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It always begins with a phone call. The chairman of the display committee for the
Walthall County Library called Past Commander Jack Kilcrease to invite The
American Legion to display memorabilia in the facility’s three display cases during
May, Memorial Day month. At the next Legion/Auxiliary meeting, the call was
issued for items for the displays. The Auxiliary saw this as an opportunity to
honor our local veterans by assisting in this project. Our first group of
Legionnaires and Auxiliary members met at the Library May 2 to fill the cases with
memorabilia. Items were brought from World War I, World War II, and Vietnam.
The staff at the Library contributed to the project by showcasing books on the
above mentioned wars.

Unit 56 then made a display of the pictures made May 2 of the Veterans who
brought their treasured possessions, putting a “face” with the items. We chose
the themes of Honor, Service, and Patriotism, as they personify our ideals of these
Veterans. We also selected “Lest We Forget,” using a photo of the granddaughter
of one the contributing Veterans. We should always teach our youth about the
sacrifices made so they, too, will never forget and will perpetuate their memory.
We added the vases of poppies, red and white, with flags.

The photos enclosed are of the display and a sampling of the cases we filled and
some of the extras added. And, as no display is useful without visitors, we are
working with The Tylertown Times to publicize the display throughout the month,
so the public can come and visit (see first article published attached). We have
sent a photo and cutline of the Unit-made display to the paper for publication as
well.

This was a fun, but meaningful, project for us, and we hope it stresses the
importance of Memorial Day for each American citizen—it’s just not a day for
cookouts and relaxation.