FAMILIES ARE THE HEART OF THE GUARD

On Saturday, July 17, 2005 the David Parrish American Legion Post 296 traveled to present the Blue Star Salute program to the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard. The Post #296 Legion was introduced by Connie Douthat, Wing Family Program Coordinator of the 122nd Fighter Wing. The American Legion Color Guard presented the Colors and Chaplin Barmore presided over the service with a prayer. David R. Kreischer gave an informative talk about the American Legion, what it stands for, the programs it provides and what it takes to become a member. He spoke of the importance of the history of the legion, especially in regards to veteran’s bill of rights.

The history, care and displaying, and proper use of the Service (Blue Star) Banner were presented by Cindy Peters. The color of the star is symbolic in that the blue star represents hope and pride and the gold represents sacrifice to the cause of liberty and freedom.

With the assistance of Connie Douthat, the American Legion Post presented Airmen and families their Blue Star banners and certificates. The presentation included 1 star banners, 2 star banners and one family member was presented a 3 star banner. The proud 3 star mother is the wife of MSG Steven C. Till and they are the parents of SrA Matthew & A1C Joseph. Mrs. Till is the Legion’s first Three Star banner recipient. The number of stars on the banner represents the number of military members serving the military services. This was a wonderful time sharing and meeting many more of the Proud Blue Star families, which are now showing their banners in their front windows for everyone to appreciate. Look around in your neighborhood. Honor and respect those fighting for the freedoms that we each enjoy on a daily basis.

Col. David C. Harmon, also a two star recipient, closed the program by thanking the American Legion and everyone who attended. David Parrish Post 296, 130 W. Tillman Road, would like to thank all the military branches of the Armed Forces and their families.

If you are interested in more information on the program, please call 456-2988. The Blue Star is a continuing program at American Legion Post 296. They will keep honoring the military members and their families, for they are fighting the war, and the families are home keeping everything else together for when they come home.