As Veterans Day ceremonies remind us of sacrifice, local and national organizations offer ways to help year-round
BEREA, KY — Veterans Day ceremonies across Berea earlier this month honored the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Now, as the holiday season approaches, community members have numerous opportunities to extend that gratitude through action—supporting veterans and active-duty military personnel who continue to serve and sacrifice.
Berea Honored Veterans on November 11
Kingston Elementary School hosted its annual Veterans Day program, welcoming Colonel Sam Morgan III, Commander of the Bluegrass Army Depot, as keynote speaker. Fifth-grade students cheered a parade of veterans before gathering in the gymnasium for a program honoring those who have served. The event also celebrated Kingston Elementary’s recent designation as a Purple Heart School.
American Legion Post 50 hosted a ceremony at the Russel Acton Folk Center on West Jefferson Street, with Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley serving as featured speaker. Danny Helton also spoke during the program, which honored both living veterans and those who have passed, and included a memorabilia display at the Folk Center, where local veteran Wes Reynolds was among those reflecting on items from area service members.
Ways to Support Veterans During the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, local organizations and national nonprofits offer numerous ways for community members to support veterans and active-duty military personnel:
Locally:
- American Legion Post 50 welcomes donations and volunteers year-round to support veteran programs and community initiatives. Contact the post through their Facebook page or visit during regular meeting times.
- Kentucky River Foothills Development Council operates the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, helping low-income veteran families avoid homelessness through rental assistance, case management, and supportive services. Contact: (859) 624-2046 or foothills@foothillscap.org.
- Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Veterans Program provides rental assistance, utility help, and support services to veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Donations support emergency assistance statewide. Visit veterans.ky.gov for more information.
Nationally:
- Operation Gratitude (operationgratitude.com) allows individuals to write letters of thanks to deployed troops, bringing encouragement to service members far from home during the holidays.
- Soldiers’ Angels (soldiersangels.org) offers an “Adopt-a-Family” program, allowing volunteers to provide holiday gifts for children and food assistance to military and veteran families in need.
- Operation Homefront (operationhomefront.org) provides holiday meals and support to military families, ensuring no service member’s family goes without during the season.
- Hero Care Packages (herocarepackages.com) ships care packages to deployed military personnel worldwide, bringing a taste of home to those serving overseas.
Remembering Those Far From Home
As families gather around holiday tables this season, countless service members remain deployed overseas, standing watch in distant lands. From the deserts of the Middle East to bases across Europe and the Pacific, American troops continue their mission, often missing birthdays, Thanksgiving dinners, and Christmas mornings with loved ones.
These men and women—and the families who support them—embody the spirit of service that Veterans Day honors. Whether through care packages, letters of encouragement, or simply keeping them in our thoughts, the Berea community can extend its gratitude beyond a single day in November.
American Legion Post 50 has been a fixture in Berea for decades, serving as a gathering place for local veterans and a voice for veteran advocacy in Madison County. The organization continues to welcome new members, whether veterans or active-duty service members, and provides a local connection point for those wanting to support veteran causes.
That support, local leaders remind us, should extend throughout the year—and especially during the holidays, when the absence of loved ones is felt most keenly, and when veterans facing hardship need community assistance most.