Chaplain’s Corner

Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. In other words, the purpose of Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  We spend time remembering those who lost their lives and could not come home, reflecting on their service and why we have the luxury and freedom that we enjoy today. We might consider how we can support and safeguard their grieving families and loved ones who are left behind.

Most of us know about “poppy days” and volunteers handing out paper poppies and asking for donations. Does everyone know the story of the White Clover and the connection to AMVETS?

The White Clover is the official flower of AMVETS. WHY THE WHITE CLOVER? The White Clover is symbolic of the universal struggle for freedom. It means “Remember Me.”

At its heart, the White Clover Program is about connecting to our communities. Through the White Clover Program, our AMVETS, AMVETS ladies Auxiliaries, Sons of AMVETS, AMVETS Riders, and Jr. AMVETS can collect donations that are used to support and assist local veterans in need. This may mean providing meals and transportation to a homeless veteran, funding an entertainment program for patients at the local VA medical center or helping the family of a local veteran support themselves.

More ways the donations are used are providing a service or items for a veteran in a VA medical facility or a sick or hospitalized veteran not receiving care in a VA medical facility. It also provides the tools and the supplies necessary to be used by volunteers providing their service for their local communities.

We are Veterans, AMVETS Ladies Auxiliaries, Sons of AMVETS, AMVETS Riders, and Jr. AMVETS helping Veterans.

Ways to Get Involved: · Donate and receive a white clover! Proceeds go to AMVETS sponsored programs. · Volunteer at a White Clover Drive with your local AMVETS post. · Encourage friends and family members, community members, and your local community to support your local White Clover Drives. · Reach out to surrounding organizations such as churches, youth groups, and other service organizations for volunteers and support. · Hang up posters and pass out brochures around your area to spread the word about AMVETS’ White Clover Program.

The more visible we are within our communities, the more our communities become aware of who we are and what we do. Encourage membership to grow AMVETS and other Service Organizations. Seek out ways to bring in all veterans and their families.

REMEMBER ME