Good afternoon comrades.

     With the unexpected passing of our past Department Commander, Ed Grimsley, I have felt a strong impression to pen a note to the Riders. We are a service organization aligned with the goals and four pillars of our parent organization, the American Legion. Whether we are Auxiliary, Veterans or Squadron, we are all equal in the organization, with opportunities for service and leadership at any level. 

     Riders, as we go into our communities, let us go out, as our preamble states: “To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of Justice, Freedom and Democracy,” “To promote Peace and Goodwill on earth,” and to fulfill our commitment to serve as Commander Grimsley did, full throttle and focused on the good we can do. 

     Not one of us is guaranteed a day, a month or a year; we can, however, take full advantage of the time we have now to do service for those around us, to show a laser focus on the 4 pillars. 

     I call on all of us “To consecrate and sanctify our association by our devotion to mutual helpfulness” and take a moment to reflect on our place in our communities.

     If we were to disappear tomorrow, would our community recognize our absence?

     Brothers and sisters, take this time, this month, in your chapter meetings, as you hold a moment of silence for those who have gone on to Post Everlasting, to reconsecrate yourselves to the ideals we all joined the American Legion Riders to promote.

For God and Country,

Fred Branson

Chaplain