2025 January Newsletter

American Legion Lt. B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291

Legion Year 24 – 25 Newsletter No. 3

紐約華裔美國退伍軍人會會務簡訊

WWW.LTKIMLAU.COM

January, 2025

Dear Legionnaires 親愛的會友：

We sincerely hope the Holiday Season brings everyone good health and happiness. As we approach the New Year, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones; may your home be filled with comfort, peace, and happiness. The Lunar New Year is right around the corner and we wish you and your families a happy, healthy, safe, and prosperous New Year, the year of the Snake.

For decades, the families of Wing O. Hom and Kwack K. Woo mourned the loss of their loved ones, who were declared Missing in Action after serving in World War II. Last September, their long wait for closure ended when both veterans were finally identified through advanced DNA analysis. Identification and Homecoming of Wing O. Hom, a member of the U. S. Army, perished in Italy during the war. His remains were interred in a foreign cemetery, marked as unidentified. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), Wing O. Hom was positively identified. His family, overjoyed at the news, hosted a memorial service in Chinatown to honor his memory and was laid to rest with full military honors at Greenwood Cemetery. The ceremony was a poignant tribute to his service and sacrifice. The presence of military officials and community leaders underscored the community’s deep respect and gratitude for his contributions. Identification Just a few months later, another Chinese-American WWII U. S. Army veteran, Kwack K. Woo from Springfield, MA, was identified by the DPAA. Kimlau Post leadership along with members of the Boston Chinatown Post and Seattle Cathay Post, traveled to Springfield to pay their respects to the fallen hero. A Shared Legacy the identification and honoring of these two WWII veterans are a testament to the enduring legacy of their service. Their stories serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless soldiers, and the importance of honoring their memory. Both veterans were members of a generation that faced unprecedented challenges, and their courage and resilience continue to inspire. Cynthia Yee, the granddaughter of Kwack K. Woo expressed the family’s gratitude for the unwavering support they received from the community and the military. The identification process and subsequent honors were a collaborative effort that involved numerous individuals and organizations, demonstrating the enduring spirit of camaraderie and respect for those who served their country. The identification of Wing O. Hom and Kwack K. Woo is a bittersweet reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II. Their stories, though tragic, are also a testament to the enduring human spirit and the importance of honoring those who served. As we continue to remember their legacy, let us also recommit ourselves to preserving the memory of all those who have sacrificed for our nation.

The Kimlau Memorial has been experiencing steady deterioration over the years. Despite numerous requests to the NYC Parks Department dating back to the early 2000s, much-needed repairs have been delayed. The Post has met with the Parks Department on multiple occasions to discuss restoration plans, but these efforts have been repeatedly derailed by other city agencies. Three years ago, the Parks Department promised to conduct an engineering study to determine the root cause of the memorial’s cracks. Unfortunately, the situation has worsened while the study is being conducted, with large cracks developing in the supporting columns. The city deemed the memorial unsafe, barricaded it for a few months, and subsequently retrofitted it with metal brackets to stabilize it. The Post has repeatedly requested to see the long-awaited engineering study report. A meeting with the Parks Department and the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) was held on October 23, 2024, to discuss the report. We were informed that based on the study’s findings, the Parks Department is prepared to proceed with phased procurements for the restoration. However, the timeline for completing the memorial restoration is contingent upon the redesign of Kimlau Square and the reopening of Park Row, both of which have not yet been finalized.

Our Post also attended the 13^th anniversary commemoration ceremony of PVT Danny Chen’s death at the corner of Canal Street and Elizabeth Street where the street was co-named Danny Chen Way. Post members joined the Chinatown community and participated in the Republic of China Double Ten Parade in Chinatown. In November, the annual Veterans Day Parade took place on Sunday, November 10th, honoring the sacrifices of our veterans and current members of the armed forces. The parade marched through Mott Street to the Kimlau Memorial, where a solemn ceremony was held. Local elected officials and community leaders joined the procession to pay their respects. A highlight of this year’s parade was the participation of 40 Midshipmen from the Naval Academy members of the Academy’s Chinese Cultural Club. These young men and women have been a valued part of our Chinatown Veterans Day parade for the past nine years. Additionally, 10 Army Cadets from West Point and 10 cadets from the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, joined the march for the second time. We are deeply grateful for their continued support and the enduring friendships we have forged. Our Post hosted a Thanksgiving party on November 17th in the Chairman Peter Woo Auditorium. Over 120 Legion members, Auxiliary members, Sons of American Legion members, and their families gathered to enjoy a festive holiday meal. While the attendance was slightly lower than in previous years due to the building elevator on-going modernization work, the spirit of camaraderie and gratitude filled the room.

The Kimlau Post Color Guards, a distinguished unit within the American Legion Department of New York, have once again taken the lead in the annual Veterans Day Parade held on Fifth Avenue. This prestigious event, renowned as the largest Veterans Day parade in the nation, is broadcast nationwide, providing a platform to honor and celebrate the service of veterans. The Kimlau Post Color Guards have a long history of participation in this iconic parade. Their dedication and skill have earned them the privilege of leading the American Legion, Department of New York contingent, a testament to their exceptional performance. The unit has previously graced the front page of the Department of New York Legion Magazine, highlighting their significant contributions to the organization. While many members of the Kimlau Post Color Guards are of advanced age, their commitment to serving remains unwavering. They march with pride and honor, demonstrating the enduring spirit and resilience that define veterans. However, the unit is in need of reinforcement as younger members are encouraged to step up and join their ranks. The opportunity to participate in the Veterans Day Parade is not only a source of pride for the Kimlau Post Color Guards but also a chance to showcase their unit’s excellence to a national audience. By leading the parade, they are setting a powerful example for others and honoring the sacrifices made by veterans throughout history. The Post realizes the cost of the color guard uniform is substantial; a reimbursement program to offset the cost has been instituted for many years. If you are interested in joining this proud and patriotic unit, please contact Post Headquarters for more information.

Our scholarship program has been a great success over the years and the academic achievements of our children and grandchildren should be a great source of pride for all of us. Since the scholarship program was revived in 2005, we have awarded over 280 scholarships to children and grandchildren of our members.

We sincerely thank the families of Maj. Stanley Lee and Charlie Chu for making donations to create scholarships in memory of our long time members. We also want to thank our member Dung Hon Leung for his continuing support of the Post scholarship program by donating a total of $8,000 over the last six years. The purpose of these scholarships is to encourage members and member’s progeny for higher education. The “Maj. Stanley Lee Memorial Scholarship” of $1,000, is in its sixth year of a ten-year program and was awarded to Sara R. Ng, granddaughter of Jack Y. F. Ng and the “Dung Hon Leung Scholarship” of $1,000 was awarded to Willie Chen, son of Stanley Chen.

We were pleased to hand out the above awards, as well as the Post Scholarship awards (equal to $700 each) to fifteen well deserving recipients during the recent Post annual Christmas party. We would like to congratulate them all on their outstanding achievement and wish them continued success in their future endeavors. Please note that the post has revised the scholarship application period to allow students to submit their scholarship applications from January 1^st to August 31^st.

我們衷心祝福節日帶給大家健康和幸福。 值此新年來臨之際，我們向您和您的親人致以最誠摯的祝福； 願您的家充滿舒適、平安和幸福。農歷新年將至，在此謹祝大家心想事成，身體健康，家庭和睦，生活愉快，蛇年行好運。新的一年帶來了新的希望，亦帶來了興奮的心情來迎接今年忙碌的挑戰。

數十年來，譚呀勇及胡國良的家人一直在哀悼他們在第二次世界大戰時被宣布在戰場中失蹤的親人，在去年九月，這兩名在戰場中失蹤的勇士最終通過先進的技術線粒體分析後確認後，他們終於得到安息及一個終結。二戰時服役陸軍的譚呀勇在意大利陣亡，他的遺體被埋葬在外國人的墓地，標記為身份不明。由於美國國防部戰俘及失蹤戰士統計局的不懈努力，所以能夠確認譚呀勇的身份。他的家人得知這個消息欣喜若狂，在華埠舉辦紀念追悼會，美國官方並以隆重的軍事榮譽將他的遺體安葬於格林活墳埸。這次安葬儀式突顯了政府及社區人士對他為國犧牲深切致敬及感謝他對國家的貢獻。僅僅幾個月後，美國國防部戰俘及失蹤戰士再次確認了另一位在二戰陣亡的軍人，胡國良是來自麻州。本會主席及會員，波士頓退伍軍人會及西雅圖退伍軍人會亦派員參與在麻州軍事榮譽安葬的儀式，向這位陣亡英雄致嵩高敬意。他們為國犧牲，永存不朽，更提醒我們無數的英勇戰士犧牲及對紀念他們的重要。胡國良孫女在追悼會中致詞對國家並沒有遺忘陣亡勇士及各退伍軍人遠道而來致敬，感謝他們的支持及尊重軍人的悲慘犧牲。

因為紐約公園管理局多年忽視對退伍軍人忠烈坊應做的維修，忠烈坊近年已現破落而其結構更是每況愈下，自二零零零年至今日，儘管本會屢次請求急需維修工作及曾多次會議討論維修計劃，但仍被公園管理局拖延。直至三年前，公園管理局承諾進行深入工程研究，以確定忠烈坊支柱出現裂縫的根本原因，但在這三年中，支柱的裂痕惡化，裂縫變得越來越大，市府判斷忠烈坊為不安全建築物，以鐵馬路障包圍忠烈坊防止行人受傷，隨後用鐵架包著支柱裂縫，穩定坊烈坊不會掉落。本會多次要求查看期待已久的工程研究報告，終於在今年十月二十三日，公園管理局及紐約市經濟發展處會面討論工程研究報告，獲悉他們認為可以分階段修復忠烈坊。然而，全體面維修工作及何時完成卻繫於另兩項正在計劃中的工程，重建劉錦廣場及開放柏路，遙遙無期。

本會會員參加在十月初在華埠堅尼路及伊利沙白街街角舉辦的陳宇暉逝世十三週年紀念。依往年一樣，本會參加中華民國雙十國慶遊行。在十一月十日本會舉辦退伍軍人節遊行，今年遊行隊伍中包括由馬里蘭州海軍軍官學校的中文文化交流學會的四十名學員，他們已是連續九年派員參與本會軍人節遊行。同時今年更幸得十名就讀於西點軍校的中文文化交流學生及由康州國防軍中文文化交流學生前來參加遊行，並受到本會熱情款待，希望過去數年建立的友誼繼續下去。每年一度的感恩節午餐聚會在十一月十七日本會二樓伍覺長董事長禮堂舉行，有一百二十會員及親朋參加，今年參加感恩節人數比往年減少，最主要的原因是本會升降機更新工程，但會員及親朋亦享受了豐富的節日午餐。

非常榮幸本會儀仗隊繼過去數年一樣受到紐約州總會委派再一次帶領在曼哈頓五大道由紐約退伍軍人同盟會主辦的美國軍人節遊行退伍軍人節遊行隊伍先行。當我們感到非常慶幸及自豪得到這良好的機會在大型遊行中展示本會儀仗隊，該部隊此前曾登上紐約退伍軍人部雜誌的封面，強調了他們對該組織的重大貢獻。但與此同時，常被認為是紐約縣最大最活躍的退伍軍人會，擁有悠久歷史及向來是本會引以為榮的儀仗隊不但是每年本會舉辦的國殤日遊行及軍人節遊行的重要份子，而且這一隊威風凜凜及步履整齊的儀仗隊更是紐約縣公認的帥哥隊伍，他們對於服務社區更是不遺餘力。只可惜近年已現青黃不接的狀況，隊員們多已年及花甲，極需年青一輩會員補充，繼續為本會儀仗隊發揚光大。本會為減輕新隊員購買昂貴的儀仗隊制服，早已設定補助措施。如你有意參加為儀仗隊成員，請向本會辦公室詢問詳情。

本會設立多年的獎學金得到非常成功的效果，會員的兒孫學業有成，使本會感到欣慰，同時亦向樂於資助本會獎學金的會員及家屬致萬分感謝。

本會非常感謝李飛揚家人和Saunders家人及趙汝孝家人捐款設立「紀念獎學金」，同時亦非常感謝本會會員梁雲從在過去數年共捐款八千元設立「梁雲從獎學金」，頒發給成績優異的學生，以鼓勵會員及其子弟勤奮向學，力求上進。為期十年每年一千元的「Maj. Stanley G. Y. Lee少校紀念獎學金」頒發給伍福源孫女，一千元的「梁雲從獎學金」頒發給陳朝達兒子。

本會在今年聖誕節聚餐時除了頒發上述的「獎學金」外，同時亦頒發本會設立每年七百元的獎學金給十五名成績優異的學生，希望他們繼續努力向學。本會並頒發「司徒旺中國文化獎學金」給一名成功地讀畢中文有關的課程。並請注意本會獎學金申請期間為由一月一日開始至八月三十一日截止。

1. Post Activities 會務

The following motions were approved during the September 29, 2024 General Meeting:

二零二四年九月二十九日第二次會員大會通過下列議案:

1. Approved participation in the community “Double-Ten” parade.

通過參加雙十節遊行。

1. Approved to hold the Post Veterans Day Parade on November 10, 2024.

通過本年度軍人節遊行在十一月十日舉行。

1. Approved to purchase one table to attend the American Legion Post 460 Military Ball.

通過參加警察退伍軍人會晚宴。

2. News/Announcement/Gossip 其他消息

Please note the Lunar New Year banquet ticket for Legion members is $30, Post 1291 officers and past commanders ticket is $10. There have been past incidents that caused disruption when purchasing dinner tickets. To minimize any future disruption and streamline the process, all members must proof their current year membership by showing their membership card when purchasing the dinner tickets. No exceptions will be granted.

1. The Post lunar year 4722 New Year’s Eve celebration will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 6 pm at the House of Joy Restaurant (28 Pell Street).  Anyone who wishes to attend must register with the Chinese Secretary from Monday December 16, 2024 to Sunday December 29, 2024 between 2 – 4 pm daily.  Dinner tickets are limited. Eligibility and cost for the dinner are as follow –

• Members with 2025 membership card – one $30 ticket each.

• Companion ticket $30.00 each – limited to one per member, no exceptions.

• Members of the Lt. Kimlau American Auxiliary Unit or the Lt. Kimlau Sons of American Legion Squadron are invited to join this celebration if they are not qualified based on the above requirement. Cost is $30.00 and maximum 2 tickets each.  Must show your 2025 Auxiliary or SAL membership card when register.

請注意：本會會員團年餐券每張三十元，本會職員及前任主席每張十元。過去在購買餐券曾發生擾亂事件，購買餐券時發生擾亂。 為了避免未來再有擾亂事件發生，會員在購買餐券時必須出示二零二四年會員證。 不會有任何例外。

本會農歷年除夕聚餐定於二零二五年一月五日星期日下午六時假座華埠喜運來大酒樓舉行，歡迎本會會員及眷屬踴躍參加，請於下列時間（二零二四年十二月十六日（星期一）至二零二四年十二月二十九日（星期日），每日下午二時至四時）向本會書記處報名，領取農歷年聚餐餐券，先到先得，賣完即止。報名辦法如下﹕

   一）凡本會會員憑二零二五年會員證報名者，餐券三十元一張，職員及前任主席十元一張。

二）凡本會會員憑二零二五年會員證報名者，可另購買三十元伴侶券一張。

三）凡已經參加本會婦女會及軍人子弟部者，如欲參加本會農歷年聚餐，但又不適合上述二項報名辦法者亦可購買餐券，每張三十元，每人以兩張為限。請憑二零二五年會員證報名。

1. The 2024 Lt. B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 Scholarship Award winners are (本會獎學金得獎人名單如下):

Nicole Hom (譚蕙心) – daughter of Wayne Hom (譚超然女兒)

Malia Kaiser – granddaughter of Richard Shin (單志然孫女)

Willie Chen – son of Stanley Chen (陳朝達兒子)

Wilson Chen – son of Stanley Chen (陳朝達兒子)

Joyce Chen – daughter of Bangze Chen (陳邦澤女兒)

Gaven Chan – son of Jerry Chen (陳子晉兒子)

Katelin Chen – daughter of Bo Chen (陳波女兒)

Spencer Hom – grandson of Chuck Hom (譚卓滋孫子)

Ashley Jew – granddaughter of Wah C. Jew (趙華昌孫女)

Elizabeth McDonaugh – granddaughter of Mark Eng (伍顯宗孫女)

Ethan Eng Young – grandson of Yat Q. Yee (余日光孫子)

Matthew Eng Young – grandson of Yat Q. Yee (余日光孫子)

Luke Kaiser – grandson of Richard Shin (單志然孫子)

Sara Ng – granddaughter of Jack Y. F. Ng (伍福源孫女)

Aiden Wong – son of Henry Wong (黃偉生兒子)

Olivia Wong – granddaughter of Poy Fook Wong (黃沛福孫女)

Tristan Wong – son of Henry Wong (黃偉生兒子)

Anna Wu (伍瑋菌) – daughter of Jai Ming Wu (伍家明女兒)

Ricky Yu – son of De Zhi Yu (余德志兒子)

Congratulations to all the winners在此恭祝各得獎者百尺竿頭，更進一步.

1. Members who joined from January 18, 2004 to January 17, 2017 are eligible to apply for Chinese American Veterans Memorial Building Committee (CAVMBC) membership. Please stop by our Post Headquarter between the hours of 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm to obtain the application form.

會員在二零零四年一月十八日至二零一七年一月十七日加入本會者可申請成為華裔美國退伍軍人實業公司成員，請親臨本會索取申請表格（辦公時間，每日下午二時至四時）。

1. We are currently at 62% renewal in membership which is lack behind the Department goal of 75% at this time. Please renew as soon as possible so we can achieve 100% membership. Members can remit the $30.00 membership dues by mail or in person.

現尚有近半的會員尚未繳交二零二四年至二零二五年會員費，請該等會員儘快將三十元會費以郵寄方式或親臨本會繳交（辦公時間，每日下午二時至四時）。

3. Taps 仙逝會員

We are sad to report the following legionnaires has passed on to the Commander of us all post everlasting.

May Our Comrades Rest In Peace!

4. New/Transfer Members 新入會會員

There were six new members approved by the last General meetings

二四年至二五年第二次會員大會通過接納下列五位新入會會員：

Please join us to welcome the above new member.  Hope to see all of you in future functions.

我們歡迎上述新會友加入我們的行列，更希望他們多參加本會各項活動。

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，能得到你參予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