Amity Study Club monthly meeting

What is a veteran? A “veteran” - whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount of up to and including his life.

These powerful and sobering words were shared with the Amity Study Club at its November meeting by Atlanta Post No. 258 Commander Mike Steward.

While the members enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving meal Commander Steward gave a brief history and overview of the American Legion. Retiring in 1994 with the rank of Sergeant First Class he has served as Post Commander of the Atlanta Legion Hall for the last seven years.

The American Legion was established in Paris, France, on March 15 to 17, 1919, by a thousand commissioned officers and enlisted men, delegates from all the units of the American Expeditionary Forces to an organization caucus meeting, which adopted a tentative constitution and selected the name “American Legion”. Commonly known as the “Legion” the organization of U.S. war veterans is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

It comprises state, U.S. territory, and overseas departments, in turn made up of local posts.

The Legion played the leading role in drafting and passing the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the “G. I. Bill”. In addition to organizing commemorative events, members assist at Department of Veteran’s Affairs( VA) hospitals and clinics.

It is active in issue-oriented U.S. politics. Its primary political activity is lobbying on behalf of veterans and service members, including for benefits such as pensions and the Veterans Health Administration.

On a local level the Atlanta post sponsors delegates to attend Boys State and Girls State each year, a week long immersive experience in the formation of governments and election of leaders.

Education assistance in the awarding of scholarships is also an important project for the local post.

Cash grants and volunteer aid are among the ways American Legion reaches out to families of military service members and community members during times of financial difficulty and short-handedness at home.

The post also helps with homeless veteran outreach and provides honor guards for services at veteran funerals as well. The Legion is also a leader at every level in the establishment and maintenance of memorials for our service men and women.

Veterans Plaza at the corner of Main and East street is a moving reminder of all those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

The Amity Study Club is proud to support the efforts of Atlanta Post No. 258 in preserving and expanding the memorial.

The club is also participating this month in Wreaths Across America.

If you would like to donate to either of these projects with a donation or the purchase of a commemorative brick please reach out to Commander Mike Steward or visit wreathsacrossamerica. org to remember the fallen and honor those who serve.

The Amity Study Club was chartered in 1960 and is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs/Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Our December meeting is set for December 12th at the home of Mrs. Julia Hanner Braun.

If you are interested in membership please reach out to any of our clubwomen.

Marie Shelton is currently serving as club president and can be reached at 903-748-5303.