San Francisco Elks Lodge Shows Support for Veterans with Meals and More
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) November 12, 2013 -- For the first time in over 50 years, the San Francisco Lodge marched in the San Francisco Veterans’ Day Parade. Army and Vietnam veteran, Richard “Slim” Harris took the lead in organizing the event after a conversation with the current head of the SF Lodge, Nasir Shakour. As a Veteran himself, Harris felt it was critical for the Elks to be present in the parade. The Elks nationally provided over $42,000,000 in cash and non-cash donations to assist veterans and members of the armed services in support of their mission: “So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.”
Carrying the flags of our armed services, the POW-MIA flag, the flag of the San Francisco Elks Lodge and leading with the flag of the United States of America, the San Francisco Elks Lodge proudly brought a group of over 25 marchers. In addition, spectators from the Lodge, who were unable to march, turned out to cheer the parade from Market Street.
After the parade, the Lodge started another new tradition by hosting a complimentary buffet lunch for over 50 Veterans and their families.
“So many have given so much for our country and continue to do so. I’m proud to be a member of an organization that never forgets, never forsakes the men and women who serve.” says Shakour. Harris, who served in Vietnam, looks forward to an even bigger event next year and bringing more attention to the parade.
The San Francisco Elks Lodge isn’t stopping with one day of service: they are providing a BBQ lunch for Veterans at the Ft. Miley VA Hospital; have contributed to Re-Creation, a group dedicated to performing at VA Hospitals; and provide services to families of deployed military personnel throughout the year.
To learn more about San Francisco Elks Lodge, visit sfelks.org. To learn more about how the national Elks organization helps Veterans and members of the military, visit elks.org.
Tina Shakour, San Francisco Elks Lodge, http://sfelks.org, +1 (415) 404-9856, [email protected]
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