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SOUTH DAKOTA ELKS STATE VETERAN PROGRAMS
Welcome to the Elks State Veterans Service Commission's Online Resource Center. Several of our Grand Exalted Rulers have stated that in their travels, they found those associated with the National Veterans Service program to be the most dedicated of the dedicated. Furthermore, many Chiefs of Voluntary Service at VA Medical Centers have told us, "Whenever we want something, we can count on the Elks."
Literally, thousands of Elks and their families give generously of their time, energy and resources so that the lives of our ill and aging veterans will be enhanced. Hundreds of hours and like numbers of dollars are devoted to programs that are designed to keep us true to our pledge: "So long as there are veterans in our hospitals, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them." And now we've broadened our program to include outpatients and veterans who are homeless.
Our goal is to make the Elks the most visible force in voluntary service to our veterans. Hopefully this resource center will be useful in that quest.
CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR PROJECT
In cooperation with the State of South Dakota and various Veterans organization, the Elks Association has committed itself to an ongoing project of providing Congressional Medal of Honor flags at the six newly established memorials for South Dakota Medal of Honor recipients. South Dakota’s Medal of Honor Winners for WW II, Korea, and Vietnam are: Joe Foss (Sioux Falls), General Patrick Brady (Custer), Leo Thorsness (Brookings), Willabaugh Bialhi (Brookings), Michael J. Fitzmaurice (Hot Springs), and Arlo Olson (Toronto). Each year we are called upon to make a contribution to honoring our own South Dakota heroes. Please make a contribution to the program today!
VETERANS REMEMBERANCE MONTH
November is Veterans Remembrance Month and the Committee challenges each and every lodge to develop a special project to honor and remember hospitalized veterans. Let us not forget our motto "So long as there are Veterans in our hospitals, the benevolent and protective Order of Elks will never forget them." You do not need to have a Veterans Medical Center in your own community to remember these vets. There are veterans in local hospitals, nursing homes and outpatient clinics everywhere in South Dakota. Elks Lodges should not be afraid to share the credit and/or work with other veterans groups in honoring and remembering these veterans. Some ideas include:
ON STATION PROGRAMS
Coffee Socials, Bowling, Pool Tournaments, Swimming Events, Choral Groups, Gymnasium Programs, Softball Games, Chess Games, Movies, Variety Shows, Dances, Wheelchair Bowling, Hobby Shows, Monte Carlo Nights, Jazz Concerts, Magic Shows, Western Music & Square Dances, Arts & Crafts Contests, Stage Plays, Letter Writing, and Card Games, etc.
OFF STATION PROGRAMS
Dinner at the Lodge, Picnic at Lodge or Parks, Fishing Trips, Golf Matches, Concerts, Sporting Events, Sightseeing Tours, Stage Plays, Movies, Lodge Socials and Flag Day Celebrations.