Some people do not like Memorial Day events saying they celebrate war.  To me, they celebrate peace; peace hard won and dearly paid for.  The American Legion was originated 75 years ago to form a coalition for a united voice of the servicemen of World War I.  As we have been in more wars, more individuals have become eligible to join and the efforts of this coalition have continued.  We must work in a united form to protect the rights of Veterans.  A job when we return home.  Hospitals with well-trained and well staffed doctors and nurses.  We must work to keep our military strong for a strong country. 
The general public, as well as our veterans and their families must continue to put pressure on our politicians and bureaucrats.  We cannot, we must not have apathy.  Let's all join in to help our Veterans.  I hope this gives you goose bumps.
On the local level, what is the American Legion?  The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary are those people banned together to: send our boys to Boys State, our girls to Girls State.  They are the ones who organize and financially provide for today's youth, tomorrow's men and women, and tomorrow's leaders. They are the ones that give of their time and effort to bury the Veterans.  They are the ones who help provide fellowship and the remembrance of the good times.  They are the ones that sell raffle tickets, hold bake sales and other fund raising events.
There are two main reasons for doing these things; comradeship and public welfare.   All funds raised are to help the communities and the people in them.  Yes, I get goose bumps.
Today's American Legion has, with the leadership of our National Commander, joined forces to fight, maybe our most important war "The war on drugs and alcohol abuse."  This country needs for everyone to get involved.
When you see your Legionnaires displaying the Legion identification, they probably are having fun.  They are also serving their communities.  Yes, I get goose bumps.  I hope you will also.

Robert E. Parrow

Lawrence Silseth

Jack Lynch

Donald L. Parrow

Darwin Parrow

Scott Smith

David Smith

Kevin Beer

Lowell Smith

                                                             Dennie Barton     
                                    1926-2006

Dennie Barton, 80, Otoe, NE, died Sunday, July 23, 2006 at his home.  He was born May 31, 1926 at Omaha, son of Benjamin and Rose (Bolter) Barton.  He married Patricia L. Renner Dec. 18, 1948 at Iola, Kan.
Barton also lived at Omaha.  He was a roofer for Barton Roofing Company.  He enjoyed woodworking,
fishing bass and playing cards, especially poker, pinnacle and huckabuck.
Surviving are his wife, Patricia, Otoe, NE; children, Ralph, Omaha, NE, Bonnie Walker, Weeping Water, NE, Terri Sheldon, Bellevue, NE, Denise Matson, Avoca, NE and Christopher, Plattsmouth, NE; brother, Wilber, LaVista, NE; 19 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded by his parents and eight siblings.  Services were Wednesday, July 26 at Fusselman-Wymore Funeral Home Chapel, Syracuse.  The Rev. Raymond Wicks officiated.  Interment was at the Otoe Cemetery.
Pallbearers were : Ralph, Jack, Reuben and Christopher Barton; Jack Walker; Billy, Eddie and Dennis Arnold; and Jacob and John Paul Hanes.  Honorary pallbearers were : Ben and Chris Barton; Bob Sheldon; Jack Walker and Dan Matson.
Elizabeth Wicks was organist.  Jessica and Elizabeth Barton sang.  There was congregational singing.

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