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By Wan Y. Tam<\/p>\n
This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Lt. B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291. As Commander, I have tried to promote patriotism, provide better membership services, and more participation in community activities, to help enhance our lives. It has been a privilege and honor to have served this organization for Legion Years 2003-2005.<\/p>\n
Following is a chronological listing of some highlights of my two years:<\/p>\n
\u2022 July 4th, 2003 we held our largest and most elaborate Independence Day celebration ever. After months of planning and hard work, we were able to pull together the different groups and affiliations, so that the event proceeded smoothly. We conducted a community essay and drawing contest to highlight America and Edward Chin, the celebrity\/soldier who placed an American flag over Saddam Hussein\u2019s statue, was our honored guest of the day. The Kimlau Post and our \u201cstory\u201d was published in Hoy, the Recorder, the Associated Press, Newsday, the China Press, World Journal, Ming Bao and Sing Tao.<\/p>\n
\u2022 July 5th, 2003, we participated in a local Soccer Tournament. We played against four other teams and brought home the trophy. This tournament was a fundraiser for Project Open Door and NY Mei Wah School, and each team donated $1,000.<\/p>\n
\u2022 August of 2003, our member Peter Lor was nominated for a Mayoral award for outstanding volunteer service for the community. He is one of eleven recipients of this award. We were very proud since Peter was the only Asian American to receive this award.<\/p>\n
\u2022 August 14th, 2003, the entire northeast region suffered one of the largest blackouts. If a Legionnaire was unable to return home, I made arrangements for him to stay overnight. Those persons in need of assistance, to walk down the stairs were assisted by other fellow Legionnaires. The remaining people followed me, as we hitchhiked our way to homes in Queens.<\/p>\n
\u2022 October of 2003, we celebrated the election of Fang A. Wong as National Vice Commander. This was a huge steppingstone for the Chinese-American community. We were very proud of his accomplishments and his national recognition.<\/p>\n
\u2022 December of 2003, we reestablished our annual Scholarship Program. Eligible students, who fit our criteria, were awarded $500 each.<\/p>\n
\u2022 February of 2004, we drove over five hours to Arlington Cemetery to attend the funeral service of SPC. Roger Ling. SPC Ling was the first Chinese-American casualty from the east coast. Later, our Post created a SPC Roger Ling memorial scholarship for students, who graduated from SPC Ling\u2019s alma mater, Benjamin Cardozo High School. This scholarship was created in his name, as a small token of appreciation to a Chinese-American, who lost his life in Iraq, in the service of our country.<\/p>\n
\u2022 March of 2004, we attended the funeral and memorial services, two separate occasions for SPC Doron Chan in Highland, NY, a reservist who lost his life in Iraq.<\/p>\n
\u2022 May 29th, 2004 we attended the \u201c2004 Memorial Day Weekend Celebration\u201d in Washington, DC for the dedication of the \u201cWorld War II Memorial\u201d. Over 200,000 visitors attended this event. Our Legionnaires enjoyed themselves so much, that they have requested to go again.<\/p>\n
\u2022 July of 2004, we selected five members to attend the Department of NY Legion College, to support and promote the development of the next generation of American Legion leaders.<\/p>\n
\u2022 November of 2004, we attended Marine CPL Jeffrey Lam\u2019s funeral service in Flushing, NY. CPL Jeffrey Lam lost his life fighting in Iraq.<\/p>\n
\u2022 February 18th, 2005, we were awarded a Community Service award from NYU Downtown Hospital, for promoting the teaching of Tai-Chi classes without fee to the community, for good health and happiness.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Beginning April 13th, 2005, every Wednesday we provided \u201cEar Acupuncture Sessions\u201d without charge to the community. We began with service to 45 patients, and now we have served 60 patients.<\/p>\n
\u2022 April 29th, 2005, a St. Vincent\u2019s Hospital Community Service award was given to the Post.<\/p>\n
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Other worthy on-going activities are as follow:<\/p>\n
\u2022 As part of overhaul plan to improve traffic flow for the Chinatown community. We have been in discussions with the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) on the possible relocation of the Chinese-American Veterans Memorial Arch from Lt. Kimlau Square.<\/p>\n
\u2022 With the activation of The American Legion Lt. B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Auxiliary unit 1291 and The Son of American Legion Squadron 1291. We have added two new organizations that will no doubt enhance our total involvement in the Legion and the community. The ladies have been working very hard to support the streets clean-up of Chinatown. They are also very active in the veterans\u2019 rehabilitation efforts by their frequent visits to various VA facilities.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We have continued our annual contribution to the American Legion National Emergency Fund and to the American Legacy Scholarship Fund.<\/p>\n
The past 5 years, we\u2019ve coped with almost everything, from September 11th to the Tsunami in Asia. We\u2019ve learned to handle these catastrophes and to help those in need; in return we have improved ourselves as a whole. I would like to thank everyone for their support and cooperation, which made all of our endeavors possible. As we look into the next five years, I see a bright future with continued success and opportunities.<\/p>\n
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