Jodie Hollinger
2020-2021 National Youth Activities Ambassador
Honoring Our Veterans
Did you know March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day? This day is to honor those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice during the longest conflict in U.S. history – the Vietnam War. Our Vietnam veterans need to know we care and are here for them. There was a time when many of these men and women would not even acknowledge their military service due to the treatment they received when they came home. We can change that!
- Host a breakfast and have youth serve veterans.
- Have youth create placemats for your table setting.
- Host a grandparent and grandchild luncheon. Encourage Vietnam veterans bring their grandchild(ren).
- Invite youth to join Auxiliary members help deliver meals.
- Have youth create personalized yard art or greetings; include thank you messages.
By including youth, you will be able to educate them about this war and help them understand why the Auxiliary does what we do. When you make things fun and exciting, they will want to come back and participate in other activities sponsored by the Auxiliary.
Working Together
Many VFW Auxiliary Programs work hand in hand. Examples include:
- Americanism
- Youth carry the Flag and lead the Pledge at a high school sporting event.
- A youth group partners with your Auxiliary during your POW/MIA recognition event.
- “Buddy”® Poppy/National Home
- Have a “Buddy”® Poppy Prince and Princess for your Auxiliary/Post. They could help at “Buddy”® Poppy drives, have a special place in your parades, anything that will make the youth in your community want to participate and be the next Prince or Princess!
- Historian/Media Relations
- High school students help make a video promoting your Auxiliary for television or social media. Many students have ideas we haven’t even thought of!
- Hospital
- Have a sports team collect items for veterans in the VA and non-VA medical facilities before their game. Maybe some of the youth would even be interested in volunteering at the facilities if asked.
Don’t forget to promote our other Programs and try to incorporate them with Youth Activities!
There’s Still Time!
You still have time to promote the Illustrating America and Get Excited for the Red, White and Blue! contests. Visit our resources page for contest rules, eligibility requirements and entry forms.
Your local Auxiliary must receive the entries for both contests by March 31, 2021. Your Department must receive the entries by April 15, 2021. I can’t wait to see – and hear – the creativity of our youth.
Please continue supporting our youth and encouraging and motivating everyone to keep working our Programs during this challenging time.
“Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” – Maya Angelou