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In
1946 the Elks made the solemn pledge: "So Long as There
are Veterans in Our Hospitals, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Will
Never Forget Them."
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks provides year-round entertainment and
recreation at each of the country's Veterans Administration hospitals. These
activities are sponsored by the Elks National Veterans Service Commission in
cooperation with the State Elks Associations and the local Elks lodges.
Patients are treated to parties, boxing and wrestling matches, sports celebrity
nights and other entertainment. Those who can get about are taken to baseball,
football and basketball games. They also go on fishing trips, picnics and other
outings.
The
Order supports occupational therapy programs. They collect and distribute to
veterans hospitals tons of leather hides, furs, rooster feathers, old clocks
and watches, jewelry and electrical appliances. Another activity for veterans
is the collecting and distribution of hundreds of thousands of decks of playing
cards to veterans hospitals. These cards are collected by the local Elk lodges
and the State Elks Associations.
The
Elks National Veterans Service Commission provided funds and materials to build
a recreational unit at the Navy Hospital in Guam. At the same time, when the
Commission learned that wounded veterans from Vietnam were sweltering in
Tripler Army Medical Center that lacked air conditioning, they provided 24 air
conditioning units. That Elks hold veterans in high esteem is evident by their
actions. When the Order opened its National Headquarters and Memorial Building
in 1926, it was dedicated to the fighting men of World War 1. In 1946, they
rededicated the edifice to those who saw service in World War 11. Again in
1976, this honor was bestowed on those who paid the sacrifice in Korea and
Vietnam.
The
recognition by the Elks of those patriots who had served in Vietnam was a full
ten years before the United States government or any other organization
recognized their sacrifices to America. Once again the Elks have led the way.
The
Elks were among the first fraternal organizations to formally welcome home the
returning Veterans from Operation Desert Storm. Subordinate Lodges held
appropriate functions recognizing the veterans sacrifices and thanking them for
their commitment to duty. As long as the Elks exist, our hospitalized veterans
will be provided for. At Mahwah, our committee is always looking for new
members. We work primarily with the Veterans home in Paramus. We play Bingo
and/or cards with the Veterans living there. We send each of them birthday
cards on their 'special' day. (many times it is the only acknowledgment many of
these brave Veterans receive) We provide Christmas gifts during the holidays.
Our committee stands ready to help in whatever way possible, both with our time
and with much needed supplies and gifts. Anyone interested in helping can
contact any Officer, or the committee chairman,
Elks
National Veterans Service Commission
The National Veterans Service Commission has served the interests of
America's veterans since World War I. Today the Commission operates a range of
programs designed to improve the quality of life of our veterans as well as
salute their service to the country.
Elks National Veterans Memorial
The Elks Veterans Memorial is a tribute to the bravery, loyalty and
dedication of the thousands of Elks who have fought and died for our country.
It has been described as one of the most magnificent war memorials in the
world, but with its monumental architecture and priceless art, the Memorial is
more a symbol of peace and of the patriotism of the members of the Elks
fraternity.
