Veterans don't push themselves

Veterans don't push

themselves

I am Frank Hyde, Commander

of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9949, Peachtree City. Phone 770-487-8304.

It behooves me and the members

to publicize our benevolence. There are rare times it becomes necessary.

This is one of them.

It seems that the scribe of

our city feels that the V.F.W. should visit the schools and reveal our

experiences during World War II. Many of you students have already heard

us in your classrooms. I, personally spent two days last year at Sandy

Creek High School, relating my times in the South Pacific. A Fayette County

student spent some two hours a month ago filming my views on some conflicts

of interest. It's most enjoyable to meet with these youngsters and they

seem to want more of this information. One of our members, who was a prisoner

of war in Germany, was chosen to speak to the students at a school recently.

For those who aren't aware of procedure, we veterans must be invited to

these schools. We do not push ourselves on them.

As for me, I must say that

I am no hero. I was a 4F. When Pearl Harbor was attacked on Sunday, we

boys all crowded the recruiting stations on Monday. I drove to Atlanta

to join the Navy, only to be told that my blood pressure was too high

and they wouldn't have me. I then dieted for six months to get into the

Army, but they only took me as a medic. I spent two years in the South

Pacific. No combat, but at times something as bad. We now have monthly

programs of visiting the nursing homes here in Peachtree City and Fayetteville,

with candy, fruit and other condiments that the disabled veterans there

can enjoy.

We have just recently visited

the middle and high schools here with the applications for the "Voice

of Democracy" and the "Youth Essay" contests. There are

savings bonds for the best essays. This is a yearly thing with us. Just

a week ago we participated in the Classic road runners event here. There

are other numerous events that we strive to assist in, and there is more

we plan to do. I am now 78 years old, in dire need of two knee replacements

(coming soon) and I am limited as to how much walking I can do, but I

am hot to trot when I can assist in any program for our youth. Please

be advised that here we are and ready.

Now for Steve Brown. If you

need more information, I will gladly enlighten you.

It's my hope that the citizens

of our town will not see this as a sign of bragging. We don't air our

doings unless it becomes necessary.

Please remember Nov. 11. That's

Veterans Day, the one time we wish to see you with our Buddy Poppies.

All donations we receive will go to disabled veterans.

Frank Hyde

Commander Post 9949

Peachtree City