My Week

I got word that my adopted soldier got his first package that I sent.  He thanked me for it.  Always good to know that the mail went through.

Saturday, Feb 9, 2013,  was the Pilgrimage of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is an annual thing for the Illinois VFW. This one, the 66th annual, featured a eulogy for the late president, and was followed with military honors. The Voice of Democracy High School Patriotic Essay winners joined the crowd of veterans. The state winner was announced at a banquet Saturday. Part of the prize is a trip to Washington D.C. for the national competition. Gene Walker at 44 seconds on this video about the VFW Pilgrimage to the Lincoln Tomb with the youth of Voice of Democracy. Rose Connolly walking at the end. See video:

http://www.wics.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_9475.shtml

Then on Tuesday, Lincoln's birthday, the American Legion made a pilgrimage to the Lincoln Tomb.  I was surprised at the great attendance.  I attended in my wool period dress as it was a bit cold.  Only my toes got cold.
Media for this event is here:
http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x930799183/American-Legion-holds-annual-Lincoln-memorial-ceremony
5th Photo of Gene Sgaller on his 88th birthday, with Bobbie Nelson, both of Chicago, a love of history has brought the couple to the annual ceremony for 12 years and 4 years, respectively. Both sit on lawn chairs outside the tomb Tuesday and listen to the proceedings over a loudspeaker set up.
I talked with them for awhile.  He comes ever year on his birthday because it is also Abe' birthday.  He is 88.

After the ceremony, I attended a luncheon with the ladies from the Womens Overseas Service League. There was a good turn out.  Some of the ladies shared treats:  homemade apple crumble, cookie, and chocolate heart in honor of the upcoming Valentines Day.  Oh well, it was also Fat Tuesday

After that I got a County Market card for my son and a few items at Walmart. Spent a little time at home before heading out to the VFW for chicken dinner night. Since it was also Fat Tuesday, there was added gumbo at the buffet. Then I went over to the Abraham Lincoln Hotel where the Lincoln Simposeum banquet was taking place and members of the 114th Illinois Infantry reactivated and myself and the Soldiers Aid Society presented colors.

I sent in a nomination package for Linda to be the next Illinois Veteran of the Month.

I went during lunch time to go get ashes on Ash Wednesday but left when I couldn't find any parking.  Wow, Ash Wednesday is not even a Holy Day of Obligation. It is a day of fast.  Other times when I have gone to Mass on Holy Days of Obligation, the parking was not that big of a deal.  I think some people just like to show off their ashes.

After work I went to an AmVets meeting.  We use the back room at the Pawnee restaurant.  The waitresses were pretty loud near the door while we were trying to discuss business. While I tried to explain what happened at the annual Honor Flight meeting, I raised my voice (with eye contact at the waitresses outside the door).  One saw me but the perpetrator continued so I continued in my loud voice.  Post members saw what was going on and seemed to grin in support.  At least that's the way I took their reaction.

Thursday I went to a meeting of the Catholic War Veterans.  Boy was that a long meeting and I did not get to go home after work.   Friday, morning the Catholic War Veterans presented a check to the Veterans Homeless Shelter after taking a tour of the facility.

I won a bunch of Civil War accessories on Ebay for 36.51 + Shipping.  This set includes a number of Victorian Era-Civil War clothing accessories: brown bonnet, white corset, gloves, two pairs of shoes (size 6), two broaches, lace handbag, lace hairnet, and linen undergarment pants. Not bad when bonnets cost over $75 alone.   I really need a black fan for my widows weeds too.

Saturday I helped out with the Old State Capitol Foundation's fundraiser at Barnes and Nobel.  We had a few volunteers in period dress help promote books for Presidents Day and Black History month.  A portion of the sales helped the Old State Capitol Foundation.  I helped children make bookmarks about the Northern Star.    I read a story to the children.  One little boy asked a lot of questions.
Then I went to the Greirson Gala.  I brought an extra dress for Cheri Lynn (AKA Purple Girl) to wear.  I think she felt more immersed in the Gala by donning the period dress.  She expressed a desire to sew her own some time.  The Gala has a very nice presentation called Veterans Remembered.  I was surprised to see my photo/bio on their wall.

The Gala has a very nice presentation called Veterans Remembered.  I was surprised to see my photo/bio on their wall.

The following day I was able to download a group photo of a group of veterans that attended the Gala.  Veterans from different eras were honored and a speech from Patton was read.  Sgt Hack (pictured on the right in camies) threw a challenge coin to invite the missing Korean War veteran for next year's gala.  Funny thing, I saw a car leave after the Gala with Korean War veteran plates. 

I wore my rolling thunder shirt to church knowing that I'd be going to an ABATE swap meet later.  One lady behind me said she would like to get involved in escort if possible in honor of her Marine father.  I did not have info on the spot.

Getting ready to practice for the Passion Sunday skit at church that I've had to memorize for the last 3 years.  Today I'm brushing up on my Belle Reynolds recreation for seniors at Montvaile Estates  Monday in honor of Presidents Day and the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.  I would have preferred some Civil War dancing but not  enough reenactors to form a set nor preparation to call the dances.  I just recently acquired the appropriate music.  Maybe next year. 

My adopted soldier will get a special St Patrick's Day box.  I found a green cap for $1, green beads, a big box of Lucky Charms (small box of Lucky Charms was higher priced), and Irish Spring.  I doubt he's even Irish.

I'm giving up swearing for Lent. Stop laughing. Really I did! Oh and fat. Gave that up too. So now the fat on my body needs to leave.