Remembering Veterans All Year Long

Gifts during the holidays a symbol of a year-round need.

Special efforts continue with a commitment to remember veterans at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay.

Gifts were delivered there Wednesday by the Bong Veterans Historical Center after their holiday collection drive.

American Legion Bong Post 435 played an active role in the effort. Commander Butch Liebaert said it is the culmination of a year-round attempt to help all veterans.

“The donations here today were basically from the Bong Center itself, but we also donated a check for $500 to do whatever they can do for the participants here,” said Liebaert after helping to deliver the gifts.

“And we do that every year. We have a golf tournament where we get the money and then we distribute it to veterans. We give out to the Wisconsin Veterans Home, and we give some money back to the Bong post, and we help them with their book club. And we’re working together on a lot of stuff a lot better than we used to. And it goes to veterans, that’s our main thing,” said Liebaert.

Liebaert, in his second year as Post Commander, says it is important to remember those who wore a uniform for their country. He said it’s not just during the holidays, but year-round.

“These people that served our country are a lot of times left behind, and this is to remind them that they are not forgotten by brothers and sisters who have served at one time or another. And that’s what taking care of veterans is, taking care of brothers and sisters at a time of need,” said Liebaert.

While the gifts and thanks are great for the veterans on the receiving end, those involved in collecting and delivering them get a warm holiday reward of their own. The VFW post and the Bong center have remembered veterans for years and have no plans to stop now.