History of Franklin Park Post #974, Ninth District, Department of Illinois, The American Legion. 1970 - 1971
Our Twenty-Fifth Year of Devoted Service to The Community, State and Nation
R. H. Willemstad, Historian
ROSTER OF OFFICERS. 1970 - 1971
* Commander Ernest Ryndak
* Senior Vice Commander Arch Morrison
* Junior Vice Commander James Harper
* Third Vice Commander William Gosse
* Finance Officer Herbert Kamchatka
* Adjutant I. Robert Wirth
* Historian Robert Willemstad
* Service Officer Harry Kater
* Chaplain Andrew Gott
* Sgt. At Arms Elmer Mohr
* Judge Advocate James Charleston
* S.A.L. Officer Sam Garite
POST EVERLASTING:
Lippert, H.
Petrarch, A.
Scheiden, Carl
Tillman, G.
These comrades have passed into the shadowed halls of Post Everlasting. May they rest in peace.
History for 1970-1971 written by R. H. Willemstad, Historian:
Franklin Park Post #974 attended the 1969-70 Department of Illinois, American Legion Convention at the Palmer House in Chicago with all three delegates present at all sessions together with I. Robert Wirth, Jr. Vice Commander of the Ninth District. Wm. Gosse, Historian of Franklin Park Post was awarded first place for his one year history of the Post by the Department Historian. S.A.L. Squadron #974 Historian, Al. Oddson was awarded first place in S.A.L. Histories. Franklin Park Post passed in review in the Convention Parade down Michigan Avenue led by the Ceremonial Team and Auxiliary Color Guard, C.T. Drum Corps, the S.A.L. Squadron, Junior Auxiliary Unit and Colonels Junior Drum & Bugle Corps.
Commander John Lisowski convened the 518th Meeting of Franklin Park Post on Tuesday, July 27th. He and Jr. Vice Commander, James Harper gave a brief report of the Convention with a promise of a full report at a future meeting, Picnic Chairman, Ted Koestler reviewed the plans for the annual Post Picnic on Sunday, August 16th. Ninth District Jr. Vice Commander, I. Robert Wirth administered the Oath of Office to the 1970-71 Corps of Officers with the exception of Commander Ryndak who was on vacation. He then discharged Commander Lisowski with words of praise for the fine accomplishments of this Post during his year as commander. Senior Vice Commander, Arch Morrison took over the gavel and conducted the balance of the meeting.
Senior Vice Commander Morrison opened the 519th Meeting on Tuesday, August 11th due to the absence of Commander Ryndak. He reported a paid membership of 79,. Ceremonial Team Captain, Al. Ryndak reported on the forthcoming C.T. Team Dinner Dance to be held Saturday, September 19th. Past Commander Herb. Kasch reported the Gaveliers will hold a steak fry on Friday, September 11th. Letters from Senator Percy and Congressman Collier regarding our letter to President Nixon on his Viet Nam policies were read.
Sunday, August 16th found the Post members and their families gathered at the picnic grove in Schiller Woods for the annual Post Picnic. Chairman, Ted Koestler, ably assisted by John Lisowski, Al. Ryndak and many other members certainly treated all present to an old fashioned picnic.
Senior Vice Commander Morrison opened the 520th Regular Meeting of Post #974 on August 25th. Past Ninth District Commander Walter Jessen administered the oath of office to Commander Ryndak who returned from vacation. Commander Ryndak then assumed command of the Post. Sr. Vice Commander Morrison reported a membership of 101. Past Commander John Lisowski gave a detailed report of the Department of Illinois Convention including a list of speakers and samples of the Resolutions acted upon.
Commander Ryndak on September 8th convened the 521st meeting at the Post Memorial Home. Sr. Vice Commander Morrison reported a paid up membership of 133 or 47% of last year. The fund for the monthly post bulletin "The Guide & Log" was refinanced by an appropriation of $150.00.
Friday evening, September 11th, the Gaveliers, the Past Commander's Club of Franklin Park Post held a steak fry with the good men of the club charcoal broiling the steaks and then serving them to the guests in truly professional style with all the trimmings.
On Saturday evening, September 19th, members of the Post and their guests gathered for the annual Ceremonial Team Dinner Dance. As usual at this special party the members of the C.T. Drum Corps entertained by an impromptu parade through the ballroom for a defining success.
The 522nd Regular Meeting was opened by Commander Ryndak on Tuesday, September 26th. Sr. Vice Commander Morrison announced he had 175 members for 1971. Installation Chairman, I. Robert Wirth advised that Saturday, October 17th would be the date for the Joint Installation of Post and Auxiliary.
October 13th. marked the 523rd Regular Meeting of Post #974. On behalf of the Post Ceremonial Team, Past Commander Bob Willems, assisted by C.T. Team Captain, Al. Ryndak, presented American Flags and stands to Junior Girl Scout Troop #203 and Cadet Girl Scout Troop #183 before forty nine members of the Girl Scouts. Sr. Vice Commander Morrison reported he now has a paid up membership for the new year of 272, nine short of 100%. Final plans were discussed for the annual Installation of Officers. The Gaveliers, Past Commanders Club of Franklin Park Post, through President, Jacob Bares, notified the Post the Gaveliers will make available $400.00 from their treasury for the purpose of an Awards Night. Commander Ryndak appointed James Charleston, Dino Petten and Robert Willems to act as an Awards Committee and prepare an Awards Night. Bill Wolf was presented with a bronze Super Salesman Plaque by Arch. Morrison on behalf of the Ace In The Hole Club for an outstanding job as leading salesman in this important financial project of the Post. The Commander reported that after the First Division Installation Franklin Park Post was host to Department Commander, Dick Nicholas, Sr. Vice Commander, Ed Schalk, Department Rehabilitation Chairman, Frank Bottiglero, two Department Sgts. at Arms, Walter Helwig and Joe Castro plus many other Legion dignitaries.
Franklin Park Post and Auxiliary Unit #974 staged it's formal joint installation of officers on Saturday, October 17th with Past Ninth District Commander, James Charleston acting as Master of Ceremonies and Past Commander Robert Willems as Installing Officer. Sr. Vice Commander Morrison presented Commander Ernie with 100% and All Time High Membership. The Eighth consecutive year this Post has attained this important goal.
On Sunday, October 25th., over 1100 persons were served Pancakes and sausage by Comrade Bill Wolf and his hard working committee for the benefit of the Colonels Drum & Bugle Corps.
Commander Ryndak convened the 524th meeting on October 27th. Jr. Vice Commander James Harper announced the annual Turkey Trot would be held on November 21st. Resolution Chairman, James Charleston, presented a Resolution calling for a fair trial for the accused men involved in the Mai Lai incident. This was unanimously approved and forwarded to Ninth District. The Post approved the plan of Auxiliary Unit Rehabilitation Chairman, Loretta Willems to hold a Bingo Party for the patients at the Blind Section of Hines Veterans Administration Hospital and also one at Chicago State Hospital and approved appropriation and guaranteed to furnish manpower. Past Commander, Cas. Talaga announced that his Voiture of the 40 & 8 still have scholarship assistance for two more nurses in training. Letter from President Nixon was read expressing his appreciation of our letter of support of his Viet Nam an Cambodia actions.
Tuesday, November 10th marked the 525th Regular Meeting, Schiller Park Post #104 Commander, Gene Strykiwicz was introduced and spoke of his Post's "Speak Up for Freedom" forthcoming motorcade and program. Sr. Vice Commander Morrison reported the membership now at 293. Comrade Phil Fertitta agreed to act as Chairman of the Colonels Ball in January,. It was announced that a Joint Installation of the S.A.L. Squadron and Junior Auxiliary would be held Sunday, November 15th, Letter from National Commander, Al Chamie was read regarding the American Legion Program for assisting M.I.S. and P.O.W. Adjutant I, Robert Wirth volunteered to act as a committee of one to implement this program throughout the village of Franklin Park. Co-Chairman, Ernie Pierantoni announced the annual Christmas Party for members' children will be held on December 13th. Commander Ryndak proudly announced that Past Commander James Charleston has been appointed Vice Chairman of the National Americanism Committee by National Commander Chamie. A set of cap pins from First Division Sr. Vice Commander James Kissner was presented by Ninth District Jr. Vice Commander I. Robert Wirth to Commander Ryndak and Sr. Vice Commander Morrison for the splendid job done in procuring membership. The Department Historian's Plaque for First Place was presented to William Gosse, Post Historian. Gosse then presented a special trophy to Past Commander John Lisowski for the Post with the best history.
Shortly before 11 A.M. on November 11th, members of Post #974, members of the Auxiliary Unit and members of the S.A.L. Squadron and Junior Auxiliary gathered at the Post flagpole at the Memorial Post Home where a Veteran's Day observance was held including the firing of three volleys and taps. Ladies of the Auxiliary then served a luncheon.
Sunday afternoon, November 15th, S.A.L. Squadron #974 and Junior Auxiliary Unit #974 staged their Joint Installation of Officers. Past Commander James Charleston served as Master of Ceremonies and 9th District Jr. Vice Commander I. Robert Wirth was Installing Officer. Once again these young people proved they can conduct a formal ceremony of the American Legion every bit as well as their seniors with the proper dignity and ceremony.
On Saturday night, November 21st. the Annual Turkey Trot was held with many hundreds of pounds of fine turkey received by the lucky winners.
Commander Ryndak convened the 526th Regular Meeting of Franklin Park Post on Tuesday, November 24th. Sr. Vice Commander Morrison reported a paid up membership of 299. Pancake Day Chairman, Bill Wolf stated that the profit on the Pancake Day amounted to $1,131.67 and on his motion was promptly voted to the Colonel's Fund. The purchase of a mechanical floor scrubber for the Memorial Club House was approved. The Department of Illinois "Billboard" Plan was discussed and the Adjutant instructed to make application. The Commander reported on the Bingo Party at the Blind Section of Hines V.A. Hospital.
December 9th. marked the 5627th Meeting of the Post with Sr. Vice Commander Morrison reporting a membership of 302. It was decided to dispense with the second meeting in December due to the proximity of Christmas. Past Commander Jake Bares, President of the Cavaliers recommended that the Post hold its Twenty Fifth Anniversary Celebration in conjunction with an Awards Night before July of 1971.
The Annual Christmas Party for the children of Post Members was held on Sunday afternoon, December 12th. Co-charimen, Ernie Pierantoni and John Lisowski did a fine job of making this a memorable day for the small fry including the difficult job of guiding Santa Claus and his sleigh through the crowded traffic pattern surrounding O'Hare Field.
Once again on December 31st. the members of Franklin Park Post and their ladies gathered in the beautifully decorated Post Memorial Home to welcome in the New Year with a gala party culminating with the serving of dinner at midnight. This party in addition to helping in maintaining the financial stability fo the Post has become the outstanding social event of the year.
The Commander opened the 528th Meeting of Franklin Park Post on January 12th. S.A.L. Past Commander Richard Ligmanowski and Comrade Sam Garite, S.A.L. Advisor, reported to the Post on the planned Squadron paper drive to raise funds for uniforms. Sr. Vice Commander Morrison reported he now has 306 members. Service Officer Harry Later reported that Christmas Baskets were distributed in the community. Chairman Phil Fertitta reported that the annual Colonels Ball will be held on Saturday, January 30th. at the Post Memorial Home. Ninth District Junior Vice Commander I. Robert Wirth presented Department of Illinois Membership Pins to Commander Ryndak and Sr. Vice Commander Morrison with All Time High Attachments.
Sr. Vice Commander Morrison convened the 529th meeting of the Post on January 26th due to the illness of the Commander. He reported a membership of 309. A check for $25.00 was sent to the Department of Illinois for Gifts to Hospitalized Veterans. Third Vice Commander Gosse reported that February 19th will be the date of the Joint Post and Auxiliary Americanism Program.
On Saturday evening, January 30th. members of the Post, their ladies and friends of the Colonels Drum Y& Bugle Corps gathered for the annual Colonels Ball -- a gala dinner dance to help defray the enormous cost of fielding a championship corps. In spite of the rigors of the weather at this time of year these hardy supporters of our youth make up with enthusiasm for the cold, ice and snow.
The 530th meeting of the Post was convened on February 9th. Sr. Vice Commander Morrison reported a membership of 310. A letter from John Phillips, Township Commissioner thanking the Post for assistance in distribution fo Christmas Baskets was read. Jr. Vice Commander Jim Harper tendered his resignation as an officer of the post due to his job transfer to New Orleans.
Friday evening, February 19th marked the Joint Post and Auxiliary Americanism Program. Again this year we joined in this program with the Sertoma Club of Franklin Park. Also participating were the S.A.L. Squadron, the Junior Auxiliary, The Colonels Drum & Bugle Corps and the Jewel-Osco Chorus.
The Commander opened the 531st Regular Meeting on Tuesday February 23rd. Due to the absence of the Sr. Vice Commander, the Commander reported a membership of 316. The Post again approved the sponsorship of a Team in the Franklin Park Boys Baseball League. Past Commander herb. Kasch and Past Commander Jim Charleston were appointed as co-chairmen to stage the Twenty Fifth Anniversary Celebration of Post #974.
On Saturday evening, February 24th., Post #974 hosted the Ninth District Past Commander Dinner Dance. Once again Franklin Park Post was honored to have this gathering of distinguished legionnaires from all over the great Ninth District gather in the Post Memorial Home to pay tribute to their leaders both past and present.
Commander Ryndak convened the 532nd. Meeting on March 9th. Youth Convention Chairman Dino Petten reported that the annual Ninth District Youth Convention Parade would be held in River Grove on Sunday, May 16th. The Post authorized the purchase of fifty chairs and two racks. A discussion was held on the adviseability of continuing the Annual Easter egg hunt in view of the one to be conducted by the Franklin Park District.
On Saturday, March 13th. the ladies of Auxiliary Unit #974 invited the officers and members of the Post to be their guests at the 25th Birthday Party of Post #974. During the course of the festivities Auxiliary President, Ellen Dahlke, presented Commander Ryndak with a check to help defray the cost of a new sink for the kitchen. That evening the membership saw for the first time on the platform the new carpeting graciously donated by Comrade John Palmere and installed by Past Commander Joe Shedore.
The 533rd Regular Meeting was opened by the Commander on Tuesday, March 23r. Sr. Vice Commander Morrison reported a membership of 317. Ceremonial Team Captain Al. Rundak announced that the Ceremonial Team will stage a Flag Burning Ceremony in conjunction with the Village of Franklin Park Fourth of July Celebration. Twenty Fifth Anniversary Chairman, Jim Charleston stated the Post Anniversary Party will be held on Friday, June 4th. Adjutant I. Rober Wirth read his letter of resignation of his office due to a business transfer to the East Coast. Commander Ryndak announced the Nominating Committee for the election of officers would consist of Dino Petten, Bob Willems, Herb Kasch and James Charleston. Commander Ryndak presented the National Citation for All Time High Membership by December 31st to Sr. Vice Commander Morrison and also displayed trophy and two bottles of spirits won by the Post at the recent Ninth District Membership Roundup. Past Commander James Charleston gave a fine report on the work of the Department Economics Commission of which he is a member. Adjutant Wirth presented Past Commander John Lisowski with a complete set of mkinjutes of JHohn's Year as Commander when Wirth was his Adjutant.
The 534th Meeting of Franklin Park Post was called to order by Commander Ryndak on April 13th. Sr. Vice Commander Morrison reported a membership of 318. A Letter from Franklin Park Park District, Veterans Park District and Village of Franklin Park requesting Post participation in Fourth of July Celebration was read. It was announced that the annual Post Picnic would be held on July 18th. An invitation to the Auxiliary Unit Luau on April 24th was read. The Post membership gratefully inspected the wonderful job of installation of crash bar on the doors of the ballroom by Comrade locksmith, Nick Weber.
Saturday evening April 4th the ladies of Auxiliary Unit #974 were hostesses at their annual Luau. Chairman Liz. Zingraf and her fine committee exceeded all expectations with beautiful decorations and a feast seldom seen in this part of the world. An evening of entertainment and dancing followed.
April 27th,. marked the 535th. Regular Meeting of the Post. Sr. Vice Commander Morrison reported the membership now at an all time high of 320. Dino Petten, Chairman of the Nominating Committee reported on the recommendations of his committee of the slate of officers for the forthcoming Legion year. Comrade Awyn Smith announced that the Colonels Drum & Bugle Corps have been named Good Will Ambassdores of the Village of Franklin park and were presented with a Village Flag by the Board of Trustees. Comrade Zeff DiSalvo was appointed a member of the Post Finance Committee to fill the unexpired term of James Harper.
The 536th Meeting of Franklin Park Post was convened on May 11th. A Barbeque Chicken Dinner was served to the membership prior to the meeting by members of the Gaveliers Bar B Q Specialists. This being the annual nomination meeting the Commander ordered the recommendations of the nominating committee read. Nominations were then made from the floor and the nominations closed. The Commander announced the annual election of officers would be held at the meeting of May 25th with the polls to be open from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, May 18th., the Greath Ninth District staged its 36th annual Youth Convention in River Grove, Illinois. Franklin Park Post under the direction of Dino Petten participated with Ceremonial Team Clolor Guard and Auxiliary, C.T. Drum Corps, S.A.L. Squadron, Junior Auxiliary Unit and Colonels Drum & Bugle Corps. The Colonels were awarded first place trophy.
On May 20th and 21st. members of the Post assisted ladies of the Auxiliary Unit in the annual sale of poppies. Post Chariman Richard Feeney and Unit Chairman Loraine Klein with all their helpers again did an outstanding job raising funds to aid in the Service programs of both Post and Auxiliary.
Commander Ryndak opened the 537th Regular Meeting of Post 974 on Tuesday, May 25th. A Post Everlasting Ceremony was held. Sr. Vice Commander Morrison assisted by Chaplain Andy Gott entered into the records of Post Everlasting the American Legion Servicer Records of H. Lippert, A. Petrarca, Carl Scheiden and G. Tillman. Ceremonial Team Captain Al. Ryndak reported on the plans for the Memorial Day observance on May 31st. This being the annual election of officers and the polls having been duly closed at the hour designated the Commander ordered the votes tallied and the Chairman of the Election Committee, Past Commander James Charleston gave the following report.
Commander....................... Arch Morrison
Sr. Vice Commander.......... Wm. Gosse
Jr. Vice Commander........... George Kreycik
3rd. Vice Commander......... Al. Ryndak
Chaplain............................. Ernest Pierantoni
Sgt. At Arms....................... Philip Fertitts
Finance Officer................... Herbert Kesch
Member of Finance Committee (3 years).............. Richard Feeney
Member of Board of Directors (3 years)................ John Lisowski
Delegates to 1971 Department Convention
Ernst Ryndak
Arch,. Morrison
Wm. Gosse
Alternates to 1971 Department Convention
James Charleston
Geo. Kreycik
Al. Ryndak
Delegates to 9th District Council
Arch Morrison
Wm. Gosse
R. H. Willems
Alternates to 9th District Council
Geo. Kreycik
Al. Ryndak
Ernest Pierantoni
Delegates to 1st Division
James Charleston
Arch Morrison
Wm. Gosse
Alternates to 1st Division
Geo. Kreycik
Al. Ryndak
Ernest Pierantoni
The newly elected officers were roundly applauded and speeches of support denotes another year of progress. The Commander announced the appointment of Larry Lewis as Adjutant Pro Tem to fill the unexpired term of I. Robert Wirth.
On Monday, May 31st. Post #974 again held it's Memorial Day observance with a parade through the Village ending in Dodge Field where Village Officials, Ceremonial Team, Ladies Auxiliary, S.A.L. Squadron, Junior Auxiliary, Colonels Drum & Bugle Corps and East Leyden High School Band all participated in appropriate ceremonies led by Commander Ryndak with Past Commander James Charleston acting as keynote speaker. The decorating of a symbolic grave while the names of Village War Dead were read, the firing of volleys and taps marked the end of a truly dignified and impressive service - - Lest We Forget.
Friday evening, June 5th. Franklin Park Post #974 celebrated the Twenty Fifth Anniversary of receiving it's charter as a Post of the American Legion. Commander Ryndak called the group to order and introduced Co-Chairmen, Past Commander Herb. Kasch and Past Commander James Charleston. They in turn presented the first Commander, Jacob Bares who gave a short history of the founding of the Post. I. Robert Wirth then read the Charter as presented to the Post by the American Legion. A short history of the accomplishments of the Post followed. The Commander then called upon the Awards Committee: James Charleston, Dino Petten and Bob Willems to assist him in the presentation of awards of those members and non members who had distinguished themselves in service to this Post during the past six years. A total of 52 framed citations, 11 framed engraved plaques, 39 meritorious Service Pins were presented. The presentations culminated in a "This is Your Life" skit with the award of a Life Membership in the American Legion to Past Commander Herb. Kasch. An evening of dancing and refreshments followed.
The 538th Regular Meeting was held on June 8th. Comrade Awyn Smith reported that the Colonels Drum & Bugle Corps netted $1,350.48 from their annual tag day. The Real Estate Taxes on the Post property were ordered paid with a request for readjustment.
Sr. Vice Commander Morrison opened the 539th Meeting on June 22nd due to the illness of the Commander. 3rd. Vice Commander Gosse reported on the School Awards made by himself, Al. Ryndak and Joe Reidel at four community schools. Zeff DiSalvo was elected to fill vacancy on Board of Directors.
Sunday, July 3rd. marked the observance of Independence Day in Franklin Park. Post #974 and Auxiliary Color Guard led the mammoth parade through the Village followed by the S.A.L. Squadron, Junior Auxiliary and Colonels Drum & Bugle Corps. The Post Ceremonial Team assisted in the dedication ceremony of the new flagpole at the new Park District Community Center. Later in the day the Post Ceremonial Team assisted by the Commander, Senior Vice Commander and Third Vice Commander inspected and destroyed by burning, in a proper ceremony, all the unserviceable American Flags that has been collected during the past year through the Village. In the evening the Colonels Drum & Bugle Corps were hosts to a Corps Show in which six Corps competed from various parts of the midwest and one unit, The Southern Rebels from New Orleans Louisiana.
Commander Ryndak convened the 540th meeting on July 13th. Plans for the forthcoming Department Convention were discussed. The annual report of the Unit Rehabilitation Chairman, Loretta Willems was read, describing in detail all the service rendered by the Unit to our disabled comrades. Mrs. Willems was then escorted to the platform where she received words of praise from the Commander for the fine job she has been doing for the past seven years as Unit Rehabilitation Chairman. She then presented American Legion Auxiliary Citations to Commander Ryndak, Past Commander John Lisowski, Service Officer Harry Kater, Jr. Vice Commander Wm. Gosse and Comrades Joe Smith, Walter Richards and Roger Haines for Service in the Field. She then presented Bob Willems with a pin denoting fifty hours of Service in the Field.
And so, once again, the delegates of Post #974 are packing to go to the Department Convention -- The Parade Orders have been issued, the reservations made and soon Franklin Park Post will again "Pass In Review." It is our sincere hope that we can mark another twenty five years of devoted service to the community, state and nation.
R. H. Willems,
Historian
Franklin Park Post #974
