Saturday, February 11, 2012
 
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Legion to host special event Valentine's Day morning

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[February 11, 2012]  What better day than Valentine's Day to launch a project that will ultimately show love to those who have served this country in the military.

On Tuesday, American Legion Post 263 plans to do just that, reviving a program from years past. They will begin collecting names of soldiers, and on Memorial Day they will launch 1,000 balloons with the individual names inside.

According to Marlene Schrader of the Legion Auxiliary, when Laura Slayton was teaching at West-Lincoln Broadwell School, she and her class put together the 1,000-balloon launch every year for about eight years. It was a special time for everyone as the balloons, each containing the name of a soldier, took the skies.

Since Slayton's retirement from WLB, the event has gone to the wayside. However, this year the Legion Auxiliary, with Slayton leading the way, is reviving the tradition.

Tuesday morning at 9:30, the public is invited to visit the Legion for the launch of the campaign. While at the Legion, visitors will be able to see the names that have been collected for the balloons thus far,  and submit more names.

In addition, visitors will be able to see a new and special attraction at the Legion Hall. Schrader said the students at WLB have made an American flag using cut-outs of their hands.

"We had one before and it burnt in the fire," she said. "This flag is framed, with Plexiglas covering it. It is awesome."

The Legion bulletin board will also be decorated with the official flower of the American Legion and Auxiliary -- the poppy -- and various other items of interest.

On May 28 the balloons will be sent to the sky, in colors of red, white, blue and gold. The gold balloons will have a special designation, as they are reserved and will be used only for those soldiers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country.

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The launch on May 28 will be just part of a day of special events at the Legion. The annual ham-and-bean meal will take place, along with 50-50 drawings, a bake sale, special presentations, music and more.

Schrader said she hopes everyone will take a moment out of their day Tuesday to join the Legion in the special show of love for all veterans.

Those who would like to enroll names in the balloons will need to fill out a form with the name and other information on their soldier. To do this ahead of time, click here for a printable form.

Schrader said the group is accepting donations for the names submitted, and there are also opportunities for folks to sponsor balloons without submitting names. The proceeds will go to American Legion Post 263 and Auxiliary, who will in turn use the funds to benefit local veterans.

[By NILA SMITH]

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