Burke delivers American soldier program to Kiwanians

Last Tuesday, July 6, at 7 p.m. at Rustic Grill, President Dess Smith III presided over Swainsboro Kiwanis Club’s latest weekly meeting. Twenty-six people attended, including four guests: Renee Burke, Breana Librizzi, John David Bailey, and Steve Burke, who was the speaker for the occasion.

Smith, as program host, introduced Burke, a member of the Wiregrass Chapter of the Georgia Society – Sons of the American Revolution.

The local survivalist and historian presented a program on the American soldier from the American Revolution to World War II. Using George Washington as his example, Burke talked about the sacrifices made by Washington and those early patriots. According to Burke, they were always there when needed, and the same applies to all American soldiers. He talked about the testing of the new nation in the War of 1812 and the Mexican War of 1846. He also discussed the war of brother against brother, the War between the States from 1861 to 1865. Rounding out his presentation, Burke spoke of the Spanish American War in 1898 in Cuba, the global World War I in 1918 with Germany, and the U.S. fighting World War II on two fronts (the European front against Germany and Italy and the Pacific front against Japan). He closed with a tribute to the role of women in these wars.

Pepper Fields had a stellar night, leaving the meeting with several prizes. She won a carrot cake donated by Ginny Smith and baked by Petite Garrett; a Domino’s pizza donated by Domino’s of Swainsboro; and a produce bag from Frank and Deana Patrick’s garden.

To become a member of the Kiwanis Club of Swainsboro, contact Membership Chair Jane Durden at 478-494-4113 or e-mail her at hsdurden@bellsouth.net. For more information about Swainsboro Kiwanis Club and the many community service projects it does each year, go to http://www.swainsborokiwanis.org or visit the club’s Facebook page.