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Grande Directeur Americanism du Virginia LA SOCIETE DES 40 HOMMES ET 8 CHEVAUX Salute Fellow Voyageurs, It has been a while since I’ve written an article so excuse my jumble thoughts as I ramble. I’ve been really busy since I’ve retired from the Air Force and my new job has me working even longer hours and travelling quite a bit. I received a communiqué from the Sous Directeur Americanism (a.k.a. John Schenk) and I will now flatter him by plagiarizing some of his words and thoughts. By the time you get and read this, Memorial Day will have come and gone. But how did you spend that time? Did you march in a parade, attend the Memorial Day Service at Arlington, or just relax at home? Hopefully, you took time, paused, bowed your head, and just remembered those who have gave their lives in defense of our Great Nation, those who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedom and the freedom of others. Our warriors today, make sacrifices everyday in other lands, defending other people, and try to bring peace and freedom to other nations that do not understand or cherish freedom as we do. I will not climb on a soap box and speak out for or against this. I merely point out that these soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines as well as their families should be thanked for their effort and held in high esteem for their sacrifices. Remember them in your prayers, thank them for a job well done, and remind them that the American people appreciate what they do to preserve our democracy. End of year is closing out, so please provide your reports for Americanism and Flags for First Graders to me as soon as possible. For God and Country Andy “T-Rex” Taliercio, Grande Directeur of Americanism andrew.taliercio@yahoo.com or andrew.taliercio@langley.af.mil |
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This year was a banner year for the Voiture in more ways than one. A total of 39 elementary schools participated in the Flags for 1st Graders Program in Chesterfield County and the City of Colonial Heights. During the past 16 years, a total of 60,405 flags were distributed to students and 2400 teachers. The program consisted of informing the children about the Pledge of Allegiance, the history of our flag and how to love and respect it. We displayed the Grand Uniion, Betsy Ross, Star Spangled Banner, and several U.S. flags. The 48 star flag is the crowd pleaser as it is large enough so that three members of the Flag detail are required to hold it up. The other milestone this year is that Voyageur Tomas Lavinka, Directeur of Americanism for the Voiture will retire. He has been instrumental in starting this program sixteen years ago, and has been our leader and mentor. The Voiture was presented the National Paul Landry Award for 1998-1999 and again in 1999-2000 school years. This award is presented to the Voiture Locale having the BEST FLAG FOR FIRST GRADERS PROGRAM IN THE NATION. Congratulations and kudos, Tom, for a tremendous job!!! |
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(L to R)) Voyageurs Ed Jones, Tom Lavinka, and Keith McMurdo instruct 1st Graders in the Pledge of Allegiance and the History of the U.S. Flag. |
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1st Graders showing the flags provided by Voiture 1530. |
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