June 14th has been designated as Flag Day in the United States. It’s a day to remember who we are, and why we are. It is, and should be, a non-political, non-partisan day to display our nation’s flag in honor of the freedoms and ideals on which our country was founded.

WKMaier, one of our 25 regular readers, has passed on some information regarding an activity in New Jersey to benefit homeless veterans:

At least one-third of the nation's homeless are veterans of the US Armed Services. In New Jersey, it is estimated that over 8,000 veterans sleep on the streets or in shelters on any given night.

"Hope for Veterans" is a transitional housing and rehabilitation program operated by a private non-profit organization in New Jersey called Community Hope. Through this program, honorably-discharged homeless veterans are offered safe housing, job opportunities and the chance to rebuild their lives.

The Somerset Hills YMCA presents its annual Flag Day 5K Run, with all proceeds from sponsorships and registrations donated to the "Hope for Veterans" program.

The VA facility in Lyons, New Jersey, where the housing units are located, hopes to make the Flag Day 5K Run a nationwide event, with all proceeds benefiting local veterans' organizations. Get your community involved in a national event and say thanks to those that served!

I know some of you don’t live in New Jersey, so you won’t be able to participate in this 5K run. If you felt a need to support this activity, contact Julia Bey Ahmet at the Community Hope Development Office (973-463-9600, ext 303 or by email to jbahmet@communityhope-nj.org.

What are you doing in your community to celebrate Flag Day? Support a vets outreach program?

(Thanks to WK for bringing this to ourn atention.)