ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T
Volume 93 Number 23
Benevolence
H E R A L D
★
Humanity
★
Brotherhood
June 8, 2005
ISSN —07458800
Honoring Our Nation’s Flag I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old Glory. I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings. I stand watch in America’s halls of justice. I fly majestically over institutions of learning. I stand guard with power in the world. Look up and see me. I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice. I stand for freedom. I am confident. I am arrogant.
Inside
I am proud. When I am flown with my fellow banners, My head is a little higher, My colors a little truer. I bow to no one! I am recognized all over the world. I am worshipped — I am saluted. I am loved — I am revered. I am respected — and I am feared. I have fought in every battle of every war for more then 200 years. I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox. I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy. Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me.
I’m presently in the mountains of Afganistan and the hot and dusty deserts of Iraq and wherever freedom is needed. I led my troops, I was dirty, battleworn and tired, But my soldiers cheered me, and I was proud. I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt for I am invincible. I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled in the streets of my country. And when it’s done by those whom I’ve served in battle — it hurts. But I shall overcome — for I am strong. I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of
space from my vantage point on the moon. I have borne silent witness to all of America’s finest hours. But my finest hours are yet to come. When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,
When I am flown at halfmast to honor my soldier, Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter, I am proud. (Submitted by Connie Jo Purchis Lodge 107, Floresville)
Lodge 23 Assists Community Page 11
You’re Cordially Invited to Celebrate Flag Day
SPJST Salutes Stanley Broz Pages 11-12 Lodge 17 Youth Club Joins Hands Page 18 Lidice Remembered Page 20 Interest Rates ...........................3 Family Fun Dates.....................3 Supreme Lodge Minutes.........4 Lodge Letters .........................11 Reunions ................................16 In Memoriam...........................16 Youth .......................................17 Vestnik Project .......................19 Czech Culture.........................20 Activities Calendar ................22
SPJST Float — First Place in Ennis The SPJST Float received the first place commercial award at the National Polka Festival Parade in Ennis on May 28. The float featured a Czech-Texas theme. Pictured are, seated, from left, Maria Alejos and Candice Campo. Back, standing, Blake Ryan, Jordan Hunter, Michael Jurik, Jennifer Dvorak, Amanda Jurik, Paula Campo, Nicholas Reyna (seated on horse), and April Dvorak (far right). They are from Lodge 25, Ennis.
Dear Members and Friends, Please make plans to join your fellow members, friends and city officials at SPJST for our annual Flag Day observance on Tuesday, June 14 at 9 a.m. The ceremony will take place at the SPJST Home Office building, located at 520 North Main Street in Temple. This year’s observance will also include a memorial tribute to Brother Stanley Broz, SPJST District Four Director, who passed away on April 28. You are also invited to join in the reception immediately afterwards in the lobby of our building. I hope to see you there. Fraternally, Brian Vanicek Supreme Lodge President