As we celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, we have lots to be thankful for and even more reasons to continue our commitment to our nation’s veterans.
Dear American Legion Family members and friends,
I feel especially grateful this year as we pause, reflect and give thanks for our blessings.
This week, many of us will gather to celebrate Thanksgiving with our families, friends and other loved ones. We’ll enjoy traditional holiday dinners; my favorite special treats – like turkey legs, mince meat pie and apple pie with ice cream – and each other’s company.
Personally, I will take some time to express my gratitude for the freedom in which we all live, and especially for our deployed troops who are not able to be with their families at this special time. I am extremely grateful for the military spouses and family members at home who are celebrating here as their hearts are with loved ones overseas.
I am also thankful for all of the first responders, keeping us safe throughout the year, including on Thanksgiving Day when they too will be away from family celebrations.
Of course, I am grateful for our 1.6 million members who serve their communities every day of the year. I extend heartfelt kudos to those who are volunteering their time this week to help their communities by providing meals to homeless veterans, entertaining residents at veterans homes, honoring National Guard troops and more.
Unfortunately, for some veterans holidays can also usher in feelings of lonelineness or depression. That makes this an excellent time to reach out to a veteran who may feel isolated or need some assistance. While our Buddy Check program can be done at any time of the year, this week is a great opportunity to reach out and brighten a veteran’s day.
I am grateful for what you do every day for our veterans, The American Legion and the communities where freedom rings.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.
National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr.
- Commander