Dear Editor:

Enclosed is an article that appeared in the current Issue of The American Legion

Magazine and The Dispatch, the publication of the National Organization. It was

very interesting to me to learn that other countries that hold the United States in

such high regard are teaching their children to sing our National Anthem as well as

teaching about our veterans buried in foreign cemeteries. Having been involved

with Temple City and San Gabriel Schools for over fifty years promoting. The

American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary programs, I am appreciative of

the great job all schools are doing in teaching our children patriotism, abut our

heritage, and respect for our veterans, especially those that have made be ultimate

sacrifice. However, this article was of great interest to me and I feel that it might be

a great “guest editorial” in your newspaper to let others who do not read The American Legion Magazine or receive The Dispatch. The American Legion always encourages veterans of all wars and conflicts to join The American Legion and be appraised of their benefits, legislation concerning them, and all the programs offered by Legion and the

Auxiliary to benefit our veterans and their families, the youth of our nation, and our communities.

Posts are located all over the San Gabriel Valley and will welcome contacts from interested veterans. The American Legion is on the Internet at http//www.legion.org or the District 18^th (San Gabriel Valley) can be reached at larryjon@pacbell.net. National Headquarters and Commander David K. Rehbein, 371-630-1200, e-mail magazine@legion.org.

Peggy McIntosh,

San Gabriel

See “Guest Editorial”

Dear Editor:

Larry Callaham has retired from Rosemead High School as its principal and leaves a legacy of caring, advocating for and encouraging students, parents and employees to give their best effort, and working well with other El Monte Union High School District personnel in helping provide a good learning environment with a campus that is safe, clean, maintained and where students, parents and employees are listened to and welcome to visit the campus and ask questions.

Students expressed a big interest in starting a swim club even though the school has no pool. Callaham worked with the group of dozens of students and City of Rosemead to use the city’s pool next door to the high school.

The cross country program asked about having a “night” invitational at the high school and Rosemead Park next to the school. Some people would say no because they asked how the meet could be run at night. With existing and added portable lighting and great cooperation from City of Rosemead, Rosemead High’s Annual Cross Inflatable Water Slide Country Invitational in September 2008 was a huge success with 43 high schools participating. It’s become one of the largest high school events in the San Gabriel Valley and apparently is one of only three night invitationals in California. And, Callaham volunteered on the race course, far away from the limelight of the stadium, to help direct runners near the park.

The district drop out rate is below the county and state average because of many people, including Callaham.

He also instituted what has become a very popular school bulletin board case at the entrance hallway at the school so students and staff members are recognized for their good efforts.

He always is happy to see people and when times require toughness he is tough and has always appeared to be fair to both sides.

Thanks Larry Callaham for the memories and your legacy.

Chuck Lyons

Rosemead