Author Archive: Editor

Edmonds Community College had its first Memorial Day Ceremony and Post 8870 played a major roll in it. Mike Reagan gave a profound and moving speech while Buck Weaver lead the gathering in God Bless America which was almost up to par with Kate Smith’s rendition. We had a good representation and it was nice to see the student veterans show the rest of the college that we will never forget our fallen comrades.

Our Memorial Day Buddy Poppy drive grossed $11,062. That is down a bit from last year but still enough to be considered a very successful weekend of collections. Another big thanks to Bob Crawford who ramrodded the event and to Liz Mather who counted the funds. In addition, I want to thank everyone who participated. For those who didn’t, consider it in the future. A bunch of us pulled multiple shifts and it would be nice to share the efforts with a few more folks.

Commander Fred Apgar presented the Post at the dedication ceremony with remarks on how important to remember those who have given their lives for America. Ron Clyborne organized the dedication and was able to pull a rabbit out of the hat, so to speak, in putting together a somber but dignified dedication on relatively short notice. Mike Reagan escorted Myra Rintamaki, a Gold Star mother, in placing a wreath at the monument. Post 8870 and American Legion Post 66 also placed a wreath at the monument. I would estimate there were approximately 80-100 attendees. This plaza has been a goal of Post 8870 since I was Post Commander 6 or 7 years ago, and I witnessed the dedication with pride on how our efforts have come to fruition.

Memorial Day at the cemetery was terrific. First, I think that is the first Memorial Day regretting I had forgotten my sunblock. After rain all day on Sunday, we were prepared for the worst and instead were greeted with sunny skies and downright hot weather. Second, our own Fred and Nancy Diedrich were honored guests at the ceremony. Eli Longacre, a local Boy Scout, read Fred’s story in the first person. He did a tremendous job and the crowd loved it. Fred, of course, was a paratrooper with the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment who jumped into Normandy on June 6th. Of the 2,056 men who jumped, only 995 returned to England with the rest being dead, wounded or captured. Fred met Nancy on his return to England. Courting was done via mail when Fred return to combat and he proposed via a letter. Nancy said yes and, like they say, the rest is history. Of course, Nancy had to write to Fred’s commanding general (as an old E-5 I can only gulp on that one), and wrangled a couple of days for Fred before he was shipped to the states in preparation for the invasion of Japan. The general had Fred hitch a ride on his personal airplane and the wedding was a success since it’s beginning to look like the marriage will work out. It was a real honor for Fred and Nancy. Post 8870 and American Legion Post 66 do a great job on the ceremony and I only hear compliments from those who attend.

At the outset of the May meeting, the Post charter was draped to honor the memory of Richard “Rick” Kane. Rick was a member of the Army and served in the 101^st Airborne. During his one year tour of duty in Vietnam, Rick was assigned to the 321^st Artillery Regiment and served at numerous fire bases. He served in-country from November 1967 until December 1968. He died last August from Agent Orange related health issues. Lucy Kane, Rick’s widow, attended our meeting. Following the draping of the Charter, Lucy proudly accepted the 30 year longevity pin and patch that her late husband had earned.

A memorial service for Erv Schmidt will be held on Saturday, June 7th at 1:00PM at the First Baptist Church, 22800 56th Avenue, Mountlake Terrace. As I think everyone knows, Erv was a longtime member of our Post and a Pearl Harbor Survivor. Katie, his daughter, let me know that he would have loved to have as many as his “shipmates” as possible attending his service.

As usual, we will be leading the July 4th Parade through Edmonds. However, our Annual BBQ will be held on July 5th at the Edmonds City Park. The parking and logistics of trying to do a BBQ on the same day as the parade were overwhelming. Consider yourself forewarned—the Parade is on the Fourth (show up at 10:30) and the Picnic is on the 5th at noon. Details to follow.

At its May meeting our newly elected officers were installed by District 1 Commander, Jim Traner, who is also one of Past Commanders. The newly elected officers will assume their year-long terms in June. Jim Blossey was installed as Commander, and he is replacing Fred Apgar who has served as Post Commander for the past two years. Under Commander Apgar’s leadership, the Post has experienced significant growth in membership, enhanced fund raising efforts to increase support to veterans in need, expanded the Post’s visibility in community programs, established the Freedom Scholarship for four deserving graduating seniors, and participated in Edmond’s planning of the newly created Veterans Plaza. The newly installed officers for VFW Post # 8870 are: