Justine Robles
2020-2021 National Americanism Ambassador
Happy New Year! I hope the holiday season was merry and bright for everyone. Time is moving quickly. Can you believe we are more than halfway through our VFW Auxiliary Program Year?!
We are all still dealing with COVID and the restrictions that come with it. In these trying times we have learned to adapt, push harder, think outside the box and overcome some very uncharted waters. I am so proud of the Auxiliaries and Departments who are promoting patriotism in unconventional ways.
There are many holidays in the winter months of January and February. Some are patriotic in nature and others are not. However, we can add our own patriotic touches to every holiday!
- January 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Martin Luther King Jr. stood for civil rights, equality and unity for all. Fly your Flag. Reach out to a local school who has a Martin Luther King Jr. display and ask them to add a Flag to their display. You can also do this in your local library or post office.
- February 4: Happy Birthday to the USO – The USO was founded in 1941. They have helped troops both overseas and at home as well as families of deployed, wounded and fallen military personnel. There are more than 250 locations worldwide with more than 30,000 volunteers. Many major airports have USO welcome centers for our troops when they come home. Find a location near you and
- Send a patriotic birthday card.
- Provide a box of candy or a sweet treat to thank volunteers.
- Donate American Flags they can distribute to troops.
- Volunteer or make a monetary donation.
- February 14: Valentine’s Day – Everyone loves to get flowers on Valentine’s Day. Buy that special someone a red, white and blue flower arrangement instead of traditional red roses. You can always be extra Patriotic and add an American flag, pin or a charm for that special someone.
- February 15: Presidents Day – Fly your Flag. Put together a Presidents Day matching game.
- Provide a list of famous quotes and a list of U.S. Presidents. They will draw a line from each quote to the matching President.
- Provide a list of presidential terms (e.g. 2001–2009, 1861-1865 and 1789-1797) and a list of U.S. Presidents They will draw a line from each year to the President who served during that term.
I challenge each of you to continue thinking outside the box! Look for a veteran and their family who may need some help and offer some assistance. Look for American Flags in your neighborhood or at local businesses that are not looking so healthy and offer to replace it.
Remember those people in your communities who display their Flag and acknowledge them with a certificate so they can be recognized and appreciated.
In closing I wish you all a healthy and prosperous new year! Continue Honoring Our Mission to Serve Veterans as we stay true to our Red, White and Blue!