To fellow veterans:

Veterans groups in area communities need participation from National Guard and Reservists, veterans of all wars, Legionnaires, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Vietnam Veterans of America.

Veterans organizations do a number of tasks in the region.

This includes arranging an American Legion Honor Guard for “Taps” for the departed, flags for veterans’ families, patriotic displays for Armed Forces Day on May 15, Memorial Day events, Flag Day ceremonies on June 14, marching in Fourth of July parades and operating food booths at events, handling raffles and silent auctions, banquets and dinners for veterans, Patriots Day on Sept. 11 and going to schools to show proper way of folding, displaying and disposing of the American flag.

Also, breakfasts and cookouts are done as outreach, bringing community support for the posts that are run as a non-profit organization.

Halloween candy is handed out to schoolchildren in October. They aid Veterans Day remembrances on Nov. 11 at monuments that honor and respect veterans’ duty and service to country. Luncheons and dinners are served along with speakers on this dedicated day.

There’s remembrances for Pearl Harbor Day on Dec. 7. Around Christmastime, candy, fruit and peanuts are provided to schools.

The Legionnaires, family, friends and community members also have fundraising events throughout the year. Check with your nearest Legion or VFW posts.

We invite you to attend and carry on this time-honored Legion history: World War I and World War II; 40 and 8; VFW; Korea; Vietnam Veterans of America; Lebanon; Grenada; Panama; Kosovo; and Gulf Wars “Desert Storm,” “Enduring Freedom” and “Noble Eagle.”

“Calling on all who have served, for God and Country.”