The Superior Express -

Legionnaires, Sons of the American Legion, Legion Riders, and American Legion Auxiliary members from all eight counties in the district along with department representatives gathered in Nelson on Saturday, to conduct the business of the district, hear from department officers and guest speakers, conduct ceremonials and elect officers for the upcoming Legion year.

During the joint session the POW-MIA Empty Chair and Post Everlasting Memorial ceremonies were conducted by District Chaplain Roger Williams, Auxiliary Chaplain Tammie Runions and Department Auxiliary Chaplain Vicki Cyboron. These ceremonies are a reminder to spare no effort to secure any remaining prisoners, remains of those who died, full accountings of those missing, and to honor the memory of the departed from each unit.

The group was pleased to hear a short presentation from Barb Harris-Sole on the history of the Quilt of Valor program and what the presentation of a quilt signifies. Barb has assisted in sewing many quilts through her local quilting group and in addition has furnished material, designed and sewn a great number of quilts by herself. She recently donated the quilt that was presented to Marlin Cox and exhibited two of the quilts she had made that are destined for presentation locally.

Special guest speaker was the Rev. Jose Flores, retired Army 101st Airborne Division veteran. Rev. Flores has visited Normandy every year for the last eight years and gave a slide presentation on the memorials and ceremonies held there each year as well as the beauty of the country, the Omaha Beach National Cemetery, the Paratrooper Memorial and even the choral group made up of soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division in North Carolina. This group made it to the finals of America's Got Talent and its members freely give of their time over and above their regular military duties.

More than 2,000 young soldiers paid for our freedom at Normandy and a mural on the Memorial Wall depicts their sacrifice.

France continues to be grateful to America and the Friends of American Veterans hold memorial ceremonies at the Omaha Beach National Cemetery each year.

Flores interspersed his presentation with personal stories of those he has meet during his visits and reminded those present that General Theodore Roosevelt was one of the original organizers of the American Legion and also that the video 'Lest We Forget' is available on You Tube.

The afternoon auxiliary session was led by Vice-President DeAnna Tuttle in the absence of President Cathy Webber. Department Chaplain Vicki Cyboron read greetings from Department President Lisa Moore and said she is planning her progression from chaplain to historian of the department and hopefully to continue that progression until she reaches the office of president. She gave out inspiration rocks urging participation and spreading the word about the organization. Increasing dues is always a topic of conversation locally, state-wide and nationally and Vicki's remarks in this regard centered on 'What Is Your Veteran Worth?' All agreed that veterans are priceless.

Americanism Chair Tina Nelson reported on the need for accuracy on essay submissions and Joanna Faber told of upcoming events at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home. The next event is Tuesday for bingo and refreshments and participation is solicited.

The awards judging committee awarded first place for Poppy Centerpiece design to the Nelson Unit for Teresa Walton's design.

Election and installation of officers was then held. DeAnna Tuttle will assume the office of president, Tammy Runions will be interim vice president until a permanent candidate is elected, Sherrie Bartels, secretary; and Denise Hill treasurer.

The meeting then adjourned to hold a time of fellowship and door prize presentations.

The Legionnaires also held an afternoon session that included remarks from department officers and the election of Chuck Tuttle as commander and Mike Goebel as senior vice commander. They will be formally installed at the state convention to be held in Kearney in June.

The closing ceremony states in part "Let service to the community, state and nation be ever a main objective of the American Legion and its members. Let us be ever watchful of the honor of our Country, our organization, and ourselves, that nothing shall swerve us from the path of Justice, Freedom and Democracy."