May 19 – Saturday, May 21, is Armed Forces Day. In a speech announcing the formation of the day, President Truman “praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas.” In a Presidential Proclamation of Feb. 27, 1950, Truman stated: “Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense.” The first Armed Forces Day came at a time of increased world tensions, political volatility and communist aggression.

As a kid growing up in Hampton, Armed Forces Day meant going to Langley Air Force Base for the big air show, or going to Fort Monroe and Fort Eustis for displays of the capabilities of the Army, or even going through the “new” Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel for big displays by the Navy like going onboard an aircraft carrier.

As I got older, I came to know and appreciate what the men and women of our Armed Forces do for us. In fact, I worked for the Department of the Navy for most of my adult life. For all the years of the “Cold War” when we were preparing for the third world war, who knew that when we went to war it would be in the third world.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy said, “Guard zealously your right to serve in the Armed Forces, for without them, there will be no other rights to guard.” “Only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.” “Our servicemen and women are serving throughout the world as guardians of peace-many of them away from their homes, their families, and their friends. They are visible evidence of our determination to meet any threat to the peace with measured strength and high resolve. They are also evidence of a harsh but inescapable truth-that the survival of freedom requires great cost and commitment, and great personal sacrifice.”

On this Saturday, if you have the opportunity, give a special thank you to anyone you know who has served, or is serving, in our Armed Forces. Show your pride by wearing the colors of our national pride-red, white and blue.

Friends And Neighbors

Bob, Marilyn, and Judy Philbrook have returned home from a wonderful vacation trip to Ireland.

The Abilene Homemakers Club held their regular monthly meeting May 17. We continued to work on the quilt that we will be raffling in the fall. The next meeting will be on June 21. The Homemakers Club meets at 1 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month. Visitors, guests, and new members are always welcome.

On May 17, the Farmville-Prince Edward Historical Society held their regular monthly meeting. The guest speaker was Ruth Doumlele, author of the book The Randolph Women and Their Men, with an emphasis on the Bizarre Plantation. The Histori-cal Society meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Farmville Train Station. Visitors are always welcome.

On Wednesday, June 15, Bob Flippen will host a guided moonlight tour of the High Bridge Trail from the Farmville Train Station to Buffalo Creek as part of the celebration of 75 years of Virginia State Parks. Flippen is an AmeriCorps volunteer at High Bridge Trail State Park.

Sympathy is extended to Dr. James B. Gates (Ridge Animal Hospital) in the passing of his wife.

Sympathy is extended to the family of Mike Black, who recently passed away.

DON'T FORGET: On May 21, at 7 p.m., at the Abilene Community Center, the Abilene Homemakers Club and the Abilene Community Club will the co-host the Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation Choir. Light refreshments will be served. Plan to attend and bring a neighbor with you – a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plan-tation, the Abilene Homemakers Club and the Abilene Community Club.

If you have any news or announcements that you would like to share, please call me at 223-2271 or e-mail me at kz5ro@kinex.net.