Volunteer Restores Ice-Damaged Poles

By Arnold Haak

[January 08, 2008]  Lincoln AMVETS Post 71 has much to be thankful for, and yet they are so sad again as they are faced with vast destruction in All Veterans Park. During the Dec. 1 ice storm, all the flagpoles were broken off and they, with the flags, were left lying on the ground. A most disgraceful handling of the symbol of our country and the symbol of what our veterans, our heroes, fought for. To those uneducated in the symbol of our country, the American flag, it is the one item holding all our dreams of all the freedoms we so freely enjoy, and that is so because of the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for you, me and our country. It is the tangible icon that we as Americans have adopted as our country's symbol and should be given its rightful respect.

Sons of the American Legion Commander Jim Forrester and his son, Jeff, found this disgraceful act that morning, and he immediately called AMVETS Commander Arnold Haak and requested permission to pick them up and store them. Thank you, Commander Forrester and your son, for your kindness and respect for the flagpoles and flags.

In the same time frame, even the sign that advised the public of the sale of the bricks for the Veterans Honor Roll disappeared. This sign was important as it was used by many for the idea of placing a brick in the Veterans Honor Roll for themselves or a family member or a friend. It was a timely reminder to all. So, what are the culprits doing with the sign? It is of no use to them unless they are using it to advertise our sale of memorial bricks. If that is true, we thank you! But we much prefer that you return the sign to the corner of Pekin and Union Street where you found it.

Anyone who has a brick(s) to purchase, please do so now. Remember, these memorial bricks make wonderful, lasting gifts. Any occasion for gifting someone you love is a great time to purchase a brick and to give them a lasting memorial.

We are still finding that litter is again being left in the park. There are no facilities in the park for any type of litter, whether it be limbs from your trees, leaves that you blow into the park or the gutter, remnants from your lunch, or snack or cigarette butts, bottles or cans, papers, etc. Pick up after yourself. Do not depend on someone else doing it for you. Chances are, you are much younger than they are anyway! And while you are picking up, reflect on what the park is for. It was created for the everlasting thanks to all those who served in all the U.S. military battles and peacetime service from the beginning to the present time. They shall not be forgotten!! They shall be honored reverently, and we request that you all join us in doing so. Enjoy the park, but do so with this in mind.

AMVETS Post 71 is also thankful to Mrs. Elvira Hoepfner Fleming. She made a donation of $1,230 to restore the flagpoles and flags that were damaged. This donation was made in a loving act of a mother for her beloved daughter, Lt. Martha Mark Fleming, USN. Mrs. Fleming has already sponsored a brick in her honor. Thank you, Mrs. Fleming. You most certainly have set a shining example for the rest of us.

It was discussed and decided not to replace these flagpoles and flags due to this destruction and the past destruction and theft, but because of Mrs. Fleming's generosity, they will be replaced. They no longer will proudly fly continuously as they have been for the entire year. We are going to revert to the original plan of displaying the flags only on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Fourth of July, with perhaps some special holidays. AMVETS member Larry Van Bibber has been the park volunteer for some time now, and he and AMVETS member Lester Van Bibber have volunteered to be the caretakers of the flagpoles and flags. Remember on these mentioned holidays to look for the most beautiful sight of the flying flags as you proceed down Union Street. Never have I seen a more beautiful and emotional sight than a group of flying American flags. And, even though I do not remark on all the symbol of our country means to all Americans, I subconsciously remember.

Another project that brought much joy to the hearts of Lincoln AMVETS and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Post 71 was the Christmas gift-giving to those veterans residing in the three nursing homes of Lincoln -- 47 males and two females. Visitations were not limited to the veterans. The other residents were also conversed with. The veterans were thanked for their service to our country. For this project, $630 was expended.

Another $400 was expended by AMVETS on a gift of food to the Lincoln/Logan Food Pantry for those in need of food. Charles Lee of the local IGA store also assisted. His delivery of the food certainly assisted in the filling of their shelves. Thank you, Mr. Lee, for your donations.

To all, a very happy and healthy New Year. And let's all show the proper respect and use of the All Veterans Park and Veterans Honor Roll. Let the American flags fly proudly in reverent salute to those brave men and women who served their country so well.

God bless America and all the peoples of the world, and may we soon see peace on earth and good will to all.

[Text from file received from Arnold Haak, commander, Lincoln AMVETS Post 71]