By Hannah Amos
Veterans Day is an important holiday for the American Legion Auxiliary to celebrate and honor veterans. The holiday became federally recognized in 1938 — originally called Armistice Day — to recognize World War I veterans. It became Veterans Day in 1954 to recognize all United States veterans. The ALA on all levels celebrates the holiday from hosting fundraisers — like the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation’s Veterans Day of Giving — to local cookouts to Veterans Day ceremonies. Read below to see how units around the nation are doing to celebrate Veterans Day and support our veterans:
“American Legion Post 282 in La Mesa, Calif., is planning a Burger Burn in their parking lot, and veterans eat free and the rest eat by donation on Nov. 11. Also, they have planned a blood drive at the same time in their parking lot. The Auxiliary will be helping with both events.”
“Nathan Caulder Unit 132 will be hosting our third annual camouflage event on Veterans Day. We, the Auxiliary members, dress up in our best camouflage outfits, and we ask our veterans and patrons to come to the post to celebrate our veterans on Veterans Day with food that day.”
“The Juniors of Merle Guild Unit 208 in Arlington Heights, Ill., will be hosting a dinner for the veterans of Post 208. Nov. 11 just happens to be their regular monthly meeting, so what better time to show our appreciation?”
“American Legion Auxiliary Unit 53, Perry, Okla., plans to host lunch for veterans, their families, and community residents on Veterans Day. Our unit has hosted an annual Veterans Day lunch for the past several years. The meal was previously catered for several years because of the wonderful generosity of the owner of a local catering service. This business was sold a couple of years ago and the new owner offered a discount to the ALA. However, despite the discount, the catering cost was prohibitive for our unit. Last year’s meal was provided by the ALA and individuals who generously gave prepared foods and their time. We hope for the same generosity for this year’s meal. This event follows other Veterans Day activities in the community, including a veterans walk around Perry’s town square. The meal is well-received. Those attending may give monetary donations if they wish, but doing so is not required.”
“We actually plan an entire week in the elementary schools in Goochland, Va. We organize this with the librarians and The American Legion members. We go into each class and read an age-appropriate book about veterans. The veterans with us will then talk about their service. Some bring in their medals or pieces of equipment to show the students; last year, a kevlar helmet was a big hit. One school sets up a white table, so we read the story about that with students … We also donate a new book about veterans or service to the school library each year.”
“American Legion Auxiliary Unit 627 in Newburgh Heights, Ohio, will be showing our appreciation to our veterans on Sunday afternoon with an Italian-themed dinner, raffle prizes (no purchase necessary/for veterans only), and gifts from our Junior Auxiliary members. We also put up a bulletin board displaying pictures of our veterans. This is done with donations from the Sons and American Legion Riders. On Tuesday, Veterans Day, some from our post are going to a local nursing home to hang out and talk with about 20 veterans. They will be taking them T-shirts and hats that say ‘veteran’ on them, certificates honoring their service, and a couple small items.”
“Unit 145 in Salisbury, Md., will be distributing sweet treats to veterans at two local senior housing developments and sending pizza to five selected veterans. We will be attending ceremonies at three different veterans’ programs throughout the day — one being a Maryland Veterans Cemetery.”
This Veterans Day, the ALA Foundation Board of Directors invites you to join us in serving those who served. Together, we can honor our nation’s veterans by making a gift to the ALA Foundation’s Veteran Projects Fund in tribute to the servicemembers who have touched your life. Donate
here.
