Senate Resolution 30

A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF HOWELL-GRANTHAM AMERICAN LEGION POST 53 IN LUCEDALE, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, we join veterans and the citizens of George County, Mississippi, in honoring our veterans on the occasion of the Centennial Anniversary of the founding of Howell-Grantham American Legion Post 53 in Lucedale, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the American Legion was formed in Paris, France, during an organizational meeting of a thousand officers and enlisted men from all branches of the United States Armed Services on March 15, 1919. The Paris Caucus was ratified in St. Louis, Missouri, in May 1919. The purpose of the American Legion was to provide services to veterans and veterans' families, including lobbying the government for veterans benefits. These efforts led to the creation of today's Veterans Administration in 1920; and

WHEREAS, World War I veterans returning home from the "war to end all wars" had survived the horrors of living in trenches through all weather conditions, brutal machine gunfire, disease, dysentery, boredom, fatigue and the nightmares of watching compatriots sustain horrific wounds and succumb to bloody deaths; and

WHEREAS, the American Legion is organized with national, state and local units. Locally, the membership is organized into "Posts"; and

WHEREAS, the American Legion spread quickly across the country, giving World War I veterans a place to meet, share experiences and help readjust to civilian life. One such Post was chartered in Lucedale, Mississippi, in March 1921. It was named in honor of James Howell Grantham, a Marine Medic who was killed in action on November 1, 1918, only 10 days before Armistice Day; and

WHEREAS, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, begun on September 26, 1918, and ending on November 11, 1918, was the largest United States military operation up until that time, involving 1.2 million American soldiers. During those 47 days it became the second-deadliest battle in American history, with 350,000 casualties and 26,277 Americans killed. James Howell Grantham, only 20 years old, was tending to the wounded on that battlefield when he was killed. For his meritorious service, he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, second only to the Medal of Honor; and

WHEREAS, today there are 95 members, with 85 who are active, according to Post Commander Kimble Cochran. The current membership is keeping this same spirit of service alive with their programs and service to veterans and their families; and

WHEREAS, "We are a small Post in a small town," added First Vice Commander Buddy Horn. What Post 53 can do is send high school students to Boys State and Girls State. Starting with one student in 2010, the Post now sends 20 to 25 deserving students to the week-long educational experience each year; and

WHEREAS, American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government institution for U.S. high school students. A participatory program in which students become part of the operation of local, county and state government, Boys State was founded in 1935. American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a separate but similar program for young women called Girls State. Student expenses are paid by Post 53 with the help of local business and community-based organizations. Another program is the annual Poppy Days, where poppies are handed out commemorating those who have died. Donations are collected into a special fund just for the benefit of veterans in need or their families. Poppies are handed out on Memorial Day and Veterans Day; and

WHEREAS, each Memorial Day, Legion members put small American flags on the graves of deceased veterans. This past year, Post 53 put flags on more than 1,400 graves in 126 area cemeteries. The flags remain on the graves for one week; and

WHEREAS, seven years ago, Post 53 began a Veterans Day parade. It has been well received and has become a major community event; and

WHEREAS, the legacy of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a strong and free American and for this a grateful state joins the Centennial Anniversary Celebration of these veterans and thanks them for their service:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the founding of Howell-Grantham American Legion Post 53 in Lucedale, Mississippi, and extend the thanks of a grateful state to these veterans on this auspicious occasion.

be it further resolved, that this resolution be presented to Post 53 VFW at appropriate ceremonies, forwarded to the Board of Supervisors of George County, Mississippi, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.