|
|
|
George Hartley Editorial Contest Rules Lillian Cleveland Membership Award
National American Legion Press Association (NALPA) American Legion Dept of Florida American Legion Auxiliary Dept of Florida
|
2002 George Hartley Best Editorial Taken from New Port Richey Post 79's Paradise Parade Newsletter:
Who am I? - A Round Tuit and Where have all the Legionnaires Gone?
I am your constant companion. I am your greatest helper or heaviest I
burden. I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am completely at
your command. Half of the things you do might just as well be turned over to Inc
and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly. I am easily managed - you
must merely be firm with me. Show me exactly how you want something done and
after a few lessons, I will do it automatically. I am the servant of all great
people and of all failures, as well. Those who are great, I have made great.
Those who are failures, I have made failures. You may run me for profit or for
ruin - it makes no difference to me. Take me, train me, be firm with me, and I
will place the world at your feet. But, be easy with me and I will destroy you.
Who am I? The answer is "habit." And particularly troubling is the
part about "...be easy with me and I will destroy you."
We are deeply involved in the habit of "I've done my part up
North" or I’m so busy, don't have time. can't fit it in my schedule of
doctors' or recreational appointments that our American Legion Paradise Post 79
is badly slipping. Our nose is barely above water.
A few months ago I gave everyone a "Round Tuit." Very few
Legionnaires are using their Round Tuits to benefit the Post, but maybe they
will break the habit and get a Round Tuit. So, where have all the Legionnaires gone? Our membership last year was 1205. At the March general meeting, where we honored the New Port Richey Firefighter and
Law Officer of the Year, we had 21 members present, one over quorum. Where have
all the Legionnaires Gone? Again, only four (one being 89 years young) were in
the Chasco Fiesta Street Parade. If SAL Squadron 79 and a couple of 13 year old
boys (carried our banner) had not come to the rescue, Post 79 would not have
lead the parade with the Post’s colors. Where have all the Legionnaires Gone? Is the Legion first or is it
just for personal pleasure or gain? Several vital committee chairs vacant
all year and officer slots. Where are we
headed? Our dilemma is embodied in the Habit riddle. Again, maybe, just maybe, ten percent will break the habit and use their Round Tuit That sure would be beneficial to the Post. The future, character and well-being of our Post depend on each one of you to break old habits. (Reprinted from the April - May 2001 newsletter, as many things remain status quo: only 84 votes cast at the May election of officers. Editor) |
Send mail to foxunlimited@bellsouth.net with
questions or comments about this web site.
|