Dear American Legion Family and Friends,
We have so much to be thankful for at this time of the year.
Many of us will spend time with family members, friends and other loved ones celebrating Thanksgiving. We’ll enjoy hearty feasts, relish fond memories, and give thanks and prayers for all of our blessings.
As veterans, we know all too well how important it is to be with loved ones on special holidays. I don’t have to remind you to keep our servicemembers – especially those on deployment – in our thoughts during this holiday time.
Fortunately, there are American Legion posts that welcome servicemembers into their homes for a Thanksgiving meal and camaraderie. It’s a great way to introduce these troops to our American Legion Family.
At the same time, American Legion posts are providing food, fun and fellowship throughout their communities. Take, for example:
- American Legion Post 38 in Fountain, Colo., which has amassed 100 turkeys and all the trimmings. The food is part of an annual giveaway to help needy families in the neighborhood. Post 38 partners with Fountain police to identify needy families and distribute the food to them.
- In Illinois, American Legion posts in Palatine (Post 690) and Morton Grove (Post 134) host sailors from Great Lakes Naval Station for a Thanksgiving meal and provide the opportunity for their guests to call or email home free of charge.
- American Legion Post 31 in Salinas, Calif., will be serving around 600 meals at its 20th annual Thanksgiving celebration. The post also is hosting a drive to collect jackets, which will be distributed to those in need during the meal.
- In Polk City, Iowa, American Legion Riders deliver Thanksgiving meals through their Holiday for Heroes program. More than 80 area veterans will get a complete Thanksgiving meal that they can prepare in their own homes for family and friends.
These are just a few of the countless examples of how American Legion Family members are serving their communities during this time of the year. Share how your post, squadron, chapter and/or unit is demonstrating its commitment to community service on Legiontown.
There are many reasons why I love The American Legion. Among the top reasons is the way we support our local communities, especially during holiday seasons.
Thank you for what you do throughout the year, and especially during this special time.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, your families and the communities you so proudly serve.
Celebrating Our Legacy.
Brett Reistad
National Commander
