Honoring All Who Served - Happy Veterans Day!

MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING

Thursday, November 20, 2025

8 PM EST / 7PM CST / 6 PM MST/ 5 PM PST

All Members and Patriots Welcome

LOGIN ONLINE: https://zoom.us/j/4981732263

Meeting Code - 2020

Call in via telephone: 1-929-436-2866

Enter this Meeting ID: 4981 732 263

NOTE: Some browsers offer condensed versions of General Orders. If your version is shortened, click on the "expand" or "show more" hyperlink on the bottom of this email.

National President

Fran Holtgreven

Honoring All Who Served - Happy Veterans Day!

Honoring All Who Served - Veterans Day - Washington DC - 2025 

My chariot arrives early at 5:30 am, chauffeured by National MOPH Adjutant, Keith Grey, on a very cold and windy morning. All I have to do is walk out of the hotel and the van door opens and the heat in the van is a welcome surprise. Minutes later, National MOPH Commander Tracey arrives and off we go to Patton Hall Community Club and Conference Center, at Joint Base Ft. Myer-Henderson Hall. We will arrive around 6:15 am for a breakfast buffet with other VSO attendees and honored guests. 

Coffee is served and the mingling starts. I have never seen so many VSO members and there is no way I can talk to them all. Before breakfast some of the organizations that I share my card and chat with are the National President VSO Officer, American Legion National President, National Executive Jewish War Veterans Director, Gold Star Family National President, Gold Star Mothers representatives, Blue Star representatives, American Legion National Commander, and Blind Veterans representatives. Honorable Douglas A. Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, is the speaker and explains what his office is working on to help Veterans. After the program, photos with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs takes place with each person attending. 

Guests board buses and depart Patton Hall enroute to Arlington National Cemetery's Amphitheater. I then joined the MOPH and MOPHA attendees at the reserved box in the Amphitheater. We await the arrival of the President of the United States, Vice President of the United States and Secretary of Veterans Affairs. While waiting, the US Army Band and Chorus have a musical prelude. By this time the wind and 22 degrees has everyone shivering and snuggling to each other as much as possible. After the remarks and Veterans Day Address and the President and Vice-President departure it is time to present the MOPH and MOPHA wreath at the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier. The National Commander and I present the wreath. 

The next memorial I will attend is the Women's Veterans Memorial and thank goodness that is inside! The National Commander, Sr.-Vice Commander, Jr.- Vice Commander and I will present the wreath. By this time, it is getting dark 5:30 pm. It has been a long day for all attending. It is decided we will all go to dinner and celebrate Veterans Day and enjoy each other's camaraderie and reminisce about our honor to attend the events of this special day. 

I was honored to share this windy and cold day with MOPH Auxiliary members, Chris Day, Shirley Rivera and Kristy Grey. Thank you for attending and representing the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Viet Nam Wall and the Women's Veteran Memorial.

Fran

Fran.MOPHA@Gmail.com

MESSAGES FROM OUR AUXILIARY LEADERSHIP

National Membership Officer

Cheryl Perez, PNP

Michael Selix - CO 423

Jackie Selix - CO 423



Cheryl

Members.MOPHA@gmail.com

National VAVS Officer

National Sgt at Arms

National Americanism Officer

Linda Varejcka

"GOD BLESS AMERICA"

This simple one-verse song became an overnight hit, and a hopeful song as war threatened. But Irving Berlin also received sharp criticism from the press and the public. In an October 10,1940 interview he said, in answer to those who questioned the sincerity of his lyric and his reference to God, Berlin had this to say: (I quote from article) "God Bless America' is a patriotic song written so it can be sung and understood by everyone. It is not a hymn or an anthem. It is just a song. What's wrong with a patriotic song?". Berlin's response was simple and eloquent: "All that I hope for 'God Bless America," " he told the new York Herald-Tribune (October 10, 1940), "is that it will continue to be popular, especially in these day when so many people feel a need for some vocal expression of their patriotism."

In 1918 "Sergeant" Irvin Berlin was stationed at Camp Upton in Yaphank, on Long Island, New York. He was already a successful songwriter, but now a draftee, and his commanding officer enlisted him to write a musical revue to help raise money for a new building. A light-hearted musical review about army life. The hit was "Oh! How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning." (anyone watch Bing Crosby "Holiday Inn"!) The other song was cut and put in a trunk. 

Kate Smith who we associate with the song had asked Irving Berlin for a new number for her radio show in 1938. She was looking for something to mark the 20th anniversary of the end of the Great War, what would later be called World War I. But Irving Berlin was experiencing composer's block, but felt he must deliver. He had just returned from a trip to Europe. Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, was growing more powerful and aggressive and seemed to be preparing for war. He wasn't focusing on a get American ready for a war, but wanted to create a celebrate America as a special place to live. He remembered a song he had drafted years earlier. He pulled the 20-year old manuscript out of an old trunk.

Kate Smith called and he rapidly began rewriting and revising. He had less than two weeks till her November 10, 1938 radio program.

1918 Version Read:

God Bless America, land that I love

Stand beside her

And guide her

To the right with the light from above

Make her victorious on land and foam

God Bless America, my home sweet home. (do you see the changes?)

Berlin knew he had to change the 4th line as Right in political groups had come to mean conservative

political groups. He wanted a song to bring Americans together, and not set them apart.

And he changed "Make her victorious" since it suggested military conquest, rather than the "Peace song" he was shooting for.

The result was the song that became Kate Smiths trademark, Berlin also used as one of his featured songs while touring with his show during WWII.

Most American school kids learn, we sing at most meetings, sporting events etc.  

Some people even think it is the unofficial national anthem of the US. It was spontaneously sung by crowds after the 9/11 attack,

further solidifying its role as a symbol of national unity. 

Kate Smith also added a short poem-prelude that Berlin had also written:

"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,

Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,

As we raise our voices in solemn prayer."

God Bless American,

Land that I love.

Stand beside her, and guide her 

Thru the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,

To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America, My home sweet home.

(Article written from several google searches)

We traditionally have a "Hidden Object" in the General Orders. However, this month, I will ask that you send me one thing you a grateful for this Thanksgiving. We will compile all of the answers and share a few on Thursday's meeting. Please let me know before Thursday. From the entries, we will draw a name and a lucky winner will win a prize.

Please continue to read the General Orders and hunt. 

Share the information with other members. Use the information you read to include in letters/emails to members. Get some great ideas for your units and departments. Let's keep everyone informed. A lot of time and information goes into these General Orders and it is for ALL our members. If this organization is going to continue it is up to all of us, doing our part. Enjoy and have Fun.

Linda

JfVarejcka@Windstream.net

Almighty God in His Infinite Wisdom called the following members to their Eternal Reward: (Always sad to share, but never too late to send a card when possible)

*Dorothy Bird NML (2/11/21)              

*Ruth Peters TX DML (12/13/18)

*Laine Gillis NML (10/13/19)               

*Helen Larson NML (2/21/98)

*Minnie Wilkerson NML (4/16/23)          

*Regina Fleeman NML 10/8/07

*Muriel Schooner MN DML (7/29/20)       

*Mildred Hall NML (3/28/19)

*Catalina Bernal TX DML (2/18/22)

*Mary Anderson TX 1836 (5/6/12)                   

*Elsie Becker NML (7/26/24) 

*Betty Silva NML (11/29/22)                 

*Elizabeth Selikson NML (7/4/23)

*Frances Yount NML (1/22/22)           

*Gladys Tolbert NML (3/16/25) 

*Susan Guard NML (5/10/24)              

*Neil Buck NML (4/29/23)

*Pauline Hagler NML (2/21/21)          

*Betty Woodall MS DML (5/14/15)

*Catherine Anderson NML (6/15/17)           

*Dolores Elliott TX DML (10/2/20)

*Helen Peters NML (5/17/21)      

*Dorothy Washburn NML (10/5/24)

*Dorothy Schultheis OH 3620 (8/28/24) 

*Juanita MacDonald TX DML (7/30/11)

*Rita Jamison NML (6/18/17)       

*Faye Johnson NML (1/15/24)

*Connie Vianes TX 1836 (1/1/22)             

*Amelia Gavine NML 12/31/23)

*Dorothy Fugitt NML (9/3/19)  

*Iris Ball MI 110 (12/2/22)

*Helen Nasser NML (10/3/20)                

*Jean Robinson NML (11/17/20)

*Eleanor Brabo MI 127 (5/2/21)

*Alice Williams NML (7/27/23)   

*Margaret Glover NML (12/2/23) 

*Pauline Bechtold MI 1985 (12/22/23)   

Prayers Requests:

-Kate Bergstrom of Wisconsin Unit 228, lost her son in 
 September. Cards can be sent to: 

  606A Main Street; Mukwonago, WI 53149

- National Secretary Judy Fiddler’s husband Mike, brother, 
 Robert, last month. Cards can be sent to: 
 1231 31st Street SE; Massillon, OH 44646  

-Rebecca “Becky” Amaya of Colorado Unit 375, husband Junior 
 passed in the latter part of October. Cards can be sent to: 
 4430 Eliot Street; Denver, CO 80211 

-Angie Foster of Nebraska Unit 632 lost her niece in a car 
 accident. Cards can be sent to: 
 PO Box 93; Osceola, NE 68651

Health/Thinking of You:

-Vanessa Duett, of Mississippi Unit 803recuperating after a short hospital stay. Cards can
 be sent to her: C/o Brookdale Senior Living 4555-35th Avenue Apt. 203; Meridian, MS
 39305   



-PNP Barb Cherone requests continued prayers for herself, Patriot Rick and their son’s
 family as they navigate their journey of grief with the accidental demise of their son.

Praise Report!!

Praising the Lord that the government shutdown has ended after 43 days. Continue to keep those affected lifted in prayer as they recuperate to remain resilient and in good spirit.

Let us continue in prayer:

• Those grieving, the homebound/hospitalized/sick and shut-in
• Survivors of terrorism, violence, environmental and societal devastation, as well as other changes throughout the world.  
• Our nation and what’s happening in the now, the United States of America government, religious and political leaders as well as other worldly affairs and the impact of those affairs.
• Support for our military, protectors & first responders and volunteers 
• Front line workers, caregivers; medical and educational professionals, field workers in other services giving a helping hand for people (missionaries)
• The unhomed, needy and hungry; those who are lonely, disenfranchised, demoralized or incarcerated; 
• those unspoken requests with many other needs including concerns for health, family, healing, finances other matters



Those prayers known and unknown to only God. Praise God! Thank God for what He is/has/will do. Thank God, Trust God, for He has His finger on the pulse of our lives.

The Chaplain’s Chat on Thursday, 30 October 2025, was well-worth the meet. A hearty thank you to the members who were present, connected, and contributed to the goal of the meeting. The agenda included: welcome, opening inspirational moment and prayer, introduction of attendees, brief review of the purpose of this Chat with the primary goal to connect and support each other as Chaplains and with our membership through the Units and Department Chaplains, as well as the Region. In the spirit of sharing ideas/suggestions with heart-to-heart conversation, President Fran agreed to the suggestion of having a Chaplain’s Chat at next year’s National Convention in New Bern, NC. As discussion ensued, it proved to be inspirational and informative to be able to identify some areas to further research. We closed with prayer requests, an inspirational moment, and prayer. The next Chaplain’s Chat is to be determined.  

By the time you read this, a few of November’s notable significant days have already passed, although every day of living is significant. For a full calendar of monthly, weekly, and daily observances, I encourage you to explore Google’s November Calendar. It’s chock-full of health, fun, informational awareness which would take up a lot of space here. Enjoy-have fun! 

PRAYER TIME:

Please join in prayer, according to your faith, even that as small as a mustard seed. I invite you to include the aforementioned prayer requests and to reflect on this old Irish Blessing that was shared with me, in addition to your personal prayer. Let it be your personal prayer for Thanksgiving. This is Your Time-it will be ‘Your Prayer.’  

“They were all continually united in prayer.” (Acts 1:14)

 Just Breathe: Take 3 deep breaths… | 1 at a time. | Inhale… | Hold. | Slowly exhale… | Relax. | PRAY.

Count your blessings instead of crosses

Count your gain instead of losses

Count your joys instead of woes

Count your friends instead of foes

Count your courage instead of fears

Count your laughs instead of tears

Count your full years instead of lean

Count your kind deeds instead of mean

Count your health instead of wealth

Count on GOD instead of self!

Think about it- what else are you thankful for? Include everything you can think of, count them one by one. Write them down, say them out loud, share them with family and friends this Thanksgiving. Be amazed at just how blessed you are and with a shout of praise, thank and bless our loving Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Father God!  

Have an abundantly blessed Thanksgiving by His grace and mercy -everyday! AMEN!!!

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:18

Humbly, Eternally Grateful, and In HIS Love,

National MOPHA Co-Chaplain, November 2025

Gwendolyn

Numbers 6:24-26

MOPHA, Thank you for your service, we’re so grateful for you!

November Birthdays: 
The United States Marine Corps celebrated its 250th Birthday 10 November 2025. Happy Birthday USMC!!! Happy, Happy Birthday to all of our November Birthday Celebrants! May the good Lord keep on blessing you with many more birthdays to come with abundant favor and the desire of your hearts. Members can share your birthday or anniversary date so we can join in your celebration.

Birthstone: Topaz and Citrine 

Birth Flower: Chrysanthemum.

NEWS from the ORDER

Click HERE for the latest edition of the Purple Heart Magazine.

SURVEY: WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN A HARD COPY OF THE PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE? It has been several years since a hard-copy magazine was distributed. many people ask why. The answer is simple. It costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to distribute a hard copy magazine and we simply do not have the funds to mail copies. Discussions on having a paid mailing-subscription to the magazine are being shared.

We will be sending a survey in the next few weeks regarding the topic.

Please know that the magazine/publications committee is a volunteer committee. We thank editor/designer/publications chair Patriot Larry Leighton for his dedication and commitment.

The next deadline to be included in the Purple Heart Magazine is December 15th. Send articles, ideas, suggestions, and/or photos (list people in photo description) to Publications@PurpleHeart.org

For social media postings, send to Barbara at webmaster.MOPHA@Gmail.com. PLEASE PUT SOCIAL MEDIA in the subject line. Everyone did a great job sending in their Veterans Day pictures. Let's keep the momentum and continue sending in your pictures and content!

We will be updating our website during the first week of January.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!



Please send us photos of camaraderie or fun fellowship photos you may have of our members doing great work!

Download a copy of the National Officer Listing by clicking HERE