The servicemen and women who have served in our military have always sacrificed much to make our country a better place to live. It wasn’t until earlier this past century, however, that a day was set aside to recognize their sacrifices.
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month an armistice was reached in 1918. That day the fighting stopped along the Western Front of what would eventually become known as World War I.
November 11 was immediately designated a national holiday to celebrate peace and remember the sacrifice given by millions of soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed legislation that changed ‘Armistice Day’ to ‘Veteran’s Day’ to honor American veterans of all wars – not just World War I.
Over the past years, the Firm has done much to help veterans whether representing them in the courtroom or donating its time, talent and treasure to veteran aid organizations. However, more people are needed to step up and help support our veterans year round. Keep reading to learn more about veterans’ organizations the firm has helped in the past that could use your support, too.
Please consider donating your time, your talent or your treasure to these very deserving charities and programs that support our veterans year-round.
Veterans Legal Clinic
Organized by the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee
On Tuesday, Nov. 13, Madison County attorneys will be available to answer veteran’s legal questions at the Madison County Courthouse Law Library in Edwardsville. Pro bono services will be available on the topics of evictions, foreclosures, estate planning, child custody, divorce and small claims.
Veterans of Madison County please call today to schedule your appointment. Advance appointments must be made by calling Jaime Stipcak at the Madison County Law Library at (618) 296-4472.
Veterans’ Thanksgiving Dinner
at the St. Louis Veterans’ Home
Lewis and Clark Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri
The Missouri Veterans’ Home is in need of several volunteers to help serve our veterans Thanksgiving Dinner. The event takes place on Thursday, Nov. 15 this year at 6 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help transport the veterans and act as servers. For the past two years, several firm employees have left work early to participate in this event. They all describe it as a very rewarding experience.
If you are available to help, contact Director of Volunteer Services Julie Goulet at 314-340-6389 ext 239 or via e-mail at [email protected].
Veterans Assistance Commission
Madison County Government
The Veterans’ Assistance Commission in Madison County helps approximately 25,000 veterans who are county residents and who were honorably discharged. Services include internal or emergency financial assistance, Veterans’ Treatment Court, and much more. The organization is currently working on building a Veteran Volunteer Network to help serve veterans in Madison County.
Volunteer opportunities include being a mentor for the Veterans Treatment Court Mentoring Program, helping with the homeless veterans’ housing program, veterans visiting veterans in hospice/nursing care, veterans’ gravestone/grave marketer inventory/care, general office work and more.
To volunteer or learn more contact the Veterans’ Assistance Commission at [email protected] or 618-692-7040 ext. 4554.
Joshua Chamberlain Society
St. Louis Non-Profit Group Aiding Fallen & Wounded Military Heroes
Last year, the Joshua Chamberlain Society was the beneficiary of the Simmons Employee Foundation Annual Golf Tournament. This is a great organization that works to “adopt” St. Louis veterans who have been
wounded or killed during their military service. All funds donated to the organization directly help JCS Heroes and their families. Projects include remodeling the home to improve the wounded hero’s quality of life, setting up and funding college funds for children of veterans who have passed, or purchasing specialized furniture for the veteran.
The Society is hosting the 3rd Annual Price of Freedom Gala on Jan. 26, 2013 at the Renaissance Grand Hotel to raise funds to support its JCS Heroes. For ticket information visit www.priceoffreedomgala.org or click here to make a direction donation to help wounded St. Louis area veterans.
