Opinion: ‘Thank you for serving this great country’

Andi Schwartz
president, American Legion Auxiliary Tum Tum Unit 168

As Veterans Day approaches, the members of American Legion Auxiliary Tum Tum Unit 168 in Amboy would like to express our sincere appreciation for the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.

Andi Schwartz
President, American Legion Auxiliary Tum Tum Unit 168

Thank you for serving this great country. Thank you for protecting us. Thank you for the security we have here at home. We know you sacrificed much for your country and all of us. And though you may no longer wear the uniform, your service remains an important part of our nation’s story.

We invite everyone to pause today to honor all who have served our country.

There are several opportunities over the coming days to honor our veterans in person. This Saturday, Nov. 7, the North Clark Historical Museum and Mt. Valley Grange host the 39th Annual Community Celebration Honoring Our Veterans at Mt. Valley Grange No. 79, 40107 NE 221st Ave., Amboy. Pie and ice cream begin at 1 p.m., followed by the program at 2 p.m. Rick Halle, commander of American Legion Tum Tum Post 168, will speak, and members of Post 168 will present the colors.

On Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, join the community for the Lough Legacy Veterans Parade at 11 a.m. at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. While there, stop by the Community Military Appreciation Committee open house at Pearson Air Museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Honoring veterans also means supporting them throughout the year. Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary serves veterans, military members, their families and our communities through volunteer service, remembrance poppies, youth programs and more.

In Amboy, our American Legion Family includes Tum Tum Post 168, Auxiliary Unit 168, Sons of The American Legion Squadron 168 and American Legion Riders Chapter 168. Together, we work to support veterans and serve our neighbors.

This year, community support helped the 5th Annual Windhaven Ride for Veterans raise more than $22,000 to support veterans and Lifeline Connections’ Windhaven program, which provides equine therapy for veterans living with PTSD.

If you would like to get involved, we would love to hear from you. Auxiliary Unit 168 meets on the first Saturday of each month at 11:30 a.m., including this Saturday, Nov. 7, at Tum Tum Post 168, 21400 NE 399th St., Amboy. Learn more about our American Legion Family and ways to help at amboytumtumpost168.org.

Whether you volunteer, lend a hand to a veteran’s family or simply take the time to listen to a veteran’s story, thank you for helping us honor those who served — on Veterans Day and throughout the year.

Andi Schwartz can be reached at [email protected].