I was moved by the kindness and genuine caring that was shown to Laurie Holt of Painesville when a group of Nam Knights spent a day on the road riding in from New Jersey.
The reason for the long ride was to present a signed poster to her in memory of her son, Lance Cpl. David R. Baker, USMC. The poster was signed over Memorial Day weekend by all Nam Knights in attendance at the annual Rolling Thunder gathering in our nation’s capital.
Holt met the group at the gates of Arlington National Cemetery during that weekend and asked that they remember her son, who was killed in action Oct. 20, 2009, in Afghanistan. Remember they did.
The group is composed of Vietnam Veterans and law enforcement officers who share a love of Harley Davidson motorcycles and helping veterans. The group is based primarily on the East Coast and has 46 chapters Visit the Nam Knights web page at www.namknights.org

Legion launches interactive website
The American Legion has launched a new interactive website that provides a way for veterans and their families to keep the memory of a veteran’s sacrifice alive. Visit www.legion.org/honor to check out stories, photos and videos of our nation’s heroes.

Catholic War Veterans seeking members
Catholic War Veterans Post 1959 of Lake County will host a membership/poppy drive, 50/50 raffle and TV raffle at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church Festival, Thursday through July 13; and at Lost Nation Airport in Willoughby July 12-14 for the Gathering of Eagles air show. For more information, call Second Vice Cmdr. Ken Kirchner at 440-257-2156 or cpd2195@yahoo.com.

Mentor post hosts reverse raffle
Mentor Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9295, 8682 Mentor Ave. in Mentor, will host a reverse raffle beginning at 5:30 p.m. July 13 at the post home.
The evening will include side boards, a 50/50 drawing and a $1,000 giveaway. Dinner will be served 5:30 to 7 p.m. followed by the drawing at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. For details, call the post at 440-255-3473 or Bud Spreng at 440-255-2917.

B-17 arrives early for flights
The B-17 Sentimental Journey will be on display and available for rides and tours at the Willoughby Lost Nation Municipal Airport beginning Monday. This bomber will be a part of the Gathering of Eagles air show that begins July 13.
The bomber was the primary bomber used by the American Air Force against Nazi Germany and is one of less than 10 that remain in flying condition today.
A flight in the historic plane starts at $425 per person. For flight reservations call 602-448-9415 or email b17rc@azcaf.org.

Gathering of Eagles returns
The Gathering of Eagles XVII Air Show will return to Willoughby Lost Nation Airport, July 13-14. The show will feature aircraft that have protected our freedoms and served our country.
Included in the show will be the B-17 and B-25 bombers. Also appearing will be Tuskegee Airmen, World War II re-enactors and a classic car show.
This year a Hangar Dance, featuring the Concord Community Band is from noon to 1 p.m. July 13 and the Erie Heights Brass Ensemble will perform from 1 to 3 p.m. July 14.
Adult admission to the air show is $13; juniors ages 4 to 12 years old, $7; and couples will be admitted for $25. Children under the age of 4 will be admitted free.

24th annual golf outing scheduled
The annual Col. J.M. Chambers Detachment 555 of the Marine Corps League will host its 24th annual Golf Classic beginning at noon July 27 at Madison Country Club.
Entrance fee is $120 per player and includes 18 holes of golf in a scramble format, lunch, cart, and a steak dinner at Gunny’s Hall immediately following the golf. Trophies will be awarded to the first-place team and numerous skills prizes, such as long drives, closest to the pin, etc., also will be awarded.
To play or to be a sponsor, call Gene Deka at 440-668-8777.

Classic Cars Cruise-In to Euclid
The Euclid Veterans Association will host a Classic Car Cruise-In from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 28, at Tizzano’s Party Center parking lot, 1361 E. 260th St. in Euclid, just south of Route 2.
Any and all classics up to 1979 are welcome. There is no charge for the show, but donations will be gratefully accepted. Dash plaques will be given to the first 100 cars.
Donations will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and Veteran’s Best Friend. For details, call Al Nagy at 216-289-1632.

D-Day Conneaut includes patriotic quilts
Conneaut Quilters Guild will sponsor a vintage World War II quilt show Aug.16-17 at the D-Day Conneaut event. Sue Reich, a national authority on quilts of the era, will bring 40 vintage quilts from 1941 to 1945 with patriotic and military themes.
The quilt display will be part of the annual D-Day reenactment in Conneaut. For more information, visit www.coveringquilthistory.com or www.ddayohio.us.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.