The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2026 #6 11-5-25

VOLUME 2026   NOVEMBER 5   NUMBER 6

President Kelly Karl welcomed everyone, and Jerry Banaka gave us our morning reflection that was followed by the flag salute.

ACHES & PAINS: As the season changes, breathe in all the beauty!

PROGRAM: Jerry Banaka introduced our speaker this morning, Colonel Chuck Sexton, US Army (Retired) who spoke to us about “Going Medieval: Why are there so many Medals and why are they so Medieval looking” and about Veteran’s Day Recognition. There was a bit of trickery when Colonel Sexton asked “what was the first US medal?” (and there was a picture of the Purple Heart) Obviously we’d assume that was the first… but not the correct answer! The first US military medal for service was the Badge of Military Merit, established by George Washington on August 7, 1782, to recognize enlisted soldiers. It was later revived as the Purple Heart in 1932. Before that, the Fidelity Medallion was created in 1780 but was only awarded to three soldiers and was never re-issued, making the Badge of Military Merit the first for enlisted men that is considered the predecessor to a modern award. Those soldiers were Sergeant William Brown, Sergeant Elijah Churchill and Sergeant Daniel Bissell Jr. – for “unusual gallantry” or “extraordinary fidelity and essential service”.

Why did we have so few medals?? A Government-wide legal interpretation of the Constitution’s Emolument Clause: Article 1, Section 9, Clause 8: No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States…..

Why do we have so many medals NOW?? The idea of “give me enough medals and I’ll win you any war” and “a soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon.” And what a difference a year makes:

• General of the Army Dwight Eisenhower – 42 Years of Service, 10 Total US Awards
• Major Audie Murphy – 24 Years of Service, 12 Total US Awards
• General Mark Milley – 43 Years of Service, 22 Total US Awards

Why do our Medals and Badges look like something from the Game of Thrones? Blame a College Professor, his friend the President and the Secretary of War, American Awards and Badges weren’t “UP” to the Standards of the French and British. Colonel Sexton had a lot of information, why’s, how’s, changes in attitude and many stories I am certain he’d love to share about these medals and awards!

 

Lastly, Colonel Chuck Sexton handed the program over to his wife, Melody, both from the Flint Hills Veterans’ Coalition who spoke about the upcoming Manhattan Veteran’s Day Events. The mission of the Flint Hills Veterans Coalition is to foster patriotism, promote Veterans Day and honor veterans throughout the community. There is a breakfast from 7:00am to 9:00am at the American Legion Post #17 at 114 McCall Rd. There will be over 1600 participants in the parade that will start at 9:30am on Veteran’s Day and go from the Mall to City Hall down Poyntz Avenue. The Manhattan Veteran’s Day Parade will include a Color Guard on horseback, former Solar Kiwanian -Jim Sharpe and the Keynote Speaker will begin the Ceremony of honor in the Peace Memorial Auditorium at 11:00am. We hope you can all join.

Hoop Holler & Shoot is upon us, Thad Hall will be looking for some additional help, Nov 11, Semi Finals for both girls and boys, please reach out to Thad if you are able to assist!

Sharon Fincham has been getting information out to the schools about the Youth of the Month Program, anyone interested in helping recognize these students, please see Sharon.

Korey Klingenberg will be asking for assistance with the Early Expressions Art Program, all art work from K-12 will be picked up from the schools on Dec 11th and prepared for judging on Dec 12th. If you are able to ass please reach out to Korey.

TREE LOT! Stanchions going up this weekend, if you can assist, please see Steve Boeckman. We’ll have trees before you know it!

Doug Jardine once again thanked the many for supporting him in the efforts to find a cure for Childhood Cancer.

CONGRATULATIONS to Larry Fox and Jim Morrison!

DUES ARE DUE: October 1st, $140.00 can be given to Clyde Scott.

GUESTS: No other guests present.

Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed.

NOVEMBER 12 – NOON MEETING: Program: Student of the Month Presentation/Tree Lot Report & Progress

NOVEMBER 26 – NOON MEETING: Program: Christmas Tree Lot Preparation – Catered Lunch at Optimist Park: Topic: “Preparation for Tree Lot Opening”