Supporting the Military and Veterans
The American Legion is our country’s largest wartime veterans’ service organization aimed at advocating patriotism across the United States through diverse programs and member benefits. There are over 200 American Legion local Posts in North Carolina.
Fisher House Foundation, Inc. is an international, not-for-profit organization established to improve the quality of life for members of the military, veterans, and their families by building comfort homes at military and VA medical centers and gifting them to the government. Military and veterans’ families stay free of charge while a loved one is in the hospital. Other Quality of Life programs include the Hero Miles and Hotels for Heroes programs, scholarships, support for continuing rehabilitation initiatives, and individual assistance to members of the military and their families during a crisis. There are two Fisher Houses facilities in NC; Fort Bragg Fisher House is within walking distance of the Womack Army Medical Center and Camp Lejeune Fisher House is near the Naval Medical Center.
The USO (United Service Organizations) strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home, and country, throughout their service to the nation. Since 1941, the USO has provided programs, services, and live entertainment to members of the US Armed Forces and their families. There are eleven USO centers or airport centers in North Carolina.
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military. The Purple Heart Foundation provides support to veterans and their families through grants and outreach programs and donations to organizations whose programs help veterans. Veterans returning home can face emotional, medical, and financial challenges. The Purple Heart Foundation exists to lessen these trials and give veterans the homecoming they deserve. Purple Heart Dinners were held throughout North Carolina. The NC Legislature provided resources to fund these functions to recognize recipients.
We are encouraging Clubs to continue to volunteer and support these organizations, especially here in North Carolina, with financial aid during activities and special events. Furnishing and planting plants to beautify the landscape, providing holiday meals, donating much needed supplies, writing letters and creating holiday gift boxes are always welcome. Celebrating our Women Veterans with luncheons and teas in the community are great events to host, attend and raise awareness.
Memorial Day Prayer
Father, today we pause to reflect on the sacrifice made by those who paid the ultimate price on behalf of our nation. We pray that their sacrifices are never forgotten, nor is the pain of their families.
We acknowledge that freedom comes at a cost and pray that we can pursue peace and someday celebrate Memorial Day as a long-ago memory of the time before we started living the peaceful existence you intended for us since the beginning of creation.
Let us turn to you, Lord, in our grief and in our remembrance of the fallen. Guide us toward a harmonious existence as we honor those who were willing to give up their lives that we may gather here today freely.
On this Memorial Day, we pray for peace and for those who gave all. Lead us toward a world where no one must give their lives in pursuit of freedom – may we be receptive to your guidance and may we never forget the fallen.