Page 4 - Desert Oracle July 2021

President’s Corner

Happy July 2021 to all my Arizona Paralyzed Veterans of America io Brothers and
Sisters.

I want to encourage you all to stay hydrated. As we move through the summer months
temperatures are increasing to unsafe levels. Please stay hydrated and stay safe.

Fourth of July Becomes a Federal Holiday
The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the war of
1812 in which the United States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress
made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid
holiday to all federal employees.
Over the years, the political importance of the holiday would decline, but Independence
Day remained an important national holiday and a symbol of patriotism.

Falling in mid-summer, the Fourth of July has since the late 19th century become a
major focus of leisure activities and a common occasion for family get-togethers, often
involving fireworks and outdoor barbecues. The most common symbol of the holiday is
the American flag, and a common musical accompaniment is The Star-Spangled
Banner the national anthem of the United States.

Our recently purchased property on Fairmont in Phoenix is moving forward. Contractors
have started removing tubs, toilets, sinks and carpet from the apartments. Peter Quinn
the Executive Director for the Chapter is still getting quotes for the AC units. The project
is moving forward slowly but constantly.

Dawn Quinn is working with a organization called Agave Alams. It will be a
beautification project for our property on Fairmount. The project will include a memorial
garden for our beloved late Gary Drumheller of the Suncity Elks and some urban raised
garden beds to provide fresh fruit and vegetables for our community members and
neighbors.

Our next BOD meeting will be held on July 29, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. in person or via
zoom. If you are not a board member but you are a member of the Chapter and you
would like to attend a meeting and possibly become a board member. Please, call
Leonard Smith Chapter President at 480-739-7068 or, the the office at 602 244 9168
and we will make sure you get a zoom link.

Leonard Smith, Chapter President