The division over the Battle Flag of the Confederate States of America unfortunately is another blemish on America’s history. The American Civil War was the first, now the nation is dividing again over the battle flag.
Removing the flag will not remove the Civil War from America’s history or the hate that exists in some people’s hearts. This is a period that Americans should study and learn from, so that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.
The removal of a battle flag or the general deletion of all things Civil War will not make American history any different. It cannot be changed. The only thing that will change the racist attitudes in this country will be to teach our children that we are all one nation and respecting differences is a normal part of life. Americans need to be living under one flag, the Stars and Stripes.
Personally, I find several flags offensive, but the attempted deletion of history or the rewriting of it is an act used by several former world leaders — the ones that come to mind are Hitler, Stalin and Mao. Do you really want that sort of censorship to happen in America?

Catholic War Vets at Parish Festival
The Catholic War Veterans John Paul II Post 1959 will be at St. Justin Martyr Parish Festival in Eastlake from July 24-26 having a membership and poppy drive. Donations are welcome.
Tickets for the reverse raffle also will be on sale. The raffle will be Oct. 24 at the Patrician Party Center in Eastlake. For information and tickets, call Bill Varga at 440-352-2315.

Madison Legion hosts reverse raffle
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host a reverse raffle with a $1,000 main board beginning at 4 p.m. July 25 at the post home.
Tickets are $40 per person. For more information, call the post at 440-428-7893.

Car wash and bake sale hosted by youth
The Youth Unit of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2595, 570 Liberty Street in Painesville, will host a car wash and bake sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 25 at the post home.
Funds raised will be used in support of veterans, active duty military, their families and the community. The unit is open to young people ages 5 through 16 who desire to learn volunteerism, leadership, patriotism and team work. Call Jill Householder for information at 440-352-9522.

Men’s Auxiliary hosts steak fry
The Men’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a steak fry dinner with all the trimmings from 5 to 7 p.m. July 25 at the post home.
Dinners are $12 each. For details, call Jane at 440-354-9090.

GI get-together at Burton Post
Atwood-Mauck Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a GI get-together from 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 8 at the post home. Coffee and doughnuts will be served to all veterans in attendance. For details, call 440-563-8715.

Chardon Ladies host annual Chinese Auction
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host a Chinese auction from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 8 at the post home.
For details, call 440-285-3699.

Breakfast helps support Veterans Appreciation Day
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will again host Veterans Appreciation Day from noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 18 at the post home.
This is a free event for all veterans and their spouses. There will be food, music and veteran-oriented vendors.
To keep this event free, the post will host a breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 9. The cost is $5.

Learn to Ride at Mentor dealership
Western Reserve Harley Davidson, 8567 Tyler Blvd. in Mentor, is offering Operation Personal Freedom Ride Free through Sept. 13.
All current and former U.S. military personnel can learn to ride for free through the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy. Learn more about this program by stopping at the store or by logging onto H-D.com/militarylearntoride.

Toys for Tots golf outing Sept. 12
Col. Justice M. Chambers Marine Corps League Detachment 555, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, has rescheduled the annual Toys for Tots golf outing.
The event will be Sept. 12 at Madison Country Club, 6130 Chapel Road in Madison.
Tickets are $80 for players and $20 for the dinner only. Hole sponsorships and tickets for the golf outing are available. Call Gunny’s Hall at 440-974-9380 or Joe Brooks at 440-477-1810.

Newbury legion hosts farmers market
Newbury American Legion Post 663, 11008 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township, hosts the Community Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays through Sept. 12.
Vendors are supplied with a table under the pavilion and easy access for $5 per day. For information, email bob810@windstream.net, or call 440-564-7441 or 440-567-9061 to reserve a space.

Madison Legion schedules golf outing
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host its annual golf outing beginning at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 1.
Tickets are $65 per person and sign-up is required by July 26. Call the post at 440-428-7893 for reservations and information.

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.