 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.
[to top of second column] |
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]
 |
