Des Moines, IA 98

GER Message

Honor veterans this month, start thinking ahead

November is Veterans Remembrance Month for Elks, and November 11 is Veterans Day, when we honor our veterans, past and present. Elks find many ways to thank our nation's veterans.

Hosting dinners in our Local Lodges, sending care packages, and participating in events at veterans administration hospitals are just a few ways Elks express gratitude.

The Elks annually reaffirm our mission: "So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them." The Elks National Veterans Service Commission takes that pledge one step further and promises to render aid to our nation's veterans and military members, with a special focus on those in need.

Look around your community for other groups honoring veterans. Sharing our programs and making more people aware through joint celebrations or remembrances is a positive way to get publicity for our respect and support of the veterans.
November is also a good time to begin thinking ahead.

• Start finalizing your selections for Elk, Officer, Student, and Citizen of the Year awards.
• Begin planning your Elks Memorial Service for the first Sunday in December.
• Start preparing for your Christmas events.
• Consider updating your All-American Lodge stats--keeping this up monthly is much easier than a blitz to complete it all at once.

Finally, Thanksgiving this year is on November 26. Is your Lodge planning a special dinner or event for those who have nowhere to go for the holiday?

We look forward to hearing about all the special events Lodges hold when we visit your area. Happy Thanksgiving. God bless our great Order, our troops, and the United States of America.

Remember, "Elks Care--Elks Share."
Are you READY ELKS--LET'S GO!