening the meeting with prayer and they recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The March minutes were approved and the treasurer’s report was given.

Fran and Jane went over what information they had about the Gold Star project that the Auxiliary is doing.  Each Gold Star soldier, from Henderson County, that died during WWI, WII, Korea, and Vietnam will have their information and picture displayed in the Stronghurst Legion Hall window.  The Quill has taken an interest in this project and will feature it in the paper.  After Memorial Day, the display will be in the museum at Raritan, when they are opened during July 4th.

During WWI families would hang banners in their windows.  A blue star represented a family member that was off to war.  If they were killed or died, the star would be changed to gold.  That is why they call this the Gold Star project.  The Gold Star honors the life, service and sacrifice of the soldier.  It also acknowledges the sacrifice of their family.  Henderson County have 49 men who gave their lives.  WWI 15, WWII 30, Korea 2, and Vietnam 2. 

At Easter, the Auxiliary has always shown appreciation to the veterans in Oak Lane and Oak Wood.  Besides a card, money is put into their accounts.  The cost of a hair cut is $15, so they gave that amount to each of the 8 veterans that were currently residing at the 2 facilities.

They will distribute poppies on May 23rd in front of the Legion Hall.  All of the money donated is only used for veterans, active duty, and their families.

The meeting closed with Donna Buss Giving the closing prayer.  

5 members attended the meeting.

The next meeting will be on May 19th, at 3 p.m., in the Stronghurst American Legion Hall.  This is the last meeting until September.

Photos Needed!

The Stronghurst American Legion Auxiliary is assembling a Memorial Day display of Henderson County servicemen who gave their lives during World Wars I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.  They  still need photographs of twenty-three men. If you have a photo that they could borrow just long enough to photograph it, please contact Fran Work at fwork1950@gmail.com. 

World War II: Lemuel Christian, Oquawka; Roy Dietsch, Lomax; Willard Ghrist, Oquawka; Lewis Hathaway, Oquawka; Roy Lindberg, Gladstone; Forrest McCabe, Oquawka; John Olson, Bald Bluff; Ralph Rankin, Stronghurst; John Rowley, Bald Bluff; Lloyd Thomas, Oquawka; Donald Welch, Rozetta; Robert Maurice Winters, Rozetta.

World War I: William Breen, Raritan; William Finch, Carman; Ernest Foote, Stronghurst; Roy Foote, Stronghurst; Arthur Johnson, Stronghurst; Leon Melvin, Raritan; Frank Miller, Gladstone; Vernon Morgan, Terre Haute; Bruce Rankin, Media; J. Ralph Simonson, Raritan; Harry Voorhees.