November is the time we begin to look toward our coming holiday season. This year, the COVID virus and its associated restrictions have put a real damper on the activities of our veterans organizations. Our poppy program in the spring was decimated. Most posts depend on hall rentals as a financial backbone. Not this year.
In past years, we had our Armistice Day and Veterans Day ceremonies at North Brunswick Township High School. Not this year.
The resiliency of our veterans cannot be outdone. On Nov. 11 at 6 p.m., a Veterans Day Ceremony will take place at the flagpole in front of American Legion Post 459, 1015 Linwood Pl., North Brunswick, invitation only. The post will host indoor dining for the purchase of food and refreshments at the conclusion of the ceremony.
In an effort to recover some of this year’s losses, the post will begin offering a limited lunch menu in its downstairs bar area from noon to 5 p.m. beginning Oct. 23. Depending on the reception of the public and the easing of restrictions, a more expansive menu may be offered in the future.
The American Legion and the VFW provide many valuable benefits to the community, but yet remain in the shadows. A loss to us is a loss to the community. We have served our country’s missions in many parts of the world. Now, help us serve our mission here in our communities.
Richard A. Pender is senior vice commander of American Legion Post 459 in North Brunswick. He writes the occasional column for Newspaper Media Group. He can be reached at [email protected]