Chicago, IL. October 27,2015: Some twenty-two million veterans live in our communities. The Elks National President, Ronald L. Hicks, has a proclaimed November as Veterans Remembrance Month as a way to encourage us to find local veterans and help them with their needs.
As Elks, we can never do enough for our Veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much for us. The Iraq and Afghanistan Wars alone have generated more than 2 million young veterans, many of whom have returned home with disabling injuries, while more than 18% of new Veterans suffer from PTSD (2008 Rand Corporation study).
The Elks proudly declare: “So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” among our ongoing efforts to back up that statement, we make our presence known in every VA hospital; adopt veterans in need of support; assist military families with our Army of Hope; place POW/MIA tables in our Lodges; and participate in Stand Downs for homeless veterans. To learn more, visit www.Elks.Org/vets/.”
And just recently, the Elks have entered into a partnership with Veterans Health Administration to support efforts for homeless Veterans in their communities. To this end the Elks have pledged $4 million to help end Veteran homelessness.
Let us remember to thank our Veterans and to show our appreciation in some special way every day, not just in November. And, should you see a member of our Armed Services in uniform, please march right up to him or her and say: “Thank you for your service, Have a great day!” It is the least we can do.
To learn more visit www.elks.org