To The Reader’s Forum:

Every year, on July 4th, we celebrate the arrival of the United States of America onto the world stage. As a member of American Legion Auxiliary #556, Samuel L. Derby Post, I want to personally thank all servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States of America for their innumerable contributions to protecting our freedoms and keeping our nation safe. I also want to thank the families of deployed servicemembers for their strength and their sacrifice.

Our country is great because of you. In your honor, I want to invite everyone in the Frewsburg and surrounding communities to take a moment with me today and pause in honor of those who have fought and those who continue to fight for our freedom. It’s not just about picnics and fireworks.

American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for nearly a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans, military and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $2 billion. As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, Auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with ALA Girls State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.

May God bless you all.

Candy Johnson

Jamestown

Unit Secretary and Public Relations Committee Chairman

Ladies Auxiliary

Samuel L. Derby Post 556, Frewsburg American Legion