Veterans around the area got a special visit on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day from the State Commander of the American Legion, Patrick Love.
He began the day at the Soldiers and Sailors home with a tour in the morning.
He spent the afternoon at the Erie VA Medical Center.
At both locations, he met with staff and volunteers as well as residents and veterans.
People also took time to hand out Christmas cards to residents at both places.
“Family supports each other and whether you are a member of the family or not, we are here for you”, said Love.
The Soldiers and Sailors home was one of the many stops he made while he was in Erie to visit veterans and let them know what resources the American Legion provides.
According to Love, “The American Legion is one of the largest support organizations in the world and there are many, many veterans here and in Pennsylvania who don’t know that they can become a member of the American Legion.”
He says no matter the branch, nor the war, veterans have a bond hat can’t be broken and it’s important that they are honored and recognized, not pushed away.
As Love explained, “These are the people that did all that. World War II veterans are few and far between, but now we have all the Vietnam Veterans and the Korean War veterans that are here in these hospitals and homes. These are people that were neglected when they got home, they were ignored. The Vietnam veterans were actually hated and spit on.”
Leadership from across the state attended the tour including – Post, County, District, Sectional, and State commanders.