HR62INTRODUCED
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HR62
9YIIPMM-1
By Representative Underwood
RFD:
First Read: 13-Feb-25
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5 9YIIPMM-1 11/12/2024 NG (L)NG 2024-2942
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First Read: 13-Feb-25
HR___ CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF VFW AUXILIARY POST 8640
LONG-HODGES-LOWE IN SHEFFIELD, ALABAMA.
WHEREAS, highest commendations and congratulations
are herein extended to the charter members of VFW Auxiliary
Post 8640 Long-Hodges-Lowe for creating Alabama's first
Veterans of Foreign Wars post for Black Veterans; and
WHEREAS, in 1953, seven men decided to change the way
Black Veterans were viewed in the State of Alabama; these
seven men were John Hampton "The Peanut Man," William
Appleton, Willie Fitzgerald, Harry Grimes, Grady Hardnett,
William Hill, and Vinson Perkins, Sr. "1st Commander"; and
WHEREAS, these seven men, all World War II Veterans,
gathered at McClain's Place on Atlanta Avenue to discuss
forming Alabama's first VFW post for Black Veterans; Mr.
Hampton went to the State VFW, which at the time did not
have African Americans in the state meetings, and the State
Assistant Commander wrote a letter for Mr. Hampton; this
letter had to be delivered to New York; and
WHEREAS, these resilient and resourceful men raised
the $30 it would take for Mr. Hampton to deliver the letter,
by train, to New York; he made it in time for the VFW
National Convention and presented the letter to the National
Commander; the National Commander called all state
commanders together, and a charter was given to organize VFW
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commanders together, and a charter was given to organize VFW
Post 8640; the post was later named VFW 8640
Long-Hodges-Lowe in honor of Veterans from Southeast
Sheffield who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War II;
now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That the seven founding members of
VFW Auxiliary Post 8640 Long-Hodges-Lowe are hereby
celebrated for their historic contribution to the
progression of the State of Alabama, and best wishes are
extended for continued success in all future endeavors.
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