Under the leadership of our Elks National Veterans Service
Commission, the Order has long enjoyed a rewarding relationship with our Nation’s
Veterans. Years ago we adopted the credo "So
long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will
never forget them," and we never have.
Ours is a glorious history of service and remembrance to our
Nation’s Veterans:
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The ELKS financed and equipped the first two field
hospitals in France during World War I and donated $60,000 to the Salvation
Army for its use during the war. |
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We built a 700-bed hospital in Boston and donated it to
the Federal Government as the first Veterans Hospital facility. |
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In 1919 the ELKS established the first "G.I."
loan program. |
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During World War II our Lodges helped with recruitment
and in providing "refresher" courses to help thousands of
Americans qualify for flight training. |
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During World War II we established over 150 Hospitality
Centers. |
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During the Korean conflict, the Order established 25
Hospitality Centers, and ELKS donated over one-half million pints of blood
for the treatment of our wounded. |
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We furnished materials to build a "Rest and
Recreation Center" at the Naval Hospital in Guam. |
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A "Letters from Home" campaign was initiated
during the Viet-Nam conflict and was continued through the recent Gulf
campaign. |
Throughout the years, our Lodges and their Members have
honored our pledge by presenting gifts to Veterans Hospitals, with visits and
gifts to hospitalized veterans, and sponsored events such as bingo, dinners and
picnics for them.
Over the years ELKS have donated millions of dollars worth of
cash and in-kind contributions for those who gave so much to preserve our
freedom. Thousands of veterans have the comfort provided through our
"Adopt-A-Veteran" Program.
No, ours was not an idle pledge. We have steadfastly adhered
to its challenges, and we will continue our service to those who gave so much
that we may live in peace. To them is owed a debt which can never be fully
repaid, but the Order will continue to be in the forefront of those who strive
to do so.
On the local front, Chairwoman Regina Hogan has been
steadfast in her devotion to the enhancement of the Veterans Service program
within Cohoes-Waterford.
She continues to organize visits to the VA Hospital in Albany
for the distribution of ice cream and canteen books as well as organizing bingo
nights to provide entertainment for the patients.
She and her committee host a "Bowling for Vets" day
each Spring that has raised thousands of dollars to benefit local Veteran’s
homes and programs.
Each year during Veterans Rememberance Month (November), a
Veteran’s Luncheon is prepared. All members of the Lodge who have served their
country in any of the branches of service are treated to a delicious lunch which
is followed by a moving flag retirement service that was scripted by Greg
Schwartz, a career Army officer and respected member of the Lodge.
Finally, Regina founded what has now become a holiday
tradition in creating what is known as the "Veteran’s Christmas
Tree". Each year, a tree is "decorated" with the names of needy
veterans from a nearby veteran’s home. Members of the Lodge are encouraged to
select an "ornament" from the tree and purchase the "gift"
that is noted within. The Lodge then travels to the facility to meet Santa as he
presents these most deserving individuals with their Christmas wish.
To learn more about the Elks Veteran’s Service Program,
please visit the Veterans link at the Grand Lodge website at www.elks.org/enf.
