A Singing Treasure

American Legion Post 54 float

Anniversaries are most often thought of as happy. Not in this case, for it is the 100th anniversary of the beginning of 

World War I.  That is hard to comprehend. 



In honor of Veteran's Day, Bruce, my husband, and I rode on the American Legion Post 54 float in our local Fernandina parade.  It was so wonderful to hear the crowds cheer and wave, some with their hands over their hearts, some saluting, all shouting  a sincere thank you for your service to the veterans.



After the parade, we went to Post 54.  Bruce is the chaplain there and I am a member of the Auxiliary.  We ate delicious pulled pork sandwiches in the canteen then went into the hall to hear a young man sing patriotic songs.  What a delight ten-year-old Joshua Barber was and is.  He has overcome severe health issues and is a living inspiration.  He touched our hearts with his love for
America. 

 

Joshua, Uncle Sam and Jane Marie

 

Click on the video below to enjoy Joshua singing the Armed Forces Medley, his tribute to our military men and women.  It will leave you proud and smiling!



 

Here's to all veterans and active duty military. 

God is forever with you.

This MUST Happen

What better time to alert you to the effort being made by a two tours of duty Vietnam veteran, Steve Holota.  Our local American Legion Post 54 in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida is heavily involved. Click on the link below to see what this is all about.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/videos/news/local/2014/07/01/11929285/ 

HAPPY JULY 4TH! 

 

MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS US ALL!

 

Fernandina's flags over the war monument at the foot of Centre Street by the docks

 

 

Thank you to First Coast News of Jacksonville, FL for their video clip.

 

 

Boots on the Ground

The second annual Boots on the  Ground event was held today here in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida. As a tribute to our fallen military men and women, over 1,800 boots lined both sides of Atlantic Avenue from the beach running a good mile and a half west to 8th Street.  Volunteers began setting the boots out at 4 am this morning, evenly spacing them with military precision. I heard from one of the veterans how a storefront owner offered an empty showroom where all the incoming boots were stored and staging began. Many of the boots came in without shoelaces, some brand new, some mildly used.  So besides lacing, each had a red solo cup inside to catch any rain and to support the individual flag that floated above it. Attached to each boot was a badge bearing the photograph of a military hero, his name, hometown and battle where he or she had fallen. Sadly, mothers had to make  7,000 badges and all those extras were displayed hanging from ropes behind the boots.  Many families sought out their particular hero and discovered the boots and badges were set out/organized by year, beginning with September 11, 2001. 
 

boots as far as the eye can see

note a few motorcycle riders on the upper left of the photo

 

  

boots and badges on both sides of the street

 

I learned the first year was just the motorcycle run.  This year, there was a 5K/10K run/walk and kids' fun run, a silent auction, patriotically decorated motorcycle parade, geocaching, weapons display, postcards for families of the fallen and sale of American Legion brick pavers, Bruce and I did this,  plus more. They expect next year's Boots on the Ground event to be even bigger.

It was a solemn occasion yet one filled with pride as we talked and listened to the families tell about the sons and daughters.  As one mother explained to me, "When somebody thanks me for my son's service, it means the world to me, that he's not forgotten. As they thank me, I thank them right back."

For more information, please follow this link: http://mothersofamf.com/boots-on-the-ground-america-remembers/.

Chili Con Carne Recipe

A friend reminded me that Bruce's recipe for Chili Con Carne was in the

 Fernandina Beach American Legion Post 54 cookbook.  Copied from those pages, here it is. Although it may be warm where you live, chili is a year round delight. Enjoy! 

Veterans' Memorial Park

September 30, 2012 was the groundbreaking and dedication of Veterans' Memorial Park on Atlantic Avenue in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The location is where the original 1940 American Legion Post 54 log cabin used to stand. This cabin was demolished due to rot and termites. (A new Post 54 has since been built on American Legion Way in town.) The strong stone chimney still there serves as a monument to our military. Boy Scouts are laying a brick sidewalk to earn Eagle Scout honors and engraved paving bricks will be sold for $50 to complete the area surrounding the site.  Stay tuned to see how the park develops.  It's a fine thing to honor our veterans for honor is given from the heart. 

 

American Legion Post 54 Chaplain Bruce Malcolm giving opening prayer

( note the round holes in the stone chimney where the logs from the cabin wall used to be)

 

 

 

plaque on front of chimney

Another Year

My husband, Bruce Malcolm, was sworn in today to serve another year as Chaplain of Post 54 of the American Legion here in Fernandina Beach, Florida.  I am very proud of him.    - Jane Marie

FOR GOD

AND COUNTRY

Bruce Malcolm

American Legion

Meet Bruce Malcolm, the newly sworn Chaplain of American Legion Post 54, Fernandina Beach, Florida. I am so proud of my husband.  I know his mother, grandmother, daughter and sons are, too.

For God and Country,

Jane Marie Malcolm

American Legion  Auxiliary