Karen Shaffer

Memorial Day, May 30, was a solemn occasion to honor the men and women who died while serving in the military. The auxiliary serves our veterans and military people in many ways. They are always in our hearts, not only on Memorial Day.

The Department of Arizona VFW Auxiliary Pin Points information reminds us to fill out and send our census forms. The results of the census determine congressional representation and distribution of federal funds.

Like many of the organizations in Sun Lakes, the VFW Auxiliary is respecting the CDC guidelines for containing COVID-19 by not holding monthly meetings. Hopefully, we will be doing so soon.

June 6 is the 76th anniversary of the World War II Allied invasion in Normandy, known as D-Day (1944), when 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany. May 8 last month was the 75th anniversary of V-E Day, signifying Victory in Europe Day.

Other days honoring the military this month: June 14, Flag Day (celebrates the adoption of the U.S. flag), and the week of the 14th is National Flag Week; June 14 is also the U.S. Army Birthday; June 23 is Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday; June 27 is National PTSD Awareness Day, a day to bring awareness about issues related to PTSD; and June 28 is Operation Red Wings Observance.

For more information about how to join the Sun Lakes Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary, please contact Stephanie Reynolds at [email protected]. Meanwhile, we wish everyone good health. Take care.