The July issue of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW magazine reached my door this week.
I always try to keep up with what is going on and these monthly magazines give me information about what is happening at the national level with the auxiliary. As always, membership is discussed and increasing membership has been an issue for the past several years.
I have witnessed firsthand how there are always those dedicated few who seem to be at every function or service event. I have been around long enough to remember when every post made monthly visits to the local veterans hospital for a treat night.
Increasing membership is something every member should be concerned about. Consider the fact that many veterans benefits have come from the lobbying efforts of these groups. If not for their work, the original GI Bill would not have been put into place, affording some of the precious benefits that so many veterans need and use.
As a member, I talk with friends and acquaintances who are interested or eligible. The community projects that are performed by the members, the auxiliaries and the junior groups are too numerous to mention here.
If you are a member, talk about the projects and services that your post has been involved in. I remember a gunnery sergeant who always had application forms in his wallet ready for a prospective new member to fill out. With all the project choices, you may gain a member or two just by starting a conversation.

Breakfast at Eastlake post
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake, will host a breakfast from 10 a.m. to noon June 28 at the post home. Breakfast will be $5 per person. For details, call 440-942-3980.

Legion hosts car and motorcycle show
American Legion Post 678, 590 E. 328th St. in Willowick, will host a Veteran Car and Motorcycle Cruise In noon to 4 p.m. every Sunday at the post home. All cars and motorcycles are welcome. Registration fee is $5 or a donation to the homeless veterans shelter. The afternoon includes food, drinks, prizes, a 50/50 raffle and more. For details, call the post home at 440-943-9659.

Newbury post site of Farmers Market
Newbury American Legion Post 663, 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township, hosts a farmers market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through Sept. 12.
Items for sale are farm and garden produce, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods, crafts, curios, antiques, collectibles and nursery items.
Vendors are supplied with a table under the pavilion and easy access for $5 per day.
For details call 440-564-7441 or 440-567-9061.

Honor guard available
American Legion Post 459 of Burton-Middlefield has an honor guard available to perform full military funeral services for any serviceman or woman. The honor guard is available with just a few days’ notice and most local funeral directors are aware of the group. For details about the honor guard, call 440-834-8764. Please leave a message if no one answers.

Catholic War Veterans at parish festival
Catholic War Veterans, John Paul II Post 1959, will be at the St. John Vianney Parish Festival in Mentor from July 10-12 hosting a membership and poppy drive (donations are welcome).
The post also will be selling tickets for the reverse raffle that will be Oct. 24 at the Patrician Party Center. Tickets are $65 for main board and $35 for an extra dinner ticket. There will only be 175 tickets sold.
Tickets for the supper raffle also will be available. Tickets are $20 with only 1,000 tickets to be sold for a chance at $5,000. A Chinese auction and DJ will be part of this event. For details, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2315.

Euclid Vets host Annual Classic Car Cruise In
The Euclid Vets Association Third Annual Classic Car Cruise In and motorcycle show will be 11 .a.m. to 4 p.m. July 19 at Tizzano’s Party Center, 1361 E. 260th St. in Euclid.
Any and all classic vehicles up to 1980 — with awards for each category — will be welcome. Food and soft drinks will be available and there will be a 50/50 raffle.
There is no charge for the show, only a request for a donation to the Gary Sinese Foundation for wounded vets.
Dash plaques and goodie bags will be given to owners of the first 100 cars. Music of the ’50s and ’60s will be played at this rain or shine event. No alcoholic beverages will be permitted.
For more information, call Al Nagy at 216-289-1632.

Share your views on patriotism
The News-Herald wants readers’ views on patriotism for a story to appear in the Fourth of July edition. What do you believe is the true meaning of patriotism? Do you believe patriotism has been on the decline in recent years, or is still going strong, and how do your support your views? Reply by email to Bill DeBus at bdebus@news-herald.com. Be sure to include your hometown, as well as a phone number in case more information is needed. Or call Bill at 440-954-7164 to give a response. Please leave a message if you reach Bill’s voicemail.

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.