William Penn Life, 1989 (24. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1989-05-01 / 5. szám

Pittsburgh area branches host successful scholarship banquet

NORTH HUNTINGDON, PA — More than 200 members and friends of the Association gathered April 16 at Arpad’s Colonial Manor Restaurant for a dinnerdance sponsored by the Greater Pittsburgh Area Branches.

The annual affair raised more than $800 for the benefit of the William Penn Fraternal Association Scholarship Foundation.

Guests enjoyed a delicious Hungarian dinner prepared under the direction of Arpad Pulinka. The menu featured hurka, pork, beef and dumplings, along with

potatoes, vegetable, bread, salad and dessert.

Following dinner National Secretary E. E. Vargo opened the program by introducing National President Stephen G. Danko.

President Danko greeted all the members and guests and thanked them for their continued support of the Association’s scholarship foundation.

The floor was then turned over to the Magyar Folk Dancers of McKeesport, Pa., who performed several traditional Hungarian dances to the delight of the dinner

guests.

The audience was then treated to a special performance by Steve Somiak, a member of the Pittsburgh Opera and soloist at the First Hungarian Reformed Church of Homestead. His renditions of both Hungarian and English songs drew loud and enthusiastic applause.

Mr. Somiak was accompanied by the George Bátyi Continental Orchestra featuring Dorothy and Casey. After the program, the group played Hungarian music for the dancing pleasure of the guests.

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May 1989, William Penn Ldfs, Page 5

Steve Somiak, a member of the Pittsburgh Opera company, is accompanied by the George Bátyi Orchestra as he sings a song for the dinner guests.

These members from Pittsburgh area branches were among the more than 200 guests who enjoyed the Hungarian flavor of the dinner-dance.

NATIONAL FRATERNAL CONGRESS OF AMERICA

Proclamation

Fraternal Week and Flag Day

WHEREAS, the fraternal benefit societies of America have traditionally sponsored Fraternal Week as a means of informing their fellow Americans of the patriotic and civic activities of fraternals; and

WHEREAS, cultural and spiritual values have long been recognized by fraternalists who have made significant efforts to preserve such values in our country; and

WHEREAS, the 1989 celebration of Flag Day is significant because this year marks the continuation of the celebration of the Bicentennial of the Constitution and begins the celebration of the Bicentennial Anniversary of the election of the first president and the ratification of the Bill of Rights, which both guarantee and insure the freedoms symbolized by the flag; and

WHEREAS, fraternalists with a long tradition of reverence for the ideals of patriotism have promoted respect and recognition of the flag of our nation; now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the seven days beginning Thursday, June 8, 1989 and ending Wednesday, June 14, 1989, be designated as Fraternal Week and that member societies of the National Fraternal Congress of America along with state fraternal congresses promote the celebration of Fraternal Week and call upon the leaders of local units throughout this Land of Liberty to apprise the nation of the ideals and objectives of the fraternal benefit societies; and be it further

RESOLVED, that on June 14, fraternalists throughout the United States be encouraged to highlight the birthday of the Stars and Stripes by organizing, promoting and conducting flag raising observances in cooperation with other civic groups; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this proclamation be sent to all member societies of the National Fraternal Congress of America along with state fraternal congresses and be communicated by them to their members.

Edward A. Lindell

President, NFCA

Branches prepare for Flag Day

The U.S. flag symbolizes freedom, the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom, and the U.S. Congress enacts laws to protect this freedom.

In 1989 we continue the bi-’ centennial celebration of the Constitution as well as observe the bicentennial celebration of the election of the first president and the ratification by the Constitutional Convention of the Bill of Rights.

On June 14 our nation will once again celebrate Flag Day, remembering the freedom our flag symbolizes.

Although this celebration is only a month away, there is still time for your branch to organize an event marking this special day.

Listed below are seven ways your branch can celebrate Flag Day.

1. Sponsor a community program highlighting the freedoms that we as Americans enjoy. Contact a local speaker’s bureau or your local legislator’s office for suggested speakers. Incorporate a flag raising ceremony into the program.

2. Present a new flag to a local nursing home, church or community center. Follow with a flag raising ceremony. Invite the Boy Scouts and/or American Legion to participate.

3. Sponsor a poster contest and ask local merchants or the local library to display entries. Encourage participation by producing a public service announcement for local radio stations.

4. Plan a community program in conjunction with the American Legion or other veteran’s organization. Include an invocation, a

speech on the meaning of Flag Day, the flag raising, the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of the "Star-Spangled Banner” and a benediction. Ask a high school band to play patriotic music at the park.

5. Present a special award certificate to a branch member or local resident for his or her civic accomplishments at a flag raising ceremony.

6. Plan a memorial service for those who fought for our independence and freedom. Contact the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or American Legion and invite them to participate.

7. Plan a picnic for your monthly meeting and a special flag raising ceremony. Have families bring covered dishes and have games and contests planned.