Dear Legionnaires 親愛的會友：

Between attending the homecoming activities for Sons of the American Legion National Commander Bill Clancy in Manhattan and preparing for the upcoming National Commander Testimonial Banquet in Queens, our Post was greatly honored to welcome American Legion National Commander Dan L. Wiley, the First Lady, and his aide during their visit to Kimlau Post on Sunday afternoon. During their visit, Post leaders shared the proud history and traditions of Kimlau Post, including the story behind the Kimlau Memorial, which holds the distinction of being the only veteran’s memorial in New York City designated as a landmark. Commander Wiley and his party were also given a walking tour of Chinatown and visited the Kimlau Memorial, which is currently undergoing renovation as efforts continue to preserve this important symbol of sacrifice and service. In the evening, our guests enjoyed an authentic Chinese dining experience at Sun Hong Wong Restaurant, where members and guests shared meaningful conversations, friendship, and fellowship. The visit was a memorable occasion for everyone in attendance and reflected the strong bond of
camaraderie that continues to unite Legionnaires across the nation. Once again, the Kimlau Post proudly showed its strong support for the National Commander’s Testimonial Banquet, with 36 members of our Legion Family attending the event. National Commander Dan Wiley continued to promote the Legion’s important “Be The One” message and the Buddy Check program, encouraging everyone to listen, care, and reach out to fellow veterans in need. Commander Wiley opened his remarks with a humorous comparison between Manhattan and his home state of Kansas, drawing loud
laughter from the audience. He joked that the two places are very similar, except that Manhattan has more buildings than cows, while Kansas has more cows than people. Throughout the evening, Commander Wiley skillfully mixed humor with heartfelt messages, keeping the audience engaged while emphasizing the importance of supporting and caring for our veterans.

Memorial Day remains one of the most solemn occasions observed by our Post as we honor the brave servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and our freedoms. This year, members of the Lt. B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 proudly participated in the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Riverside Park, Upper Manhattan, where elected officials and community leaders from across New York City gathered to pay tribute to our fallen heroes. Following the morning observance, our Post leaders returned to Chinatown to host our annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony at Kimlau Square. Veterans, Auxiliary members, Sons of the American Legion members, community leaders, and elected officials joined together as the parade stepped off in front of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and marched along Mott Street to Kimlau Square. Local residents lined the streets, proudly waving American flags in support and remembrance. The parade concluded at Kimlau Square, where a solemn ceremony was held to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in military service to our nation. Through these ceremonies and our continued presence in the community, our Post remains committed to preserving the memory and sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes for future generations.

It was a great honor for the Post leadership to attend three special events over the past month recognizing our Past Commander and longtime Judge Advocate, Hon. Judge Randall T. Eng. Judge Eng’s trailblazing legal career is widely respected, as he became the first Chinese American in New York State to be elected or appointed to several of the state’s highest judicial positions. He retired with distinction as the Presiding Justice of the New York State Appellate Division, Second Department.

In early May, Judge Eng received the Person of the Year Award from the Society of Asian Federal Officers. He was also presented with the 2026 Distinguished Service Medallion, the highest honor bestowed by the Nassau County Bar Association. In addition, the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Second Department hosted the Annual Hon. Randall T. Eng Award Program, which is named in his honor, during AANHPI Heritage Month, recognizing and inspiring Asian American legal professionals. In his remarks at these events, Judge Eng reflected on his family’s humble beginnings and the challenges they faced during the era of Chinese Exclusion discrimination. Through perseverance, higher education, and hard work, his family was able to achieve lasting success and contribute greatly to the community. His story continues to inspire future generations of Asian Americans pursuing careers in public service and the law. Our Post is immensely proud of Judge Eng’s extraordinary accomplishments and deeply grateful for his continued friendship and guidance. Throughout the years, he has always been willing to offer counsel and support whenever the Post has needed legal advice or assistance.

The members of the Lt. B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 are proud to continue our long-standing support of the American Legion’s premier youth programs, including JROTC, the Oratorical Contest, and Boys State. These outstanding programs help develop leadership, citizenship, public speaking, and a deeper understanding of our government among young people. For the past few years, our Post has proudly supported the JROTC programs at Alexander Hamilton High School and Benjamin N. Cardozo High School. Through our continued partnership, we are honored to recognize and the dedication, discipline, and leadership demonstrated by these cadets.

We are especially proud of Bradley Chen, the son of our Vice Commander Bo Chen and Auxiliary President elect Debbie Chen, and an officer of the Sons of The American Legion Squadron 1291. In 2024, Bradley won the American Legion Oratorical Zone Contest and went on to place second in the Department-level competition. This marked the first time a member of our Post family advanced to the Department contest, an accomplishment that brought great pride to our organization. The Oratorical Contest is a scholarship program that challenges students to develop knowledge and appreciation of the United States Constitution through prepared speeches and public speaking competition.

Last year also marked another historic achievement for our Post. We proudly sponsored Gabriel Rhodes to attend the New York Boys State program, where he was elected by his peers as Governor of Boys State. Gabriel later earned the honor of representing New York at American Legion Boys Nation in Washington, D.C., where he was elected as a Senator. This is the first time a Boys State candidate sponsored by our Post has reached such a distinguished level of achievement. The Boys State program is an intensive summer leadership and citizenship program designed to educate students on how local, state, and federal governments function. Participants gain hands-on experience in the democratic process while developing leadership and teamwork skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Our Post strongly encourages the high school-aged children and grandchildren of our members to participate in these exceptional programs. In addition to providing valuable life experiences and leadership development, these programs also offer scholarship opportunities to help students further their education and achieve their full potential.

The installation of the Legion and Auxiliary officers for the 2026–2027 year was held on June 6, 2026. We congratulate all of the newly installed officers and wish them a successful year ahead. We sincerely thank our members for their continued support and trust in our leadership.

The ceremony took place at the Chairman Peter Woo Auditorium and was attended by many Legionnaires, community leaders, and honored guests. Among those in attendance were Deputy Ambassador Lishan Chang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office and Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association President Eric Ng, along with fellow Legionnaires from the Bronx and New York County. We thank all of the guests, members, and supporters who joined us for this special occasion.

Commander Kenneth Wong was once again sworn in as Post Commander and spoke proudly about the continued success of the Post. He thanked the Past Commanders for their guidance and encouragement, as well as the officers and members for their teamwork and dedication. Commander Wong said he is honored to continue serving the Post and pledged to uphold the principles and traditions of The American Legion. He also recognized Chairman Peter Woo for his important role in purchasing the Post headquarters building, which has helped the Post continue to grow and succeed.

To better accommodate everyone, the installation banquet was held over two evenings, with the second evening dedicated to Legion Family members were filled with friendship, laughter, karaoke, and strong camaraderie, making the celebration enjoyable for all who attended. 

The long-awaited renovation of the Lt. Kimlau Memorial has finally begun to take shape. After months of delay in securing the specialized heavy-lifting equipment needed for the project, contractors have successfully removed the top section of the Kimlau Monument, allowing engineers to investigate the cause of the cracking support columns. According to a report from the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, years of water infiltration through the monument’s seams, combined with an original design that did not allow for proper expansion and contraction of the carbon steel C-channels, led to corrosion and structural deterioration. As a result, the support columns developed significant cracks. To correct the problem, the corroded carbon steel C-channels will be replaced with stainless steel components and modern mortar will be used to seal and protect the structure from future water intrusion. Due to the operation of heavy machinery, Kimlau Square has been fenced off and will remain closed through the end of the month. We are hopeful that all restoration work will be completed in time for the September 11 Remembrance Ceremony

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation. Communities across the country are preparing activities and celebrations to commemorate this historic milestone. Here in Chinatown, the community, led by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, will host a special celebration on July 3rd honoring the founding of our nation. Our Post has been asked not only to participate, but also to help organize this important event. Post leadership is working closely with the CCBA to ensure this meaningful celebration will be both memorable and cherished by our community residents. We sincerely encourage all members to take part in this historic occasion and join us on the afternoon of July 3rd as we come together in celebration, unity, and patriotism.

 美國退伍軍人會總會主席丹、威利在參加美國退伍軍人子弟部總會主席比利、克蘭西的回歸晚宴及為全國總會主席在皇后區舉辦的主席晚宴之間，帶領第一夫人及其協辦在星期日中午蒞臨本會。本會仝仁非常慶幸總會主席拜訪，除了互相交談軍人會會務之外，我們並向總會主席陳述本會引以為傲的歷史及傳統，包括被紐約市列為唯一地標的退伍軍人忠烈坊，並帶領嘉賓參觀華埠及正在進行修繕工程的忠烈坊。晚上設宴新鴻旺酒家欵侍嘉賓，大家在輕鬆愉情的氣氛中交流情誼。

 本會像以往一樣，全力支持全國總會主席晚宴，共三十六位會員及家屬參加今年宴會。總會主席丹、威利演說中繼續推廣退伍軍人會的「自負重任」及「關懷同袍」的重要計劃，鼓勵各會員主動關心，細心傾聽及聯繫同袍，提供支持及幫助。威利主席在致詞開始時，以幽默方式比較曼哈頓與其家鄉堪薩斯州，引來全場熱烈笑聲，他笑稱兩地其實十分相似，只不過曼哈頓高樓比牛多，而堪薩斯州則是牛比人口還多。威利主席輕鬆風趣的開場，令各人聽得更投入，他呼籲各人繼續發揮互助精神，讓每一位退伍軍人受到溫暖及關懷。

 國殤紀念日，向是本會最嵩高及莊嚴的紀念日，我們緬懷那些保家衛國，捍衛自由而英勇犧牲的軍人。本會依往年一樣，在國殤紀念日上午參加在上城陸軍及海軍紀念碑為陣亡的將士獻花，參與者包括退伍軍人團體，現役軍人，紐約市民選官員及社區領袖，場面莊嚴及哀傷。在上城獻花後，當日下午本會在華埠舉辦一年一度的國殤日遊行，沿途居民揮舞著美國國旗，表達對軍人英勇奉獻的支持及追思。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。本會繼續向陣亡的將士致敬，讓後人永遠銘記他們對國家的奉獻。

本會領導非常榮幸在過去一個月期間，參加了三項表彰本會前任主席伍元天法官的活動。伍元天法官畢生致力於司法公義，廣受尊崇，成為紐約州首位獲選或委任高級司法職位的華裔法官，他退休時是上訴法庭的首席法官，為後人樹立了追求卓越，堅持正義與服務社區的好榜樣。其超卓的成就不僅為華裔帶來無比的榮耀，更激勵年輕一輩為夢想去爭取，為社區服務積極貢獻。在五月初，伍元天法官榮獲亞裔聯邦官員協會頒發的年度人物獎，以表揚他在法律界卓越成就與深遠影響。他亦獲得長島那騷郡律師協會頒授其協會最高榮譽的年度傑出服務勳章，以表彰他對法律專業及傑出貢獻。此外，紐約州最高法院上訴法院於亞裔傳統日期間舉辦伍元天法官獎，旨在表彰並激勵對社區傑出奉獻的年輕一輩。他在多項表揚活動中，分享了其家族的奮鬥歷程，他回顧其家族早年在排華法案期間所面對的種種歧視困難，但憑藉堅毅不屈的精神，對高等教育的重視，以及勤奮努力的工作態度，最終不僅改變了家族命運，更對社區作出了傑出的貢獻。本會對前任主席任元天法官的非凡成就深感驕傲，亦衷心感謝他對本會的支持及指導，多年來，他無論在法律或其他事務都樂於提供寶貴見，使本會得益良多。

本會會員對於本會持續支持美國退伍軍人會的優秀青年項目深感自豪，包括青年後備軍官培訓團，以國家憲法為主諟的演講比賽，以及青年訓練班。這些傑出的青年項目，不但幫助年輕人培養領導能力，加強公民責任感，演說技巧，更使他們對美國政府制度更深入的認識與了解。我們特別為本會副主席陳波及家屬會主席李慧欣之子陳天樂感到驕傲，他亦是子弟部成員，他在二零二四年演講比賽榮獲第一區冠軍，並在紐約州比實中勇奪亞軍。這是本會有史以來取得這些獎項。他更得到多項可觀的獎學金。演講比賽旨在鼓勵學生深入認識美國憲法。去年本會亦有一項歷史性的成就，本會非常榮幸贊助基伯烈、羅德斯參加紐約州青年訓練班，他在活動中獲選州長，取得機會代表紐約州參加全國青年訓練班。這是本會贊助的青年訓練班首次獲得的成就。青年訓練班旨在培養青年對政府的制度及運作深入認識，讓他們體驗民主程序及培養領導能力。本會強烈鼓勵高中年齡的兒孫們積極參加這些青年項目，這些項目不僅為他們提供寶貴的人生經驗，同時亦有機會獲得可觀的獎學金。

本會八十一週年紀念及新一屆職員就職典禮於六月六日在二樓伍覺良董事長禮堂隆重舉行，我們衷心感謝會員們的支持及信賴，祝賀全體職員勝任愉快及新一年在他們領導下成功的一年。就職儀式由前任主席伍元天法官主持，本會歡迎蟬聯黃建中主席再度為本會服務，他經驗豐富，肯定在他領導下，會務更上層樓。並衷心感謝參加典禮的嘉賓，特別感謝駐紐約台北經濟文化辦事處張麗賢公使及中華公所伍銳賢主席。慶祝晚宴在華埠喜運來大酒樓，由於華埠缺乏大型酒樓，晚宴只有分兩日在喜運來酒樓舉辦，第一日是應  嘉賓，社區領袖及本會職員。次日是本會員，當晚切有卡拉OK，會員們盡情歡樂，舞蹈和歡聲笑語，成了前所未有的派對氣氛真的是一個難忘的夜晚。

 期待數月的紐約華裔退伍軍人忠烈坊修復工程終於開始進行，由於工程所需的重型起重機遲遲未到，工程延誤了數月，近日忠烈坊頂部已被拆下，讓工程人員切底檢查支柱裂縫原因。根據紐約市公園局報告，忠烈坊因多年來接縫滲水，加上原來設計未能充分容許碳鋼橫柱的熱脹冷縮，導致碳鋼鏽蝕，造成支柱出現裂縫。修復工程將以不鏽鋼取代碳鋼橫柱，並使用現代化水泥重新密封接縫，以防止未來再次滲水。由於工程需動用大型機械，目前整個劉錦廣場被圍封，預計月底開放。希望修復工程能在本會每年舉辦的九一一追思會前完成。

今年是美國建國二百五十週年紀念，美國各社區正積極籌備各項慶祝活動，共同慶祝這歷史性重要里程碑。本會亦緊密與中華合所合作，將於七月三日舉辦慶典。本會希望會員們踴躍參加這歷史性的慶祝活動，展現我們對國家的熱愛與愛國精神。

2026 Scholarship 二零二六年獎學金

Applications for the 2026 Post Scholarship and the Robert S. Wong Chinese Study Scholarship are being accepted through August 31, 2026.  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.

 本會二零二六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 2026 – 2027 Officers 本年度職員

Position 職位	Name(s) 職員
Commander 主席	Kenneth Wong 黃建中
Vice Commander 副主席	Bo Chen 陳 波, Wilem Wong黃伯聰, Don Yee 余超俊
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	Mimi Wang 王咪咪
Judge Advocate 評議	Randall Eng 伍元天
Historian 會歷	Harvard Tang鄧遐勳
Sgt. at Arms 糾察	De Zhi Yu余德志, Jonathan Klingenberg

Auditor 核數	Thomas Ong 鄧燦業,Sean Tse 謝國寶
Post Chaplain 宗教主任	Philip Eng 伍沃欽
Executive Committee 執行委員	Pakee Fang方柏基, Bill Grodnick, Simon Lam林慶福, Jia M. Wu 伍 家明, Arvin Chin 陳毓堂, Jimmy Quan 關志文, Joe Law羅明泰, Aaron Burleson, Kai Sun Lee李啟新Johnny Kung龔耀宗, Hon Pun Chan陳漢斌

First CAVMBC Membership Meeting for LY2026-2027
Sunday June 28, 2026, 1pm at Post Auditorium For members joined on January 17, 2004 and prior / members has been approved for CAVMBC membership only

二零二六至二零二七年第一次華裔美國退伍軍人實業公司會員大會
六月二十八日星期日，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 LY2026-2027
Sunday June 28 2026, 3pm at Post Auditorium

For all members, please come and see what’s going on, we need your involvement

二零二六至二零二七年第一次會員大會
六月二十八日星期日，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。