American Legion Auxiliary honors women veterans: Community Voices

Women veterans honored by American Legion Post 91 Auxiliary were, front row from the left, Rose Park, Navy, Annette Labanc, Navy; second row, Consolina Templeman, Marine Corps, Linda Kramer, Air Force; back row, Capt. Christina Majewski, active duty Army, and Ginger Sipos, Air Force. (James Boston-Lockyer)

BEREA - Women who serve in the military are often called "the forgotten veterans."

Women vets face the same issues as do the men plus a few extras such as sexual harassment and discrimination.

The service of military women is not forgotten by American Legion Post 91's Auxiliary, however. Each year, the auxiliary hosts a special luncheon for lady vets in honor of Veterans' Day. This year, the recognition lunch was at Amici's restaurant in North Royalton on Nov. 18 where the lady vets were feted with plenty of Italian cuisine and gift bags filled with kitchen supplies, stationary, pens, and homemade cookies and cranberry pecan bread.

Also attending the lunch was Chaplain Willie Springer of Berea's Veterans Outreach Office. Springer presented the veterans with special pins recognizing their service and with cards bearing stars cut from U.S. Flags. The cards thank veterans for their service and remind them that they will never be forgotten.

The inscription on the cards reads, "I am part of an American Flag which flew in freedom over a home in the U.S.A. The sun and wind have caused me to become faded and torn so I can no longer fly. Please carry my star as a remembrance You Will Never Be Forgotten."

The stars were cut from old and unusable flags donated by Berea residents. Girl Scout Troop 70464 of Grindstone Elementary School volunteered to remove the stars from the flags. According to the U.S. Flag Code, the blue field and stars may be cut away and repurposed for patriotic use.

Springer said he was "honored to be able to present you with these pins." He said he hoped the Outreach Office and the Legion could work closely to ensure that women veterans are recognized and receive the support they deserve.

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