Programs

"Lessons of Liberty": President Bush has asked that schools across America - public, private, and home schools - to invite a veteran to speak about their experience in serving our country and the importance of supporting the ideals of liberty, democracy, and freedom. Post 6873 has been a leader in this effort. We really became involved during the 1999-2000 school term and the program has grown at a reasonable rate. The program has expanded beyond the Abilene Independent School District and Taylor County. Click this link Tannahill Intermediate School for a sample. The events of September 11, 2001 has caused the requests for our visits to surge. These Patriotic Seminars are most rewarding for the Comrades that participate!

"TRASH-OFF": As part of the Texas highway department's Adopt-A-Highway Program, Post 6873 maintains the appearance of a 2 mile stretch of Farm to Market Highway, FM 707, in Taylor county.

"LITE-a-BIKE" RODEO/SAFETY DAY: Our annual bicycle competition for local children in 1st - 6th grade. We also invite members of DPS, Abilene Fire and Police Department, Dyess Air Force Base Security Forces, D.A.R.E., Abilene's Safety City, local hospitals, and Border Patrol to talk to the kids.

"POW/MIA CEREMONY": Annual memorial to our missing comrades and those still prisoners of war. A candle-light vigil is held followed by a short program and words from a special quest speaker.

As you entered the dining out this evening you may have noticed a small table in a place of honor near our head table. It is set for one. The military caste is filled with symbolism. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called, POW/MIA, we call them brothers. They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them because of their incarceration. This table set for one is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. Remember! The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country�s call to arms. Remember! The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who kept the faith awaiting their return. Remember! The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. Remember! A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. Remember! There is salt upon the bread plate symbolic of the families� tears as they wait. Remember! The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us this night. Remember! The chair--the chair is empty--they are not here. Remember!

"THANKSGIVING BASKETS": Annual event during Thanksgivings Holiday where Post members put together and deliver food baskets to needy families in the Taylor County area.

"TOYS-FOR-TOTS": Annual 10K walk. Funds raised are donated to support the local Marine Corps Brigade, who supply toys to needy kids in the "Big Country" area during Christmas.

"HUNTERS SAFETY COURSE": Annual course set-up by the Post, free of charge, to inform all interested hunters about the new regulations and rules governing hunting in Texas.

"POST AWARDS CEREMONY" : Annual awards program recognizing outstanding individuals from Dyess Air Force Base and the City of Abilene.

� 2000 - 2009

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Page last updated: 01 July 2009