The busiest Legion season is kicking in

By Carl Moon
Carl Moon

I hope everyone had a chance to honor and remember our fellow veterans who have retired to the Post Everlasting on this recent Memorial Day. Peggy and I attended the program at Fort Snelling and afterwards the program at the Minneapolis Veterans Home. These are always very moving events.

’Tis the season of testimonials and district conventions. My congratulations to President Judy Ackerman, Commander John Weiss, Director Jody Hassing and Honorary Junior President Teriana Richards on their year. It’s been great working together and getting to know one-another.

The district conventions that Peggy and I attended had great turnouts but it is so hard to attend them all due to being scheduled over the same two weekends. Fortunately, I have great vice commanders and a membership director who attended the ones that I was unable to make.

I want to thank all of those who braved the cold and rain over the Legionville Work & Play Weekend, May 16 and 17. They managed to get everything done and still had time for a little fun.

Speaking of Legionville, our School Safety Camp sessions begin weekly on June 15-20; ending July 27- Aug 1, 2025. Please consider sponsoring students for this great educational and fun program. Cost is $500 per student, and registration is open.

Speaking of great programs, Boys State and Girls State are fast approaching so please also consider sponsoring students who are between their junior and senior years.

Come see your commander, trying to not embarrass himself, throwing out the first pitch at the Twins game on June 25. Tickets are available.

Peggy and I will be riding in the Fourth of July Parade in Forrest Lake. Hopefully, it is rain-free.

Looking forward to Department Convention July 10-12. And finally, please consider donating to my project, the Veterans Defense Project, to help expand veterans courts to our rural counties. I was hoping to raise $60,000, and we are currently at $43,182.10. My sincere thank you to all who have contributed.

Carl Moon of Zimmerman  Post 560 is the commander of The American Legion Department of Minnesota. His theme is “ACT: Accountability, Communication and Transparency.”