Since its inception, the liberty and freedom our nation enjoys has been secured by the sacrifices made by veterans. On November 2, 1783, General George Washington, bidding farewell to the troops who had served under him during the Revolutionary War, recognized “the unparalleled perseverance of the Armies of the United States, through almost every possible suffering and discouragement, for the space of eight long years, was little short of a standing miracle.”
On November 11th, we celebrate Veterans Day, honoring those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The recognition should not be limited to one day, and there are many ways to show long-term appreciation and support for veterans. For example, research establishes that veterans face a higher risk of homelessness than the general public. One organization in Sangamon County that works to assist homeless and at-risk veterans is Fifth Street Renaissance. Fifth Street Renaissance operates the Spring Street Veterans Renaissance, a 15-bed transitional housing program for homeless or disabled veterans, located at 209 West Scarritt Street in Springfield. It also houses a Veterans Pantry program, which provides resources to veterans in need, including food, clothing, household items, furniture, cleaning supplies, and hygiene items. There will be a Veterans Soup Dinner Fundraiser at the Spring Street Veterans Renaissance on Monday, November 11th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals interested in supporting this cause can either walk in that day or pre-order soup for pickup by visiting the link below.
The upcoming holiday season brings with it another opportunity to honor our veterans. Saturday, December 14, 2024 is National Wreaths Across America Day. Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization with a mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. While active throughout the year, Wreaths Across America is best known for its wreath-laying day, when volunteers across the country place live balsam wreaths on veterans’ graves, to honor their service and keep their memories alive. Camp Butler National Cemetery just outside of Springfield is a Wreaths Across America site. On December 14th, there will be a ceremony at Camp Butler at 11:00 a.m. followed by wreath distribution. Volunteers are needed to assist with placing the wreaths. Financial donations are also appreciated. A wreath can be sponsored for $17. Additionally, beginning Tuesday, November 12th, Mission BBQ will donate $2 from each American Heroes Cup purchased in its restaurants to Wreaths Across America to sponsor veterans’ wreaths.
Preorders for the Veterans Soup Dinner Fundraiser can be made at https://www.fsr-sara.org/veteransoupdinner?fbclid=IwY2xjawGbJKRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHV78FtQmPwYOb-ribY2DWlV03qJCb0Z9aebNPmngroJ_8Pym1L3zw74K-w_aem_pzkZyMWyDMgUYR20aswFDg.
For more information on the services that Fifth Street Renaissance/SARA Center provide for veterans, see https://www.fsr-sara.org/copy-of-outreach-programs.
To learn more about Wreaths Across America at Camp Butler National Cemetery, please visit Check-out the Wreaths Across America Page that I Support!.