Fall is finally here and I for one could not be happier. I personally love the fall season; I love the brisk mornings, the leaves turning colors, and of course the State Fair. Like most of you I have my regular routine at the State Fair. It really is not a complete day at the fair unless I have some Al’s French fries, Sunrise Methodist ham biscuits, mini donuts, roasted corn at the Village of Yesteryear, NC State ice cream and of course hot apple cider. Look, it takes a lot of energy to walk all over the fairgrounds in search of your favorites.

Of course every year there is always the “new thing”. You know what I mean, chocolate covered bacon or deep fried Krispy Kreme burgers. But new things are not always the best things. Sometimes the tried and true classics are the best. Not just when it comes to food but also when we look at organizations.

Take the American Legion for instance. We may need a new methodology in order to attract our newest veterans from our most recent conflicts; but it is our core values that must not change. The packaging may need a fresh look to appeal to this modern generation but the ethos of our values found in the Preamble to our National Constitution should remain a constant, a bedrock on which to build a strong and relevant service organization.

The last verse of our Preamble states, “To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.” This is huge! This is what being a war fighting service organization is all about, warrior helping warrior. Our comradeship did not stop when the conflict was over but continues to this day. There is a bond that was forged by serving our nation during a period of conflict whether you served overseas or stateside and that bond continues to flow through the blood of all Legionnaires to this day. Our passion and desire is to continue to serve others because we are devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is what keeps us strong, Legion Strong!

Brian Rietvelt, Post Commander

There are some moments in history that will be forever etched on our souls. Thirteen years ago one of those moments occurred. Ask anyone who was alive back then and they will be able to tell you with stark, vivid recollection the exact place and time they were at when they first heard the news about the 9-11 attacks. The images of horror as the aircraft impacted the Twin Towers, the feeling of desperation as we watched over and over again images of carnage and wreckage. As a nation we cried out loud and mourned over people we did not even know. We hurt because others were hurting. We were frightened and then we became angry. Do you remember? I sure do.

That anger and cry for justice drove many Americans to join the ranks of our military. They felt an overwhelming sense of duty, loyalty and obligation to our country. They felt compelled to do something, to take some action; and consequently their lives were forever changed as well.

During that tumultuous time, over and over again the same question surfaced. “Where was God?” The question came from believers and unbelievers alike. Atheists who did not even believe in the existence of God were quick to blame him; while believers had their faith tested and shaken in the face of tragedy.

Every Sunday morning at 8am, I am privileged to lead a small group study at Hardees on US-70 in Clayton (you are welcome to join us). It was just last week we were discussing that very question. We read something that had a profound impact on me and I want to share that with you now. In The Story of God by Tommy Nelson the author writes, “I heard a man tell of a son who was killed I a motorcycle accident. Somebody came up to my grieving friend and said, “Where was God when your son was killed?” My friend looked that person in the eye and said, “He was in the same place He was when His Son was killed. He was with my son, and He will use his death for His own purposes.” Let that sink in for a minute; now re-read that last part. Let that soak for a little while longer. God is not immune to pain or suffering and He is certainly not oblivious to what we are facing or going through at this present time and He can use even the most tragic events for His purposes even though we may never understand them. He is still God and we are not.

In the end we have a duty and obligation to our fellow warriors and citizens to never forget our past. It is what has forged us as individuals and it is what keeps us strong, Legion Strong!

For God and Country * We are Legion Strong