Effort To Remember Veterans At Christmas Could Use Help

Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center Collecting Gifts for Silver Bay Veterans Home.

During the holidays there are many people who are surrounded by friends and family members. But there are also those who may not be remembered by a lot of people.

That’s why the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior has had a gift drive every year since 2012 to remember veterans during this season. They collect and accept gifts and present them to the men at the Veterans Home in Silver Bay.

This year however, the gifts have been slow to come in. Over the years, the veterans have received clothes, winter hats, personal hygiene items and toiletries–even a Vikings or Packers gift or two.

Bong Executive Director John Gidley says the important thing is that the veterans be remembered and appreciated.

“We do whatever we can here at the Bong Center to support veterans and veterans’ causes, and this is another great way to show our appreciation for what veterans have done for us in the past. It’s important that we never forget what they’ve done for us,” said Gidley.

“Freedom is not free. A lot of the guys here committed a large portion of their lives and put their lives on the line to defend our freedom. It’s just another way of showing support for them and giving back. It’s tragic to me to see that anyone at the holidays would go without being recognized, or someone thinking about them. Especially someone who has served our country, and sacrificed a lot for our freedoms and for our safety,” Gidley said.

If you want to help the Bong Center give something to a veteran at the nursing home, it is not too late. The Bong is accepting gifts through the week after Christmas. Bong officials say the gift does not have to be elaborate. It might be a new pair of socks or maybe some gloves. All the gifts will be delivered in person during the first week of January.