National Commander and me with Unit 165 (Cleveland) Little Miss Poppy
We just finished “touring” Mississippi with the National Commander of The American Legion Clarence Hill, along with State Commander Don Cabrol. What a wonderful trip…although not without its surprises! Monday morning, Nancy (Sanders, Dept. Secretary/NEC) and I woke to a blanket of fallen snow in the Tunica area…driving to Horn Lake was an adventure, to say the least. But, it was very nice to visit that Post for the first time. Then on to New Albany, which had a good crowd awaiting us, including the senior citizens who at lunch there. Equally good to see the Unit members, who showed us their new meeting room and the pocket flags that they were beginning to fold. On to Tupelo, another good crowd. Joyce Pitts and members were active in preparing food and making us feel welcome. Then, back across the state to Cleveland. Yes, another good crowd, including Rosemary and Ed Merriman. She’s doing well and looked good, too. Shirley Turner, president of the unit, Inez McCain and their active members also had a wonderful meal to serve and supported their Post’s needs.
The next day, we visited Post 213 in Vicksburg…wow, what a meal! Great turn out of Auxiliary members who did an excellent job serving the meal and extending their hospitality. This was also my first visit to that Post. Great job, ladies! On to Post 112 in Jackson. The Post hall was festively decorated, and we had a great catfish meal. The Unit gave the National Commander a monetary contribution to the Legion’s Emergency Fund, and we were afforded the opportunity to have him crown the Unit’s Miss Poppy and Little Miss Poppy. The young ladies were so beautiful. Jr. Unit 112 President Sara Jo Housely also presented a gift to the National Commander–great night to showcase some of our Juniors!
Unit 56 President Paula McGinnis presents gift to Comm. Hill
Unfortunately, I had to miss the visit to Post 24 in Hattiesburg as I had to be at my Post–Tylertown 56–that morning to help get ready for his lunch visit. I can’t report too much on Hattiesburg, but I know it was first class as usual. At our Post at noon, the Unit was out in full force to prepare a refreshing lunch of tropical salad–made by the hands of our Unit President Paula McGinnis. It was delicious, and the hospitality was grand. The hall was decorated nicely, and I’m so proud of my own Unit’s efforts. Love them!
We made our final stop at Bay St. Louis last night for a nice evening meal. President Marlene and her ladies had the hall decorated in Mardi Gras colors and presented the Commander a lovely pen holder set and one of Lou Wilkerson’s famous magnolia paintings. They also gave him (and one to take to his wife) a beautiful Mardi Gras necklace. Thanks to those ladies who helped make it a special evening for the Post. So you see, our Units are instrumental in helping the Posts with their successes. That’s how it should be, working side-by-side, in harmony, to achieve the goal at hand. We should constantly be striving for that balance.
