OSMOND — American Legion Auxiliary Unit 326 met Monday, March 18, at the Legion hall with nine members in attendance. The opening prayer was given by Chaplain Holly Koehler, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, Preamble and the singing of the “National Anthem.” New members Linda Krohn and Sonja Kirchoff were welcomed to the group.
Diane Borst and Chris Adamson completed updating the constitutional standing rules, which are available to all members.
The Americanism Essay Contest was held with approximately 22 essays turned in, with most of them coming from St. Mary’s Catholic School. Linda Krohn and Cleo Pfanstiel will be the judges. The winners and parents will be invited to the April 15 meeting at 7 p.m. with cash prizes to be awarded. Refreshments will be served.
Mrs. Borst attended the 102nd annual district convention in Creighton. She was able to attend the Memorial Program held at 1:30 p.m. She mentioned units will need to let the district know of all members who have passed away the previous year. Mrs. Borst also discussed the 8&40 program and new auxiliary officers for District 2. There were 10 local units represented that day. The auxiliary national president plans to travel through Nebraska this summer visiting all Legion memorials.
Mrs. Borst reminded members that Norfolk veterans would be visiting Wednesday, March 20, in Osmond, with the Sons of the American Legion hosting a luncheon buffet at 3rd Street Bar & Grill. All auxiliary members were welcome.
April 15 will be “Purple Up Day” for military kids. Members are encouraged to wear purple to show support and thanks to military children for their strength and sacrifices.
On Friday, April 19, members will be playing bingo with veterans at Norfolk Veterans Home. They are asked to bring a dozen cookies. Bingo starts at 1:30 p.m.
Poppy Day will be held on Thursday, May 23, this year. Volunteer times and work lists will be set. Amanda Koehler at Osmond Community School and Sonja Kirchoff at St. Mary’s Catholic School will have students involved by making posters, etc., prior to the school year’s end.
End of the year (April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024) Impact Forms will be summarized and sent to the American Legion Auxiliary Department in Lincoln. This notes our unit’s volunteer hours, involvement and monetary donations in the community and schools in support of our veterans and youth. — Barb Rohde, Acting Secretary
