The LaCoursiere family extends its heartfelt wishes to our entire American Legion Family for a happy holiday season full of peace and goodwill.
Ever since Gen. George Washington led his troops across the Delaware River on the cold Christmas evening of 1776, America’s military members have understood that sacrifice and service do not stop for the holidays. The American Legion does not stop either.
We advocate for veterans 365 days a year. We insist that the Veterans Crisis Line (988 ext. 1) never shut down and is ready to always respond to those who may be struggling. American Legion posts host Christmas parties for youth, provide meals to the hungry and serve as emergency relief centers to communities stricken by storms.
We do not do this as part of seasonal tradition. We do it because the spirit of service is also the spirit of The American Legion all year long. One of the highlights of my time as national commander has been spending much of December visiting our troops in Guam and Hawaii. I can assure you that many of them will be on duty during their favorite holidays. Those who are not on duty, will stand ready for action if called upon.
There are more than a quarter million U.S. troops serving overseas at this moment. Many are deployed to danger zones in the Middle East, Africa and Korea. Family separations are common, and our potential adversaries do not often celebrate the same holidays that most Americans observe.
But whether you observe Christmas, Channukah, Ramadan or none-of-the-above, holidays are times of celebration. And there is much to celebrate in our great nation and our American Legion Family.
As any other time of the year, The American Legion encourages all Americans to be the one to ask, listen and reach out to veterans who may be struggling.
The holiday season can be times of joy for many and times of sorrow for some. Sending cards to the troops and volunteering at a VA hospital or senior living facility are just some of the ways we can celebrate while living up to the spirit and preamble of our American Legion.
The LaCoursiere family extends its heartfelt wishes to our entire American Legion Family for a happy holiday season full of peace and goodwill.
James LaCoursiere Jr.
National Commander
- Dispatch