Posted 2/24/06: (Greater Boston Chapter February Meeting, From Bob Gillen)
(Select a picture to enlarge it)
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(Rear, L to R) Capt. Mark G. Prestero, CDR Redmond L.
Clevenger, COL Gerard B. Hayes, LTC James R. Littleton, CDR John F. Carey,
Capt. Harry H. Weinberg, CPT Albert J. Mundo, CAPT Leo M. Lazo, CDR Robert
L. Gillen, COL John R. Power |
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(Rear, L to R) CAPT Mark G. Prestero, CDR Redmond L.
Clevenger, COL Gerard B. Hayes, LTC James R. Littleton, CDR John F. Carey,
CAPT Harry H. Weinberg, CPT Albert J. Mundo, CAPT Leo M. Lazo, CDR Robert
L. Gillen, LT Jason A. Sokolov, COL John R. Power |
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Greater Boston Chapter Commander Jack Carey presents a certificate of appreciation to Companion Jim Littleton for his presentation at the Chapter February meeting at the Ole' Oyster House in Boston, MA. |
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Certificate of Appreciation |
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Posted 2/09/02: (From Bob Gillen)
QUOTE
"The following information was sent to the Massachusetts Department
Commander Bob Gillen by Major Si Bass, the National Historian for the
Military Order of the World Wars
Quote
Probably the most active chapter in our genesis was the Greater Boston
Chapter. These are a few of the dynamic events in their pursuit of
the Order's ambitious 100,000 membership. An abbreviated portion of
their beginnings between 1920 and 1924 are shown in a chronological
order for convenience sake, (with separate NOTES: by the Historian
General,) are as follows:
1920
April 6. First dinner commemorating the Declaration of War with
Germany, at the historical Faneuil Hall. Guest speaker was Rear
Admiral S. S. Robinson
Nov 11. Armistice Day celebrated in Faneuil Hall when probably for
the first time in its history a boxing bout was "pulled off."
"Dusty"
Kroll of Fort McKinley mixed it up with "Young" Skee of the U.S.S.
"Delaware" for the Championship of the service. By the end of the year
the organization had increased to several hundred members and its
influence and work began to take on a concrete form. 1921 Apri16.
Famous dinner to Admiral William S. Sims, attended by two hundred and
fifty officers. NOTE: The Greater Boston Chapter at this time held
three smokers, the Chapter Hospital Committee put on entertainment at
the Parker Hill Hospital for the disabled from WW I. At least one of
these shows had Eddie Cantor and his "Midnight Rounders." The Order
provided their automobiles to transport these entertainers.
June 19. Hospital Entertainment Committee furnished transportation
to over two hundred and fifty soldiers, sailors and marines to and
from the Belleau Woods Day at the Harvard Stadium. NOTE: Believe this
was for a baseball game. Nov. 11. NOTE: The Chapter had a large
commemoration for the Unknown Soldier. Was most similar to the Massing
of the Colors. Nov. 14. The most notable event of 1921 and probably
the greatest military event of its kind ever held in Boston was the
dinner in honor of Marshal Foch at the Harvard Club, 426 Officers in
uniform being present. For the first time in its history, the Club
permitted an organization other than of alumni to use Harvard Hall.
Marshal Foch was the main speaker. Christmas Eve; a member of the
Order was at each hospital distributing gifts and helping in the
entertainment of the men. Christmas Day, every soldier, who was not
otherwise provided for, was sent to the home of some member who had
volunteered to entertain him." One of the most notable events of the
winter was the membership III drive which added over 500 new members.
1922 March 10. Luncheon in honor of Sir Harry Lauder, K.C.B., Boston
City Club, over 400 members attending. During this month 5000
magazines and books were distributed by the Order to hospitals in
Greater Boston. Apri16. Pershing Dinner, fifth anniversary of the
Declaration of War. The guests, Gen. John J. Pershing, General of the
Armies of the U.S.; Major General George H. Harries; (NOTE: Was our
CINC for the Orders first five years;) Senator Henry Cabot Lodge;
Governor Channing H. Cox; 605 members present.
Aug.1. Chapter meeting in honor of the actor Leon Erroll the same
being present. Nov. 11. Armistice Day was celebrated; one of the
speakers was Mayor Curley (Boston).
1923
February. A second recruiting drive net 300 new members, bringing the
total to 1400. March 18. The Greater Boston Chapter with the Boston
City Club held a joint luncheon in honor of Capt. Edward v.
Rickenbacker, America's "Ace of Aces," over two hundred members
attending. Oct. 5. While in Convention in Washington D.C. President
Coolidge received delegates of our Order at the White House, and was
photographed with them. General Pershing spoke to the Order while in
Convention. 1924 Jan. 11. Special luncheon Boston City Club in honor
of Sergeant Samuel Woodfill, designated by General Pershing "The
Greatest Hero of the World War." Apri17. Anniversary Declaration of
War Dinner, Boston City Club. Guests of honor Maj. Gen. John A.
Lejeune, Commanding Officer of the U.S. Marine Corps, and Commander
Jacob N. Klein, Commanding Officer U.S. Airship Shenandoah. NOTE: This
Airship later crashed in a wind storm. Si Bass Historian General and
Hann-Buswell Chapter Archivist UNQUOTE