President: Let’s all recognize, respect and remember

This year has flown by. Department Convention is right around the corner. Please make plans to attend and hear about the accomplishments of our members, units, districts and the department. I can’t wait to celebrate the success of the Minnesota American Legion Family with all of you.

It has been a privilege and an honor to represent the members of the American Legion Auxiliary across the state. I’ve enjoyed the hospitality of the units, posts, squadrons and districts at their events. You are amazing and work wonders in your communities for our veterans, active military and their families. Please continue the work you do as you carry on the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary.

This year’s theme of “Back to the Basics: Recognize, Respect, Remember,” has been filled with wonderful memories and successes. Keep following our traditions and continue to build on our foundation.

Our programs depend on the members and their creative ideas. Recognize our veterans, all our veterans; especially that one group of veterans that is not always recognized — our female veterans. Thank you so much for what our veterans have done for us. Respect. Treat everyone with the respect that you want to be treated with. Remember the sacrifices that the generations before us made to ensure the freedoms that we have.

Junior Fun Weekend is coming up in August. The registration forms were in the June unit mailing. Please sign them up by July 18 and bring them to Legionville Aug. 8-10, so they can make new friends, learn about our programs and have fun.

It’s never too early to start your plans for next year.

Again, thank you for the support and hospitality over the last year. I’ve made a lot of memories and will treasure them forever.

Judy Ackerman of Northrop Unit 522 is the president of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Minnesota. Her theme is “Back to the Basics: Recognize, Respect, Remember.”