GIG LINE
By Marsha M. Brown
Thank you. Thank you to all of the wonderful Dare County folk and our visitors too who took the time to stop and support our faithful men and women veterans and their loved ones who sat for hours…and hours during this past Memorial Day weekend manning a booth on behalf of the American Legion Post 26 and the Outer Banks V.F.W. Post 10950.
You showed you cared…you showed that our veterans matter…to you. You took the time to visit a veteran or his wife and give from your heart and from your pocket. You did it with kindness and a desire to help. You may not realize it but you also ‘made the day’ for many of the especially older men and women who faithfully disbursed those little red memorable poppies to you with genuine gratitude for your support of our veterans. Our veterans can feel the love by every kind gesture extended to them and they are grateful. Some of you gave generously…many of you gave all you could…and you are all heroes to these veterans in doing so, no matter the amount.
Veterans are sensitive to those who care about them and show it…not just by donating on special veteran holidays but by properly displaying our American flag…proudly letting the world know that you believe in America; that you believe in our troops and then, when the once bold and bright red, white and blue fades from the sun and tatters from the wind, you gently and tenderly take her down from her pole and discard her with respect…the right way…the way flag etiquette dictates…and then…you replace her with a new one never missing a step to proclaim…that you stand for our flag and our American way of life.
Veterans are proud, strong and unique people…they never forget…sometimes no matter how hard they try…they never forget simple kindnesses and gestures that show them that it is true…that they are n-e-v-e-r forgotten…that is what we tell them right? And we do mean it right? That’s what I’m saying!
It may be wishful thinking but I’m pretty sure I’ve noticed more and more American flags flying or posted around Dare County than I ever have before…but there is still never enough! You know what? I think we should have a competition among our subdivisions to see who can set out the most tasteful patriotic displays anywhere! Why not? Wouldn’t that be cool? Wouldn’t that make you smile and throw your chin up and your chest out? Maybe we should do it for July 4th weekend! What do y’all think about it? Email me your thoughts at editor@giglineheroes.com because what you think matters!
And speaking of patriotism and tradition…baseball! The American Legion baseball team, the ‘Dare County Hammerheads” has just kicked in at full speed, thanks be to Tim White who was recently chosen to serve as the Eastern Junior American Legion Baseball Commissioner. All I’ve ever heard about Tim is good things and this is just another ‘good thing’ he has done for our youth especially. So…if you’re into baseball…and who isn’t? Check out the games that are coming up per the schedule below and make a note so you won’t forget to attend them. The first two games were played in Manteo, then Washington, but having said that, the remaining schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, June 3rd – Hammerheads vs Edenton @ Manteo High School – 7:00 PM
Saturday, June 6th – Hammerheads vs Ahoskie (DH) @ Manteo High School – 2:00 PM
Saturday, June 13th – Hammerheads vs Washington @ Manteo H. School – 5:00 PM
Tuesday, June 16th – Hammerheads vs Windsor @ Manteo H. School – 7:00 PM
Thursday, June 18th – Hammerheads vs Perquimans @ Manteo H. School – 7:00 PM
Saturday, June 20th – Hammerheads vs Wilson @ Fleming Stadium (DH) – 11:00 AM
Monday, June 22nd – Hammerheads vs Edenton (in Edenton) – 7:00 PM
Friday, June 26th – Hammerheads vs Albemarle (Elizabeth City) – 7:00 PM
Tuesday, June 30th – Hammerheads vs Perquimans (in Perquimans) – 7:00 PM
Thursday, July 2nd – Hammerheads vs Windsor (in Windsor) – 7:00 PM
July 9th through 12th – Area #1 Tournament to be played in Manteo…time pending
If you’re a member of the American Legion…how about going to the games wearing your American Legion hat? Or T-shirt? Let your light shine for the boys who stand out there as the Dare County Hammerheads Post 26 Junior Legion Baseball Team and cheer for them! Get your picture taken with other vets supporting our youth, OK? Show Tim and others your appreciation for the work they put into getting this team together and for the boys who play for it! Inspire the young men and tell them they inspire you, too!
Remember that Day Dare is coming fast…only a week away on Saturday, June 6th! Look for the Dare County Veterans Advisory Council booth in the vicinity of Poor Richard’s near the front of the Old Courthouse because they will be issuing more Dare County Veteran I. D. Cards…but PLEASE don’t forget to bring your DD-214 and your local Driver’s License for them to look at (they won’t keep or copy them). Also, they will be handing out more Veteran Benefit Booklets and NC4VETS Resource Guide magazines…a great source of help along with other important info that you need to know! Bring your veteran friends and sign up for your local business discount I. D. Card at no cost to you…only a few minutes of your time…that’s it! (If you can’t make it to Dare Day, we’ll issue I.D. Cards the following Monday, June 8th from 11:00 – 2:00 PM at the Dare County Administrative Bldg., Manteo.
Again, thank you for the kindnesses you show our vets…thank you for your prayers for our troops…and thank you for showing you’re a proud American…and not just saying you are…there IS a difference!
Until next time…be happy, be safe and be proud. If you or a veteran friend needs help, call Rhonda Creef, Dare County Veteran Service Officer at (252) 475-5604 to schedule a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday appointment or call me (252) 202-2058 and in the meantime, God bless you! Stay tuned…