n Hopefully you will be attending the program at the Coast Guard Station this morning. I will be wearing my colonial costume and carrying the DAR flag. Please come say hello to me. Let the Coast Guard personnel know you appreciate them helping us observe this important day. If you are a vet - thank you for your service; if not, please thank a vet and take a moment to remember what we have because of their service and sacrifice.

n The Marine Corps League will conduct its annual Toys For Tots campaign from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays from Nov. 27-Dec. 19 in front of the Sequim Walmart. The American Legion will be helping. New toys and cash donations will be much appreciated. The toys will go to children in Clallam County. Thank you for your support of this program in this time of financial instability.

n The Washington veterans' home at Retsil holds its Christmas Gift Store on Nov. 30, Dec. 1-2. All residents can choose gifts for six family members. The gifts will be wrapped and mailed - all free for the vet. The American Legion Auxiliary runs this store.

I am collecting new gift items or cash donations to pay postage - 683-6419. Boxes of candy or other goodies, bath sets, small appliances and jewelry gift sets are all popular items.

n The Port Angeles American Legion Post has started a Legion Riders Unit. If you are a veteran or active duty military with an interest in motorcycles and want a group with a good cause to ride with, give Ron a call at 360-808-2959. The Legion Riders supports the American Legion Scholarship fund, provides escorts for funerals, goes on fun rides, etc.

n Finally, I want to wish you a happy Thanksgiving! I hope all of you will be with family and friends and remembering all we have to be thankful for.

If you are a veteran and having difficulties, please tell someone. There are many avenues to get you some help, but you need to ask. It is OK - you served your country, let us serve you.

Call me, go to the VFW or e-mail any of the people at the bottom of the column. Please don't spend the holidays hungry or alone or worried.

Everyone, please make a point to ask your friends and neighbors if they have someone to share Thanksgiving with. These are hard times. Please share your dinner and blessings. Thank you!



Contributors: DAR, Regent Kayellen Garrison, kgarison@olypen.com; American Legion, Lorri Gilchrist, lpgilchrist@webtv.net; VFW Commander, Roger Padie, commander@vfwpost4760.com; MOAA, President Jim McEntire,

jmcentire1@wavecable.com, Marine Corps League, Terry Roth, mroth@olypen.com.