Brothers and Sisters:
May is here in all its glory with Mother's Day on May 10th, and Armed Forces Day on May 16th. This is a day to pay tribute to men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces. At the end of the month, on May 25th, we celebrate Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for those who have died serving our country.
As always, the retirees held the cookout for Local 355's Baltimore general membership meeting Sunday, May 3rd.
Also in May, we had the bowling banquet on the 13th (bowlers only), and will have the retirees meeting on the 21st.
In June, the 13th is the date for the spring golf outing at Hog Neck Golf Course in Easton, MD. Please call the hall for more information. Flag Day is on the 14th, and Father’s Day and the first day of summer both fall on June 21st.
Bowling is over for the year and will resume again in the fall. A special thanks goes out to Joe Reichert, Mike Brett and Mel Holden for doing an outstanding job running the bowling league. Click here to see the photos.
A very special thanks to all of the volunteers who helped with the cookout at the general meeting. Our team of cooks, led by the head chef Rich Parker and his 2 sous chefs Bradley Schmidt and Joe Skiratko, hung in there all day!
As you know, we changed our 3,2,1 format this year. Instead of $300, $200 and $100 prizes we raised it to $1000, $500 and $250, The winners (all retirees) were Donald Spencer, Will Sank and Dan Molino. The majority of these tickets were sold at the general meetings. Brothers Mel Holden and Joe Reichert did an awesome job in selling these tickets. Thanks, gentlemen!
Charlie Stevens will take over the duties as Sargent of Arms from Mike Krainer. Mike is now one of our trustees.
Here is something to think about as we observe Memorial Day: All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used God's words and teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history. Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud of those who serve to protect our God-given rights and freedoms.
I hope you take the time to read this and understand what the flag draped coffin really means. Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers.
Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin
Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?
Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!
- The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.
- The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.
- The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.
- The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
- The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'
- The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
- The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.
- The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.
- The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
- The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.
- The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
- The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
- The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.
There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why. Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.'
New Members: Dennis McLaughin
Sick Members: Lester Evans, Milton Staph
Deceased Members: Samuel Patterson (Mountainside); Donald Wetherbee (Kane); Donald Spencer (New Penn).
Please keep these members and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
The next meetings will be on May 21th and June 18th in the Sullivan Hall at Teamsters Local 355, 1030 S. Dukeland Street, Baltimore, MD. Coffee and donuts are served at 9:30 a.m. The Executive Board meets at 10 a.m., and the general meeting begins at 11 a.m. A light lunch is served following the general meeting. Hope to see you there. Remember to bring another retiree with you.
Fraternally,
Bob Eney, President
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