The season of giving is upon us once again. For many of us, ‘tis the season of joy, peace and happiness. We gather with friends, family and those closest to us to share in a number of cheerful festivities, grateful for the time we’re able to spend together.
From the comfort and safety of our own homes, we’ll celebrate the holidays and ring in the new year. But more than 200,000 Americans will spend this sacred time in over 150 foreign countries and at sea, separated from family and friends at great distances. For these Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, Christmas dinner and the stroke of midnight to ring in the new year will be met only by the memories of the traditional sights, sounds and smells of the occasion.
While our deployed service members commemorate the holidays in their own ways, any veteran who has been deployed during this time will tell you, ‘it’s just not the same.’ This is one of the many sacrifices that our service members, as well as their families make in order to protect and defend our way of life.
This time of year also brings with it unique difficulties for the countless veterans who have returned from their wars, but still bear the wounds both physically and emotionally, as well as for the families who have lost a loved one to America’s wars.
We ask that each VFW member, and those who are part of our extended network, to take time over the coming weeks to reach out to a veteran or military family member you may know, extend your warmest wishes to them and thank them for all they’ve sacrificed.
We wish every service member, veteran and military family a very happy and safe holiday season. And we thank you for all you’ve sacrificed to ensure we’re able to freely spend this time with those we love.