Harlem’s VFW Post visits Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Meals were served up for Georgia veterans who battled on the front lines for our country.

Harlem’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post paid a visit to the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home on Friday in honor of National Day of Service.

The special catering comes just days away from Memorial Day.

For those who served, this day is a reminder of what the holiday is about.

“Some of them said ‘forget it’…’no…it’s in my head…,’” said Roy Brown, Vietnam army veteran.

To some, it’s a day off from work and a backyard meal, to those who have risked their lives, it’s a reminder of times they will never forget.

“That’s not really appropriate, it’s not ‘happy Memorial Day,’ it’s a day of solemn service. It’s a reflection on our dead veterans,” said Erik Averill, army veteran.

That’s what it’s like for Brown. “I even lost a couple of friends over there, a brother-in-law and one other friend,’ said Brown.

A time for kicking back and relaxing is not what Brown sees the day as.

“Serious… it wasn’t a happy one, let’s put it that way,” said Brown.

Others remember family.

“My grandfather was in World War II. He was also in Korea, unfortunately, he didn’t get to see me serve, so sorry I get to be a big softy,” said Averill.

While it may be a day off for most, remember and give thanks to those who didn’t come back, and think of veterans like this one, who is still trying to protect us to this day.

“Be safe and not to drink when they are on the roads, and try to tell them to think about their families and stuff that they have, and try to stay safe,” said Lofton Reeves, Vietnam army vet.

To all the veterans out there and those who are no longer with us – thank you for your service.

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