Please join me in honoring our American veterans. Today we commemorate the anniversary of the armistice ending World War I – on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. We reflect on the tremendous contribution of not only our WWI veterans but also those from other conflicts and periods of history. They have defended our nation and protected our freedom. They deserve our unwavering respect for their selfless sacrifice, tireless dedication and heroic service.

To all of our veterans, thank you. We salute those who came before, and those who remain in uniform today.

God Bless,

Vern Hawkins
DD6

http://mysite.verizon.net/kofc2577/

George Vincent
Webmaster for Sacred Heart Council #2577
k3gv@verizon.net
301-249-6399

The Knights of Columbus has always been at the forefront of the Pro-Life movement. To reflect that ongoing effort, and to reinforce the Order’s commitment to bring about a Culture of Life, a new Service Program category of “Pro-Life” has been added for the 2009-2010 fraternal year.

This addition will have little or no effect on how councils plan and implement their annual program of activities. Pro-Life projects have always had an integral role in the Service Program activities of local councils — that won’t change. Now, however, rather than report these activities under the “Community” category, as you have in the past, you will report them under the newly created “Pro-Life” category.

You’ve all received your Surge kits, so you know that the Council Report Formsbooklet (#1436) has been printed and distributed. If you will be using either the State Service Program Awards (#STSP) entry form or the Columbian Award (#SP7) application from that booklet, there are a couple of simple modifications you’ll need to make for this new category. In reporting your council’s best Pro-Life program to the State Deputy for judging prior to the State convention, simply write “Pro-Life” in the area at the top of the form where the categories of Church, Community, Council, Family and Youth activities are listed. On the Columbian Award application, attach a separate sheet of paper listing your four reported programs in the “Pro-Life” category.

An alternative to using the forms in the Council Report Formsbooklet is to use the electronic versions of these forms, found online at http://www.kofc.org/forms. These forms are currently being updated, and we will advise you when the new versions have been posted to the Web site.

I know that all councils will welcome this opportunity to further highlight the good pro-life work being done throughout the Order. Please share this email with your Pro-Life Couple and council members.

Vern Hawkins
District Deputy, District 6

This weekend, we all have the chance to celebrate the 233 years since our Nation’s founding. Since 1776, the United States has reflected the hopes of our own citizens as well as so many others around the world. We have also continued to meet a variety of challenges throughout our history, as articulated by the President in his recent remarks on the 65th Anniversary of D-Day:

It’s a story that has never come easy, but one that always gives us hope. For as we face down the hardships and struggles of our time, and arrive at that hour for which we were born, we cannot help but draw strength from those moments in history when the best among us were somehow able to swallow their fears and secure a beachhead on an unforgiving shore.

Now as we see the struggle for freedom and liberty unfold around the world, we are reminded of our birthright as Americans to live our lives freely. On this Fourth of July, we also remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve that freedom.

Take time this holiday weekend to remember the bravery of the men and women who now serve or have served in the past in our Armed Forces. Because of them we can enjoy this holiday knowing that we are safe and our rights are protected. Those of you fortunate enough to be able to spend the weekend with friends and family, please enjoy your well-deserved time off. To those of you standing watch and deployed around the world this holiday weekend, we extend our sincere gratitude for your vigilance, dedication and patriotism. On behalf of the District SIX Staff (Vern/Bob/Pat) and our wives, I would also like to thank all of the Man and Women of District SIX for your continued commitment to our Order and our mission.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

Vern Hawkins
District Deputy, District 6
301-336-0284