Thank you, veterans!
Nov. 11 — the day we know as Veterans Day — is significant in history. It marks the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month in 1918 that fighting between the Allied nations and Germany ceased. On this day, we pay tribute to all veterans: those who have served and are currently serving, along with those who have passed.
The American Legion Family is grateful for our nation’s veterans every day, but on Nov. 11, our members make sure to show appreciation and invite others to do the same. Units will be holding ceremonies, hosting meals, distributing poppies, and more.
We recently asked our Facebook followers how they planned to observe Veterans Day. Here are a some of their responses:
American Legion Tom Whitmore Post 28 in Wyoming is having a pancake breakfast served by our local Boy Scout Troop 312 for our veterans and their families.
My unit adopted 11 veterans who are teachers. We partnered up with Texas Roadhouse for gift bags and dinner certificates.
I will attend the joint American Legion and VFW Veterans Day program at school. Then in the evening, I will help serve the Veterans Day meal put on by Alcester Unit 86, South Dakota. We serve between 200-300 people.
Unit 123, Philippines, will serve free lunch to veterans.
I’m going to make ribbon-style pin with a heart on the top saying “Thank you for your service.” I will be passing them out hopefully with a little celebration at the local care center.
Unit 166, Goose Creek, South Carolina will be handing out hygiene bags at the VA clinic on Thursday. We will attend a program at John McCants Veterans Park on Friday.
Distributing poppies in Berkley, Massachusetts.
Vandalia, Ohio American Legion Post 668 will host the Veterans Day service and serving lunch.
Our Legion Post 927, Gilbert, Pennsylvania hosts a ceremony and luncheon. Before the ceremony, there is an elementary school parade for all the veterans. Then they have a snack with the kids before they head over to the Legion
Our unit is having a poppy day/membership drive at our Veterans Memorial Park.
We will be awarding five Quilts of Valor to area veterans at our American Legion hall, followed by a social.
Las Vegas hosts the 2nd largest Veterans Day Parade in the country. (New York City is No. 1.) It is the largest parade west of the Mississippi River. American Legion Post 8 Family will have our ALR leading the parade, then the post will be having a big open house where we invite everyone in the community to come eat, enjoy some music, camaraderie, and sharing time with our most treasured resource: our veterans. This year, we will have a Bloodmobile so we can do a blood drive. There will also be local veteran-owned businesses that are local vendors, mobile car detailers, pet services, etc., and we will have Humana partners there to assist with healthcare needs. The mayor has been invited.
- Glynis Seeley-Morris, Nevada
In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
