Invocation: Brad Barnes

Flag Salute: Ken Beurmann

Song: Jordan Kaufman

Greeter: Jim Damian

 

President Garro talked about something to do with Gandhi, But I was still focused on my salad. So, here's something else historical that happened on January 3oth: In 1894 the Pneumatic hammer was patented by Charles King of Detroit. Stick that in your hat and jackhammer it.

 

Garish Patel was featured today. He talked about getting his medical degree in India and then coming to America in the 80's. Retired from radiology and with a new knee and kidney, Girish has set his sights on becoming a golf course mogul. He recently became the owner of the old Sundale Country club in Kern City.

 

This week we met off site at the American Legion Hall Post 26. Mark Sandoval gave the presentation. His claim to fame is that he was the only tight end in college ball history to throw a touchdown.

 

Mark makes it his job to reach out to veterans in outlying Kern County towns to see if they would like to go on the Honor Flight for free.

 

Honor Flight is supported by generous donations, and with these, American Heroes receive a hero’s send-off in Bakersfield and a hero’s welcome in Washington, D.C. Once in DC, the veterans spend their time on guided tours to see many of the memorials in D.C., including the WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Lincoln, Women’s, Navy, Marine, and Air Force memorials as well as the Changing of The Guard, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Arlington National Cemetery.

 

Mark went on to read a long list of famous people that were associated with programs offered by the American Legion.

 

 

Mark also shared with us the meaning by the table set for one. It's a small table set for one, symbolizing the isolation of the absent service member. The table is usually set close to, or within sight of, the entrance to the dining room, as was the one set up by the head table. This special scene honors those who cannot join the local Post–prisoners of war or those missing in action.

 

 

The table is round – showing our everlasting concern for our POW/MIA’s.

The cloth is white – symbolizing the purity of our men and women’s motives when answering the call to duty.

The single red rose – reminding us of the lives of these men and women – their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, while seeking answers.

The red ribbon – symbolizes our continued determination to account for them.

A slice of lemon – reminds us of the bitter fate of those missing, captured and held as prisoners in foreign lands.

A pinch of salt – symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families who long for answers after decades of uncertainty.

The Holy Bible – represents the strength gained through faith in our country, founded as one nation under God, to sustain those lost from our midst.

The candle – is reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home.

The glass is inverted – to symbolize their inability to share this evening’s toast.

The chair is empty – they are missing  – (silent moment) – and please remember their service and sacrifice.

Mike Chertok's guest was Holly Arnold, the new director of the BSO and Stilian Kirov, conductor of the BSO. Holly was nice enough to offer up some tickets for Saturday night's performance.