VFW Programs E-Newsletter
A Bi-Monthly Publication of the VFW Programs Department September 1, 2009 Volume 37 Issue 1
RECOGNITION:
Do you have an outstanding law enforcement professional, firefighter or EMT in your community? An effective way to keep your Post connected to the community is by honoring your local emergency responders. Throughout the year, you should be identifying outstanding public servants and honoring them with a citation or plaque. If you have one that is particularly outstanding, nominate them for a VFW National Award for Public Servants. Posts should submit entries to the Department. Each Department should select a single candidate for the VFW Law Enforcement Award, the VFW Firefighters and the Emergency Medical Technicians Award and forward those entries to national by March 31. Contact
VFW National Awards for Public Servants Deadlines Approaching
information: tbeauchamp@vfw.org (816) 756-3390 x 287 For special plaques or citations, click here http://www.vfwstore.org/SearchResult.aspx?KeyWords=law%20enforcement%20awards
BUDDY POPPY:
Still available are the Commemorative 9-11 Poppies from the Emblem and Supply Department. This is your opportunity to memorialize the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. These special poppies do not replace the traditional Buddy Poppy but are designed for public awareness. Show your support by ordering your “9-11” commemorative poppies today at a cost of $100 per thousand, plus shipping and handling – Item #9750. Contact
information: nclifton@vfw.org (816) 968-1148
REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11
YOUTH ACTIVITIES:
Make Your Contact! Visit schools and other organizations dealing with youth to promote our Voice of Democracy, and Patriot’s Pen programs now. Deadline for entries at the Post is November 1. Don’t forget to tell them about your Flag Education Program, Veterans in the Classroom, and the Ladies Auxiliary Patriotic Art Award. Contact
information: vfwprograms@vfw.org (816) 968-1117.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Fred C. Hall Memorial Post Special Project Award
The need to support citizenship education in our schools is an important goal for the VFW. In fact, there are many programs you can plan and present in schools. For example your Post/Department can be helpful in assisting youngsters in grades K-2 learn the Pledge of Allegiance. For grades 3-5 you can begin teaching them about proper flag etiquette and the basic rules of the Federal Flag Code. For the older kids in grades 6 – 12 VFW members can provide their unique experiences as combat veterans with their “living histories.” Remember the week of November 8 – 14 is “National Veterans Awareness” week in the schools. Print a “How To” guide for assistance in planning your activities from http://www.vfwdepartmentresources.org/displayF ullsize.asp?file_id=1441. Contact information:
tbeauchamp@vfw.org (816) 756-3390 x 287. For educational material, click here: http://www.vfwstore.org/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=131
CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION: November is VFW’s Veterans in the Classroom” Month.
A Post, District, or Department contest for a special project that can be recognized by submitting a record book to your Department Headquarters. For more information see page 31 of the 2009 – 2010 “It’s About Service” Program Book. www.vfw.org and click on Programs Section.
Contact information: nclifton@vfw.org (816) 968-1148
PATRIOT DAY, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11. Per Presidential Proclamation, September 11th is designated as “Patriot Day.” The President requests the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff (sunrise to sunset) and a moment of silence observed in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on that day due to terrorist attacks on the United States. Visit www.vfwstore.org for NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY, SEPTEMBER 18. Posts should conduct an appropriate ceremony. Information on conducting a ceremony can be found in the current VFW Manual of Procedure. POW/MIA FLAG - OFFICIAL DISPLAY DAYS. Public Law 105-85 (November 16, 1997), indicates the days that federal agencies, military installations, and U.S. post offices are required to display the POW/MIA flag. The days are: Armed Forces Day, (third Saturday in May); Memorial Day, (last Monday in May); Flag Day, June 14; National POW/MIA Day, (third Friday in September); and Veterans Day, November 11. Visit www.vfwstore.org
for POW/MIA merchandise. products to celebrate Patriots Day.