In an effort to recognize and support our nation’s veterans, Elks National President Randy Shook has proclaimed November to be Veterans Remembrance Month.
Elks live by the pledge to never forget our nation’s veterans, and our volunteers prove that adage to be true every day, in a myriad of ways. Through the Voluntary Service program, Elks serve veterans and military families in places like VA Medical Centers, State Veterans Homes, and Fisher Houses. Through Freedom Grants, Lodges fund food baskets for veterans living in poverty, school supplies for military children, and adaptive sports for veterans with disabilities.
The Elks Welcome Home program helps veterans prevent or exit homelessness by providing emergency assistance and offering supplies needed for setting up permanent homes. We offer a hand up to veterans like Jon, who served four years with the Marines.
Two months away from finishing his college degree and starting a full-time job, he found himself and his family at risk of homelessness. Through the Elks Emergency Assistance Fund, we were able to send just two months of rent to tide him over and keep his family housed.
“I knew the legacy of the Elks taking care of the veteran community was great,” wrote Jon in a thank-you note. “I never thought that I would have it affect me so personally, but I’m glad that I get to see organizations actually do what they say they do.”
This month, we urge all Americans to join the Elks in service to the veterans in your community. Let us remember the words of Elk member and President John F. Kennedy who said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”
There are nearly 1,800 Elks Lodges across the country with a total membership of around 800,000. Elks members must be American citizens who are at least 21 years of age and must believe in God. To learn more and to join us in service, visit www.elks.org. For membership information visit Join.Elks.Org.