Dear Readers,
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United
States of America has been involved with our nation’s
veterans for many years. Let me give you a brief history
of our commitment to our veterans.
1917, the world was at
war. The Order of Elks determined they needed to help. They
decided their first consideration would be the sick and wounded
on the battlefields of France and to equip base hospitals
for their care. During World War I, the Elks organized and
equipped the first two base hospitals to reach France.
In
1918, to accommodate the maimed and wounded, the Elks built
a 700-bed Reconstruction Hospital in Boston and gave it
to the federal government. This hospital was the forerunner
of today’s VA Medical Centers. That same year, the
Elks built a 72-room Community house to take care of families
visiting the forty thousand soldiers stationed at Camp
Sherman, Ohio. Additionally, more than seventy thousand
Elks served in the Armed Forces during World War I, and
over one thousand made the ultimate sacrifice.
During World War II, the U.S.
Army asked the Elks to help recruit 45,000 young men for
the ground crews of the Army Air Corps. The Elks, with the
help of the local lodges, recruited 97,000 men.
The Elks have
continued their dedication to the military. During the
Vietnam War, the Elks started a “letters
from home” campaign. When the Elks learned Vietnam
veterans were sweltering in Tripler Army Medical Center,
they provided 24 air conditioning units so the wounded
could recover in relative comfort.
Since 1986, the Elks have worked
with Re-Creation, a group of young people who travel the
country visiting and entertaining our hospitalized veterans.
The Elks have been writing letters and sending gift boxes
to troops in the conflicts in the Middle East. In 2002, the
Elks and Bugles Across America joined together. The mission
of this dedicated group is to make sure that all veterans
will make their final journey home with dignity.
The Elks
hold veterans in the highest esteem. It can be evidenced
by the Veterans Memorial building in Chicago, which was constructed
and dedicated to the veterans in all conflicts. It is also
shown in the work the Elks do in the VA hospitals. In our
latest program, the Elks are partnering with the Vietnam
Veterans of America in a coin can collection campaign to
help our returning veterans get the care they deserve.
Our
story is long; our work is humble; our history is proud.
We have a motto that reads “As long as there are veterans,
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget
them.” We are proud to join the Vietnam Veterans
of America in their efforts to support our veterans.
Sincerely,
F. Louis Sulsberger,
Grand Exalted Ruler, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
of the United States of America
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