Leonard W. Kidd Memorial American Legion Post 2001

07/04/2020

Happy Independence Day!

06/29/2020

A letter of recognition from a Veteran spouse. http://www.ashburnlegion.org/2020/06/a-letter-of-recognition/

06/28/2020

A Letter of Recognition

Hi Everybody,

We have a kind letter of recognition from a Veteran's spouse. The letter details the family's struggle with early onset dementia and how AL Post 2001 could contribute to make their lives more comfortable. It is a long letter, so we encourage you to visit our website and read it in its' entirety.

Robin - Thanks for the letter and it was our pleasure to help!

http://ashburnlegion.org/2020/06/a-letter-of-recognition/

Young Onset Dementia & Parkinson’s Disease Letter of Appreciation – Young Veteran Families June 25, 2020 Dear Veteran Heroes As a caregiver of a Veteran spouse for 10 years, I wou…

06/17/2020

Veterans on Burn Pit Registry May Be at Greater Risk for COVID-19, Lawmakers Say

American Legion Post 2001 has noticed a recent news development about Veterans who may have Lung Disease from Iraq/Afghanistan burn pit exposure. Scientists and Doctors have agreed, Lung Disease from these factors, could put a particular sub-set of deployed Veterans at high risk for COVID-19. If you or a loved one served overseas, then please consider the following materials to determine whether or not you could be impacted. Here are several links with research and resources.

Research

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.military.com/daily-news/2020/04/21/veterans-burn-pit-registry-may-be-greater-risk-covid-19-lawmakers-say.html/amp

https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/washington-post-live/veterans-frontline-concerns/2020/06/16/82e741d8-4bf4-4ba9-a779-4dd452c5fd83_video.html

https://medlineplus.gov/lungdiseases.html

Resources

https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/index.asp

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/index.html

If you are interested in joining AL Post 2001, please email [email protected]. We are currently accepting new members. Stay safe!

There is concern that veterans exposed to airborne pollutants are at higher risk for serious complications of COVID-19.

06/14/2020

Happy Birthday, U.S. Army. Please visit ashburnlegion.org for a list of Army facts.

06/14/2020

Leonard W. Kidd Memorial American Legion Post 2001's cover photo

06/14/2020

Happy Birthday, U.S. Army

How did the United States' Army begin? The U.S. Army was born from America's 19 April 1775 Revolutionary War. To read more about the first skirmishes please visit our website, ashburnlegion.org. Previously known as the Army of Observation, groups of armed Patriots held the British troops in Boston. From their advances, the United Colonies Delegates drafted formal documents for the creation and development of what would become a world renowned military force, led by George Washington. The Congress transformed a local rebellion into a war for independence when it established the Continental Army.

"The delegates of the United Colonies … reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, conduct, and fidelity” of George Washington. Our first President was also the first Commander of all the Continental forces.

Facts About the United States Army

*The Army is older than the country
*The Army pioneered modern guerilla warfare
*George Washington chose the Army's dress colors
*There have only been five-star generals in the Army
*The Army tested chemical agents on the United States
*The Air Force was part of the Army until 1946
*The Army has a special unit of Skeptics
*A third of Union Army soldiers were immigrants
*The first submarine was used by the Army in the Revolutionary War
*The Ranger Slogan Was Created During the Normandy Invasion
*Coca-Cola Had Engineers in the Army in WWII
*The Army Employs Over 1 Million Personnel
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To read the complete list of Army facts, please visit https://bestlifeonline.com/crazy-army-facts/.

If you are interested in finding out more about American Legion Post 2001, then please email [email protected]. We are accepting new members!
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#HappyBirthdayUnitedStatesArmy #HappyBirthdayUSArmy #USArmyBirthday

06/14/2020

To learn more about the United States flag day please visit ashburnlegion.org!

06/14/2020

Flag Day 2020

In 1885, a little prompting from a school teacher, named Bernard J. Cigrand, led to a United States flag movement. The initiative grew until, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as the official Flag Day. In 1949, the U.S. Congress permanently established the date as National Flag Day.

The flag consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton (referred to specifically as the "union") and fifty small, white, five-pointed stars. The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America, and the 13 stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, and became the first states in the U.S.

Did you know that our flag has 3 nicknames? Stars and Stripes, Old Glory and Star Spangled Banner. The last nickname was made famous by the national anthem, in 1931. However, the flag inspiring song was first invented by Francis Scott Key, in 1814, which evolved from a Defense of Fort McHenry poem to the adapted tune of The Anacreontic Song. In the 21st century, the national anthem is synonymous with large public events - belted from the lungs of recognizable talent. The lyrics continue to resonate with each generation.

"Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"
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National Anthem Videos:

https://ashburnlegion.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3eb021f9b48c7caa7a0a9b782&id=f8b9d37a61&e=65dcb4f0de

https://ashburnlegion.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3eb021f9b48c7caa7a0a9b782&id=ede8277c00&e=65dcb4f0de

https://ashburnlegion.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3eb021f9b48c7caa7a0a9b782&id=f74429c646&e=65dcb4f0de
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Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_States
https://www.scoutsongs.com/lyrics/starspangledbanner.html
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Flag-Day

If you are interested in finding out more about American Legion Post 2001, then please email [email protected]. We are accepting new members!

#FlagDay #AshburnAmericanLegionPost2001 #FlagDay2020 #June14FlagDay

05/31/2020

American Legion Post 2001 helps a Tuskagee Airman receive a donated power wheel chair. Visit www.ashburnlegion.org for the scoop.

05/31/2020

Loudoun County resident and member of the Leonard W. Kidd Memorial American Legion Post 2001 (AL Post 2001) of Ashburn VA, Carl Johnson, was the last Tuskegee Airman to earn his wings in 1946. The Tuskegee airmen were the first African American Aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps. At 94 years old, he can remember a time when he overcame many obstacles to achieve the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army. He selflessly served his Country with 30 years of military service and tenures at DOD and the FAA.

When AL2001 heard about Carl's mobility challenges, from a Post wellness checkup phone call several weeks ago, the answer was clear - find a way to help a fellow Veteran who had an essential need. At about the same time, an Ashburn resident, Mrs. Cheryl Broome, decided it was time to donate her two power wheel chairs, one from her deceased husband, also a Veteran, and one that she had replaced for herself. She contacted Mike Ross who owns/operates Batteries and Bulbs for ideas. Mike, in turn, contacted our Post, as we had worked with him before to place a donated power wheel chair with a Veteran in need. AL2001 sprang into action, visited Mrs. Broome, picked up the power wheel chairs, had Mike replace the batteries and began the match to need process.

On Friday, 29 May, five American Legion Post 2001 members met with this special WWII, Korean war and Vietnam war Veteran to deliver the much needed power wheelchair. Carl will use this to go down the street to his community’s Recreation Center so that he can continue his workouts! He was very pleased that anyone would take the time to worry about him.

Although, social distancing was in effect the AL2001 managed to take a peak at 30+ years of legacy. Several Post members asked if they could learn more about his life. In a most humble way, Carl said, "well, we could go inside and I could show you some photo albums." The doorway was jammed as we all rushed in to share in this view of a remarkable man and career. An hour later, we realized it was time for us to go, but promising to come back in another couple of weeks if he was willing to share with us some more history, which he graciously agreed to. There will be a follow up to this story, stay tuned.

05/25/2020

American Legion Post 2001 and Ashburn Rotary Club participate in Flags for Heroes 2020. www.ashburnlegion.org

05/25/2020

The Rotary Club of Ashburn, VA

Today is a somber occasion, a reflection of all U.S. military men and women who sacrified their lives. As we enjoy the long weekend, we keep our military memories and legacies alive with the observance of Memorial Day activities; from designated Memorial site visits to virtual meetups and social media. American Legion Post 2001, in conjunction with Ashburn Rotary Club, observed Flags for Heroes 2020.

https://www.facebook.com/ashburnrotary/videos/3854035331336710/?t=0

And from our National American Legion site a special message:

https://youtu.be/1xM0LidAGuM

05/25/2020

Memorial Day Photo Contest: AL Post 2001 Winners!

Today is a somber occasion, a reflection of all U.S. military men and women who sacrified their lives. As we enjoy the long weekend, we keep our military memories and legacies alive with the observance of Memorial Day activities; from designated Memorial site visits to virtual meetups and social media.

American Legion Post 2001 would like to thank all the Memorial Day photo competition participants. We received an interesting array of photographs, demonstrating what Memorial Day means to you. The selection of first, second and third place winners represent an appropriate sentiment with a unique angle (and camera skills!).

First place goes to Henry DeJong and his Normandy perspective!

Second place goes to Scott Yusman and his DC perspective!

Third place goes to Richard Thigpen and his Arlington Cemetary perspective!

Congratulations photographers and thank you for your unique expressions of Memorial Day.

05/20/2020

Batteries and Bulbs Mike Ross replaces the batteries on two power wheelchairs which have been donated to the Post by an Ashburn veteran’s widow, Mrs Cheryl Broome. She has requested that we find two veterans that could use these wheelchairs to enhance their lives. The Post is looking for candidates. Please email [email protected] if interested.

05/10/2020

Memorial Day Photo contest! Win cash prize for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place. Visit www.ashburnlegion.org for details.

05/10/2020

ATTENTION ARTISTS! Requesting submission for a Memorial Day photo competition. American Legion is looking for creative talent amongst our community. We would like your single captivating photo or consolidated photo collage that represents what Memorial Day means to you.

Submissions open at midnight on Monday, May 11th, 2020 and close at midnight on Monday, May 18th, 2020. Please email your submission to [email protected]. Include the words PHOTO CONTEST in the subject heading. Richard will confirm email receipt and send you the photo release form for signature.

The winners will be announced on Monday, May 25th, 2020.

1st Place – $100 Visa gift card + prominent American Legion social media feature.

2nd Place – $75 Visa gift card + social media mention.

3rd Place – $50 Visa gift card + social media mention.

Rules and Regulations

Original photography preferred (.jpg, .png, or .pdf format).
If re-purposing a non-original photo, please acquire appropriate permissions.

If re-purposing a non-original photo, please add your own creative flare (looking for at least 90% originality).
You may submit 1 photo or 1 consolidated photo collage.
Photo can be in any color, combination of colors, or applicable filters.

Visit http://ashburnlegion.org/ for entire post.

*We reserve the right to partner with local media and promote the competition.

05/09/2020

May 8, 2020 was a day of commemoration. It was the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day - a prelude to the end of WW2. Please read the President's message:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/presidential-message-75th-anniversary-victory-europe-day/

05/09/2020

Presidential message on the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/presidential-message-75th-anniversary-victory-europe-day/

05/05/2020

This Memorial Day weekend, starting May 23, 2020, the Rotary Club of Ashburn is conducting their Flags for Heroes. American Legion Post 2001 has been invited to participate. This event is to remember those who made a difference and honor their military service, sacrifice and devotion to our country, as well as our first responders and health care workers .

They will place 100 USA flags at the south side of Route 7, near One Loudoun plaza. The flags will remain 23 May through 7 June, 2020. In remembrance, each flag can be sponsored to remember a hero for $50 and the written medallion of the heroe's name and sponsor will be placed on the flag pole. Please click on the Rotary Club's site link for more information: http://ashburnflagsforheroes.org/. Please fill out the sponsor and hero information and pay or write a check and mail to:

RCOA Foundation PO BOX 392
Ashburn, VA 20146

Write your check out to the Rotary Club of VA Foundation. Your contributions are tax deductible.

Events Timeline

*Please contact Comrade Richard Ryan if you want to participate in any of these.

Thursday, May 21 (9-11AM) Set up three Ashburn Rotary Banners and a separate banner to support local nurses/workers/teachers etc. on site along Route 7. Post volunteers will set up our Post banner as well.

Saturday, May 23 (10-12PM) Erect all 100 Flags on site. Sleeves are already in the ground. Drone video from a Club member and Ashburn Boy Scouts. Mission BBQ Lunch!

Main Event Monday, May 25 (10AM) Memorial Day Ceremony. The details of how this ceremony will unfold are still being worked out. Envisioned is a FB Live event with the reading of the names with a small amount of personnel on site, in accordance with the Virginia Governors order. Our Post has considered having members interested in participating, being nearby within the guidelines of safety and social distancing. The plan may be adjusted as circumstances permit.

Several of us participated last year and it was a very special ceremony. If you have any questions, give Richard Ryan a call at 202-258-4109.

05/05/2020

Visit ashburnlegion.org to participate in Loudoun’s flags for heroes!!!

04/30/2020

During this extraordinary time of COVID-19 uncertainty, Loudoun County is adapting and contributing to the growing food needs within our community. American Legion, Post 2001, will be making regular food donations to the Loudoun Hunger Relief Organization. If any of our members/volunteers would like to participate, then please continue reading for the list of requested charitable items and contact information.

Immediate Needs Include:

Tuna packs with crackers – Hearty soups – Cereal

How it Works:

Our Loudoun County members/volunteers can purchase any of the above items.
When items have been purchased email our American Legion Post 2001 Representative to schedule a contact free pick up. NOTE: In the subject heading please include the phrase, “Hunger Relief Donation.”
At the agreed upon pick up location, please ensure the items are bagged and ready to load.
Our American Legion Post 2001 Representative will deliver the goods to Loudoun Hunger Relief.
*Due to the increased demand, Loudoun Hunger Relief is not able to provide a donation receipt. We recommend donors individually record the donated items and the cost of each, for tax purposes.We will continue to update our social media with relevant information.