Dixon Post 208 Honors 50 Year MembersMarch 12, 2005 This evening some 120 people gathered to commemorate the 50 year membership of Warren "Red" Belden and Anthony Geronimo. It had been arranged to have representatives from the Dept. of Ca American Legion and Auxiliary as well as District and local Post Officers present. Representing the Dept of California was Area 1 Vice Commander Robert Monroe, (Sacramento Post 61), and Area 1 Historian Mike Chinnock (Roseville Post 169). Representing the 5th District was Kevin Kilkenny Jr., Past Commander, and representing Dixon Post 208 was Commander William Allard. The representative for the Department Auxiliary was Historian Wennoha Angier, (Rago Christopher Unit 165 Vacaville) Representing the 5th Dist. Auxiliary, Doris Kilkenny 1st Vice President (Dixon Unit 208). She and Roxie Sanders, Unit Chaplain, represented Dixon Unit 208. The two Legionnaires were presented 50 year Membership Certificates by Vice Commander Monroe, signed by The Department of California Commander Fred Walton (Theodore Roosevelt Post 21 Sant Rosa) and Dept Adjutant William Mayer (2 certificates were also mailed to the post from National were also given them) Jr. Past Cmdr. Kilkenny presented the two 50 Yr Membership Pins and Patches for their Legion Caps. Commander Allard then presented them with their engraved Wrist Watches, denoting 50 year membership. Also recgnized this evening were past Commanders Richard Reeser, Robert Fletcher, Ed Hainline, Kevin Kilkenny and William Allard. Bob McCord and Donald Young were excused for health reasons. Others who were invited chose not to attend. Anthony "Tony" Geronimo moved to Dixon in 1945 when he was in the 8th grade. After serving 3 years in the Coast Guard, he joined the American Legion in February 1955. Over the years he participated in many, many Legion activities. He always kept a close eye on post financial matters, and he still does to this very day. He even asked questions about the amount spent at Thorton's Jewelers; not knowing it was for the two watches presented that evening. Tony invited his two daughters and 3 grandchildfen and a few friends. Warren "Red" Belden was born and raised in Dixon. He had served a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Far East during the Korean Conflict. Records show that in this very building 50 years ago on March 4, 1955, his father John Cecil Belden was awarded the 1st "Life Membership" given by Dixon Post 208. He was known around town as Mr. American Legion. There is a picture of him with his wife and children in our Post History Book which is now being compiled. It was on that night that Red Belden joined Dixon Post 208. Though he had long ago moved to West Sacramento, he has remained loyal to our organization. Joining him this night were his wife Ardy, and Grandson Justin Neuman. Members of the Auxiliary were also honored after the Spaghetti Dinner. Those so honored were all Past Presidents of Dixon Unit 208: Cleo Revelle LaMontagne, Evelyn Dutra, Emma Shepherd Krezman, Ramona Fletcher, Norma South, Beverly Shillinger, Doris Kilkenny. Not present were Alice Stephens and Mary Russell. Mary had moved and we were unable to contact her. She was also a 50 year member. These lovely ladies were all presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for a job well done by Roxie Sanders Unit Chaplain. Doris Kilkenny gave a short recitation concerning the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of California, and its many funtions as well as those of Dixon Unit 208. She noted that membership has gotten smaller, and that there was a need to replenish the numbers of members. If you are a Mother, Wife, Widow, Sister, Daughter, Grand Daughter or Great Granddaughter of a Veteran, you may be qualified to become a member of the world's largest patriotic organization, The American Legion Auxiliary. The American Legion Auxiliary was formed in 1919; the local unit in 1925. Besides working along side of the American Legion to aid our veterans and their families, the Auxiliary also interacts with our community. The Auxiliary teaches children and youth through scholarships and educational programs, making them aware of Americanism, patriotism, and democracy, as well as the benefits of being a part of a volunteer organization. Should you be interested, please call Doris Kilkenny at 693-0933
|
