American Legion
Lt. B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291
Legion Year 24 – 25 Newsletter No. 1
紐約華裔美國退伍軍人會會務簡訊
WWW.LTKIMLAU.COM
June 2024
Dear Legionnaires 親愛的會友:
The message from American Legion National Commander Daniel Seehafer at the April commander testimonial dinner is still resonating. In a heartfelt plea, Commander Seehafer urged those present to focus on the core mission of the American Legion: preventing veteran suicide. “When it comes to serving veterans and their families,” Commander said, “it’s personal.” He emphasized the importance of asking the question why are we here? Why are veterans, who have served their country bravely, struggling so much? “We all have a purpose,” he declared, “and I guarantee you, if you’re here tonight, you have a reason to be here. That reason is to change lives, to save lives.” He said that the American Legion, while known for fostering camaraderie among veterans, has a far more critical mission. “We are not a social club,” he stated, “we like to have fun, we enjoy each other’s company, but that’s not why we exist. Our mission is to save lives.”
Members of the Kimlau Post extend their warmest congratulations to Past Commander Antonio Chuy. He was elected to the esteemed position of President of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA). His unwavering commitment to service, both in the military and within the community, serves as a true inspiration. Past Commander Chuy’s distinguished services with Lt. B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 exemplifies his dedication to veterans and the Chinese American community. There’s no doubt that his exemplary leadership as a past commander played a significant role in his successful election to the CCBA presidency.
Once again our Post teamed up with the New York City Old Guards in sponsoring 35 Fort Hamilton High School students who are economically disadvantaged and enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Cadet (JROTC) program to attend summer camp at the New York Military Academy. Vice Commander Kenneth Wong and Wilem Wong, presented checks to retired MAJ Sang Lee, US Army, to the Fort Hamilton HS JROTC for their 2024’s Leadership Summer Camp.
Memorial Day holds a profound significance for all Americans. It’s a day not just for celebration, but for solemn reflection on the sacrifices made by our nation’s fallen warriors. Veterans and civilians alike are reminded of the immense cost of freedom, a debt of immense gratitude we owe to those who gave their all.
This year, Kimlau Post participated in two meaningful ceremonies. In the morning, members of the Post led by Commander Ong joined the community at the Uptown Soldiers and Sailors Monument for the annual Memorial Day observance. This solemn event included the laying of wreaths by veterans’ organizations, active duty personnel, reserves, and cadets. In the afternoon, the Kimlau Post took center stage in Chinatown’s Memorial Day Parade through Mott Street to Kimlau Square in a rainy day. We extend our sincerest appreciation to all who participated, including Legionnaires, Auxiliary members, Sons of the American Legion, elected officials, and community leaders. New York State Assembly Member Lester Chang, New York City Council Member Christopher Marte, NYPD 5th Precinct Deputy Inspector Tao Chen, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Deputy Director General Lishan Chang, and newly elected CCBA President, Past Commander Antonio Chuy, all delivered powerful speeches. They all highlighted the enormous sacrifices and contributions of Chinese American veterans to our nation’s security. Importantly, they also shed light on the ongoing struggles these veterans face due to anti-Asian hate crimes. This, they emphasized, must change. Memorial Day serves as a powerful reminder: freedom is not free.
The Lt. Kimlau Post kicked off its 2024-2025 year with a momentous officer installation ceremony on June 1st, 2024. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the incoming officers for a promising year ahead! The ceremony, held at the Post Chairman Peter Woo Auditorium, marked a successful transition in leadership. We were delighted to witness a significant increase in participation from both community members and Post members who joined the celebratory banquet. Due to capacity limitations at Chinatown restaurants, the installation banquet was split across two days to accommodate everyone comfortably. The banquet at the House of Joy Restaurant was attended by distinguished guests, including Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Deputy Director General Lishan Chang, Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association President Antonio Chuy, and various community leaders and Legionnaires from the Bronx and New York County. We extend our sincere gratitude to all the VIPs and guests for their participation.
A special thank you goes to Judge Advocate, retired Appellate Court Presiding Judge, Hon. Randall Eng for his role as Installation Officer, leading the ceremony for our Kimlau Officers. Commander Thomas Ong was installed for the second term. In his acceptance speech, Commander Ong emphasized his commitment to continue his program in the first term and upholding the American Legion’s core values. He pledged to continue the Post’s long standing traditions. SAL Commander David Eng also addressed the audience, expressing gratitude for the support of his fellow members. He reaffirmed their commitment to actively supporting all Legion programs. We extend our warmest congratulations to all the newly installed officers! We wish them a successful and impactful year serving the Lt. Kimlau Post and the community.
美國退伍軍人總會主席丹尼爾、西哈弗在四月表彰全國總會主席晚宴中的演講延續引起共鳴,總會主席衷心呼籲在場參加晚宴的退伍軍人注退伍軍人會的重要使命,那是防止退伍軍人自殺。當提及為服務退伍軍人時,總會主席說,那是一件出自內心的去殷勤服務,他並對各退伍軍人說應捫心自問,為何我們今天參加了這個晚宴,為何有這麼多退伍軍人為國盡忠卻如此掙扎?我們應是擁有一個目標,他宣稱,我向你保證,你今晚到來參加晚宴,你就有一個來這裡的理由,這理由就是改變生活,拯救生命。他並說,退伍軍人會雖然以培養退伍軍人之間的友誼而聞名,但其實我們有更重要的使命,他強調退伍軍人會並不是一個社交俱樂部,雖然我們喜愛玩得愉快及享受同袍的陪伴,但這並不是我們存在重要的原因。
本會全體會員衷心祝賀朱超然前任主席榮膺崇高的紐約中華公所主席,朱主席多年服熱心務國家及社區,-直是令我們向朱主席敬仰及學習的榜樣。朱主席在華裔退伍軍人會中殷勤服務多年,奉獻無私,建樹良多。毫無疑問,以他向往的領導能力,可以想像得到他肯定在中華公所任主席職務非常成功。
本會再一次與紐約市老衛兵合作贊助三十五名家庭經濟不景漢密頓堡中學生參加初級預備役軍官訓練班。副主席黃建中及黃伯聰代表本會將支票捐贈給陸軍退役李上尉,用於參加本年夏令營。
國殤紀念日對所有美國人都存有深遠的意義,這一天不僅是為了慶祝,也是為了莊嚴反思我們應向退伍軍人及一般平民提醒勇敢的戰士為自由付出的巨大代價,向那些為國犧牲的戰士致嵩高的敬意。
今年國殤紀念日,本會參加了兩場意義深遠的儀式,上午參加在上城陸軍及海軍紀念碑為陣亡的將士獻花,參與者包括各退伍軍人團體,現役軍人及預備役軍官訓練班學員,場面莊嚴及哀傷。在國殤紀念日下午本會在華埠下雨中舉辦一年一度的國殤日遊行,衷心感謝本會會員,家屬會會員,子弟部會員及僑團領袖參加遊行,嘉賓包括紐約州眾議員鄭永佳,紐約市議員馬泰,台北經濟文化辦事處張麗賢公使,中華公所朱超然主席本會前任主席,五分局局長陳韜,每個嘉賓在演說中表示美國華裔退伍軍人對國家的貢獻及付出重大代價,但華人仍然繼續面臨仇亞事件,這種情況必須改變。國殤紀念日提醒大家:自由不是免費的。
本會新一屆的職員已在六月一日在本會伍覺良董事長禮堂就職,我們哀心感謝大家的支持及信賴。在此祝全體職員勝任愉快及成功新的一年。就職晚宴在華埠喜運來酒樓,像去年一樣,今年分設兩日在華埠喜運來酒樓舉行。參加就職典禮嘉賓眾多,包括台北經濟文化辦事處張麗賢公使,中華公所主席朱超然本會前任主席。特別感謝曾任紐約州上訴高等法院的伍元天前任主席主持新一屆職員就職典禮。連任鄧燦業主席諾以退伍軍人會宗旨繼續推進會務,並發揚前人所建立的優良傳統。子弟部李國華主席在致辭中感謝會員支持,並將成為所有退伍軍人會服務計劃的熱心支持者。 祝賀全體職員勝任愉快及成功的新的一年。
2024 Scholarship 二零二四年獎學金
Applications for the 2024 Post Scholarship and the Robert S. Wong Chinese Study Scholarship are being accepted through August 31, 2024. For details concerning qualifications and requirements, please refer to previous newsletters or contact Post Headquarters. Application Forms can be obtained at Post Headquarters during office hours (2:00 pm to 4:00 pm daily, except Tuesday) or downloaded directly from our website at www.ltkimlau.com. Anyone who wishes to apply should contact our Post for more information.
本會二零二四年獎學金及司徒旺中國文化獎學金申請日期由一月一日起至八月三十一日止。如你需要有關兩項獎學金詳情,可以參閱以往的會務簡訊或向本會辦公室詢問,有意報名申請者請於該期間填妥表格及預備各種文件,送交本會。獎學金申請表格請於本會辦公時間親臨本會索取或可由本會電腦網站www.ltkimlau.com直接下戴。如有疑問,請與本會聯系。
Legion Year 2024 – 2025 Officers 本年度職員
Position 職位 |
Name(s) 職員 |
Commander 主席 |
Thomas Ong 鄧燦業 |
Vice Commander 副主席 |
Kenneth Wong 黃建中, Hon Pun Chan陳漢斌, Wilem Wong黃伯聰 |
Adjutant 幹事 |
Gabe B. Mui 梅本立 |
Ass’t Adjutant 助理幹事 |
Howard Chin陳煥寧 |
Chinese Secretary 中文書記 |
Ping Wing Chu 朱炳榮 |
Treasurer 財政 |
Wan Y. Tam譚煥瑜 |
Judge Advocate 評議 |
Randall Eng 伍元天 |
Historian 會歷 |
Mimi Wang 王咪咪 |
Sgt. at Arms 糾察 |
Jonathan Klingenberg, De Zhi Yu余德志 |
Auditor 核數 |
Don Yee 余超俊, Bo Chen 陳 波 |
Post Chaplain 宗教主任 |
Philip Eng 伍沃欽 |
Executive Committee 執行委員 |
Albert Eng 伍澄江, Sean Tse 謝國寶, Yeuk Chung Moy 梅若松, Jia M. Wu 伍家明, Jimmy Quan 關志文, Arvin Chin 陳毓堂, David Yee余龍青, Pakee Fang方柏基, William Cheung張華南, Joe Law羅明泰, Johnny Kung龔耀宗 |
First CAVMBC Membership Meeting for LY2024-2025
Sunday June 30, 2024, 1pm at Post Auditorium
For members joined on January 17, 2004 and prior / members has been approved for CAVMBC membership only
二零二四至二零二五年第一次華裔美國退伍軍人實業公司會員大會
六月三十日星期日,下午一時在本會禮堂舉行
會員必需在一月十七日, 二零零四年前加入本會或已經獲實業公司董事局批准入會才能參加會議
First Post General Membership Meeting for LY2024-2025
Sunday June 30 2024, 3pm at Post Auditorium
For all members, please come and see what’s going on, we need your involvement
二零二四至二零二五年第一次會員大會
六月三十日星期日,下午三時在本會禮堂舉行
請各會員踴躍出席參加,共商會務及各重要事項
We hope the above information will be of interest to you and we hope to hear from you soon. Let us know what we can do for you. Until we meet again, stay well!
我們希望這份簡訊,對你有所幫助,更希望在不久的將來,能得到你參與本會各種活動的回應。假如我們有任何可以為你服務之處,務請隨時提出意見。
THE STAFF 本會行政小組仝人敬啟
Thomas Ong鄧燦業
Kenneth Wong黃建中, Hon Pun Chan陳漢斌, Wilem Wong黃伯聰
Gabe B. Mui 梅本立, Howard Chin 陳煥寧
Ping Wing Chu朱炳榮, Wan Y. Tam 譚煥瑜