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Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, Inc. July 13, 2007
Arlington, VA 22210-4418
The Bulge Bugle
Vice President of Chapters Report
It is encouraging to see in the May 2007 issue of the BUGLE, photos showing the group of the Indian River Chapter members who have just placed a plaque honoring Bulge veterans and another photo showing the VBOB monument dedicated at Greensburg, PA. This is an indication that the Chapters remain to be active and enjoy the comraderie of meetings and participation in events which honor our galant men and women of 'the Bulge'.
Some Chapters, looking ahead to possible dissolution in 2-3 years have sent ballots to their members asking if they want to continue with the meetings. This was necessitated because of poor attendance at some meetings as well as the members reaching their mid 85s and many in poor health, they have lost the ability to get around. Surprisingly the report from one Chapter showed an overwhelming vote to continue not for 2 or 3 years ,but for 5 years or more.This shows their confidence and is encouraging, and so long as there is good leadership the members should continue to convene even should their activities or events be lessened.
From the 8-9 reports I received from Chapter Presidents the past six months it is notable that the Chapters continue to enjoy that great comraderie and fellowship as in the past.Meetings are attended by as many as 65 -85 veterans and their guests.Speakers from veterans groups, State Senators, VA Directors, National and local dignataries, etc. are engaged....Education Programs are held in the schools speaking to hundreds of students by the veterans of various activities of the Bulge battle...(Freedom is not Free)....The 'old battlers' march or ride in Veterans Day, Columbus Day, St. Patrick's Day and other local parades...Sit down dinners, picnics and Museum visits are standard fare....Some Chapters join forces with other organizations like the MOPH in annual banquets....On the international level Chapter members have joined 'the Liberated' in the annual American -Luxembourg Friendship Week....held every month of June.
The annual Battle of the Bulge Re-enactment held the last week of January at Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA. is still frequented by the heartiest of the members.....but now occupying only one floor of the barracks..
These as well as other activities continue to draw the members together. As one veteran put it, "There is nothing like partaking in a battle together that solidifies a friendship forever"....
Reports received from:
Lehigh Valley Chapt. (LV) Pres. Morris D. Metz
Central Indiana Chapter #47 Pres. Bob Cooper; Ed.Terry McDaniel
Florida SouthEast Chapter (68) Pres. George Fisher
Citrus Chapter (32) Pres. Gerald V. Myers
Central Mass. Chapt. (22) Pres. John McAuliffe
Ohio Buckeye Chapter (29) Pres. Milan A. Rolik
MD/DC Chapter (3) Pres. Earle O. Edmonds ED. John D. Bowen
Del/Val Chapter (4) Pres. Stanley Wojtusik ED. Edith Knowles
Respectfully submitted;
John E. McAuliffe VP Chapters
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