Manhasset American Legion Auxiliary Unit 304

The weekend of May 19th and the days leading up to the Memorial Day Parade were busily  filled with the distribution of Poppies.  Two members who continue to be outstanding in their efforts are unofficially dubbed Unit 304’s “Poppy Queens.”   The dynamic Parrella team could be seen all over town soliciting donations to help support our Veterans and our active military who give and have given so much for the cause of freedom.  Thank you, Florence and Elizabeth, for your outstanding work in support of our Veterans.  Thank you also to all our other members and friends who raised money for this cause.  We also thank very specially all of neighbors and friends who gave so generously in support of our men and women who have served or who are serving our great nation.  Our gratitude abounds for the management of Raindew who always support our many efforts for our veterans.

Vice President & Treasurer Elizabeth Parrella and Chaplain Florence Parrella at Raindew

The heat did not deter Florence who could be found outside King Kullen and the Post Office 

Janine Stange, known as the “National Anthem Girl” because she completed her goal of singing our nation’s National Anthem in all 50 states, requested our assistance again to flood the living Medal of Honor Recipients with cards and letters when they attend a luncheon in their honor in March.  Our Unit participated in honoring the 75 recipients last year and was proud to do it again.  Unfortunately, the number is now at 71.  Our Unit sought the assistance of the local Boy and Girl Scouts, a Daisy Troop, the high school students and a nursery school class and sent them 132 handmade cards and letters, 3 signed Boy Scout troop hats and 3 plaques for the 3 heroes we were given to honor.  Pictures have started to appear on Facebook under Janine Stange.  More will follow.  Following the luncheon, Janine Stange sent us two signed photos with a thank you message for our participation.  One hangs in the American Legion Hall and the other was presented to the nursery school class who also received an American Legion Auxiliary Certificate of Appreciation and American Flags.  They have proudly displayed these outside their classroom for all to see.

As Memorial Day approaches our young members and friends prepared by creating beautiful posters and a wonderful wreath using the Poppy as a theme.  Many thanks to Kaitlyn, Kelly and Martin Clarke for their posters and to Madison and Paige Governale for their wreath.  All were entered into a contest sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Department of New York.