November is Elks' Veterans Remembrance Month
November 11th is always Veterans' Day, but the B.P.O. Elks every year declare the month of November to be Veterans Remembrance Month for Elks across the United States, as a fitting and well deserved tribute for our military veterans. Southampton Elks Lodge has an outstanding record of supporting our veterans. As reported elsewhere, over the last two years our Lodge has donated a medical transport van to the Disabled American Veterans transportation services. Piloted by volunteer drivers (our own Esteemed Lecturing Knight, Pete Magnuson, is a driver), these vans transport veterans to Northport V.A. Hospital and to other medical appointments, and return them home again. Within the past year, we have provided funding for four area veterans to take the "Honor Flight", and all expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the recently completed World War II Memorial. We have an oustanding Veteran's Committee, chaired by member Bobby Shea. Members drop gently used clothing, books, videos, toiletries, etc. at the Lodge, and Bob delivers them to Northport V.A. Hospital for distribution. He even has been known to go shopping with a "wish list" provided by Veterans services staff; on one occcasion, he even bought ladies underwear for patients needing them. True devotion. After the local Independence Day parade, all veterans are welcome to stop by at our Lodge for food as our guests. Our Lodge has also served as a meeting place for Veterans seminars, where they can learn the services and benefits available to them. But during the month of November, we turn special attention to our veterans, their needs, and the needs of their families. We urge the general public to do the same. By the same token, remember and say a prayer for our troops in the service of our country.
Posted by: Southampton, NY #1574 (11/02/2009)