Tomorrow, November 11th, is Veteran’s Day. For too many, it’s treated as just another day, but I hope those of you reading this will spend at least a moment or two reflecting on the fact that you’re able to live where and as you do in a wonderful community, Bentwater, in relative freedom and safety because of men and women in uniform having spent (and are still spending) time in places that weren’t necessarily so wonderful, not so free and almost always not so safe.
Meanwhile, to all of you veterans who served between 1955 and 1975, please be aware that the Coushatti Trace Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution is hosting their annual Vietnam War Commemoration on 21 November 2024 at 1330 at West Conroe Baptist Church, 1855 Longmire Road, Conroe, TX 77304, and you’re invited. Please RSVP to Regent Kay Pontious at CoushattiTraceDAR@gmail.com by end of day tomorrow, the 11th, Veteran’s Day. When you arrive on the 21st, park under the flagpole and enter through covered entrance to The Garden Room. The Vietnam era was unique in that America didn’t seem to care as much for its returning warriors as it had in other conflicts. On contrary, the “flower power” attitude of the day was downright disrespectful, even cruel, to many of those in uniform.
Now, here we are, 50 years later and it’s particularly fitting that the guest Speaker of this event will be Judge (and Marine veteran of Vietnam) Jimmie Edwards, Chairman of the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission. And, thanks to DAR, all veterans attending will be presented with a Certificate of Appreciation and a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin. Hoping to see you there.
Back to the present, today, November 10th, is the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Semper Fi. Their reputation for breaking things and sending bad guys to meet their maker notwithstanding, Marines also have a softer side as evidenced by the fact that, a mere 77 years ago, Marine Major Bill Hendricks and his bride, Diane, founded the concept of Toys for Tots. Born out of that post-World War II “can do” attitude, it saw a meager beginning. That first year, it only garnered about 500 toys, the first of which was a handmade doll. That doll, now known as Raggedy Ann, continues to be a symbol for Toys For Tots to this day.
Toys For Tots is a national campaign but is completely local in its focus. The program collects some 25 million toys each year and distributes them to kids who might otherwise do without and would likely still appreciate something as seemingly simple as that rag doll. Locally, our Eastex Detachment #779 of the Marine Corps League leads the effort to provide for those kids right here in our area. The residents of Bentwater have generously supported this mission over the years and, in keeping with that tradition, you’ll notice Toys For Tots collection boxes placed around the club for your convenience.
If your heart and pocketbook allow, I’d invite you to drop off a toy for a deserving youngster (up to age 12) sometime over the coming weeks. When you do, please leave it unwrapped so volunteers can more easily match them up with the specific needs of individual youngsters. If you’re not sure of what type of toy to get, a check made payable to Toys For Tots will allow Santa’s elves to select the perfect toy on your behalf. We’re entering that time of year when lots of organizations are doing for others, and Bentwater folks unselfishly support them all. So, thank you, Bentwater. Sincerely. Thank you. Now, go hug a veteran.
Send Bentwater news and fun tidbits to Bruce@TheLakeConroeGroup.com
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