thedrifter
05-16-08, 05:17 AM
May 16, 2008
Marines get flags from patriots
By Willian Avila
Cathedral City Sun
Using salt shakers and spoons, butter knives and the tips of their stiff fingers, volunteers at the Palm Springs Elks Lodge on Saturday folded 600 miniature American flags and stuffed them in equally small plastic bags.
Each tiny package will be distributed to Marines at the Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms as a gesture of appreciation delivered before they are deployed overseas.
"It's hard seeing all these young kids get killed," said Leslie Vondra, a chef at the lodge and coordinator of the local effort. "When they reach in their pocket and feel that flag they can (know) that there are people who truly appreciate them.
"It symbolizes Americanism, knowing that people in their country thank them."
About 50 volunteers, some representing the Desert Riders Association, American Legion Riders, Soldiers Organized Service and others who simply felt it was their duty, helped the cause.
"It makes you feel patriotic for your country," said Robert Angiono, 76, of Palm Springs. "I've been in the military, so I know. We never got stuff like this in Korea. Morale-wise, it's helpful and you know people are thinking about you."
Tucked in the tiny plastic bags are strips of papers that read, "Land of the free, because of the brave."
Another veteran helping out, Billy Jameson, 59, of Desert Hot Springs, also felt a deep connection.
"They can take a little piece of home with them," he said. "It makes you feel like you're doing something right."
Ellie
Marines get flags from patriots
By Willian Avila
Cathedral City Sun
Using salt shakers and spoons, butter knives and the tips of their stiff fingers, volunteers at the Palm Springs Elks Lodge on Saturday folded 600 miniature American flags and stuffed them in equally small plastic bags.
Each tiny package will be distributed to Marines at the Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms as a gesture of appreciation delivered before they are deployed overseas.
"It's hard seeing all these young kids get killed," said Leslie Vondra, a chef at the lodge and coordinator of the local effort. "When they reach in their pocket and feel that flag they can (know) that there are people who truly appreciate them.
"It symbolizes Americanism, knowing that people in their country thank them."
About 50 volunteers, some representing the Desert Riders Association, American Legion Riders, Soldiers Organized Service and others who simply felt it was their duty, helped the cause.
"It makes you feel patriotic for your country," said Robert Angiono, 76, of Palm Springs. "I've been in the military, so I know. We never got stuff like this in Korea. Morale-wise, it's helpful and you know people are thinking about you."
Tucked in the tiny plastic bags are strips of papers that read, "Land of the free, because of the brave."
Another veteran helping out, Billy Jameson, 59, of Desert Hot Springs, also felt a deep connection.
"They can take a little piece of home with them," he said. "It makes you feel like you're doing something right."
Ellie