Memorial Day events to benefit active military members and veterans

Every day, our lives are positively impacted by the military and the purpose it serves, from our freedoms to our national security to the innovative technology that’s driven by the U.S. Department of Defense. (You can even thank the DoD for modern necessities like microwaves and the Internet.)

America’s military service men and women put their lives on the line to defend our country and ensure it remains the strongest nation in the world. Their courage, commitment and sacrifices have undoubtedly impacted and will continue to impact our country’s history, present and future.

California has the highest population of veterans, with almost 1.8 million, making up nearly 10 percent of all U.S. veterans. While we don’t know who every veteran is, we do know that they’re all around us. They are our neighbors, our co-workers, our teachers, members of our congregations, our friends and our family members. They are America’s backbone. They are our national heroes.

This month, our country recognizes and honors those who served in our military and gave the ultimate sacrifice. We celebrate Memorial Day as a day of remembrance for those who died while courageously protecting our country.

Nuvision Credit Union offers more than a “Thank you for your service” to our veterans. Of course, we owe them our deepest appreciation and praise, but we also owe them the resources and sufficient opportunities to have more enriched lives after the military. Short, disconnected statements of gratitude don’t provide the monetary assistance some veterans and their families need.

Actions speak louder than words, and our veterans deserve a lot more than just words. That’s why Nuvision is holding several charitable events for local veterans this Memorial Day, including a partnership with Veterans First OC to sponsor a Memorial Day motorcycle ride.

Nuvision Memorial Day Honor Ride

Nuvision is sponsoring a motorcycle ride for Veterans First OC that will honor military service men and women who gave their lives while protecting our country. This fundraising event will help the nonprofit organization raise money for housing and other important services for veterans in Orange County.

This Memorial Day ride will stop at four different locations throughout Orange County before ending at Nuvision Credit Union headquarters, where a short ceremony and BBQ lunch will be held. The goal of this fundraiser is to raise $10,000 for Veterans First OC, with half of the funds coming from the 200 motorcycle rider participants and the other half from Nuvision, which will match the donation. Learn more about this special event.

Even though Americans owe an immeasurable amount of our happiness and freedom to our veterans, sadly, many endure challenges in post-military life, including poverty, unemployment, mental health problems and an insufficient health care system. Veterans First OC uses its donations to equip veterans with the affordable homes they deserve, as well as washers and dryers, cable TV, Internet, computers and other items.

Nuvision is very proud to support Veterans First OC, as it is the only nonprofit in Orange County that provides services and housing exclusively to Orange County veterans. We can never repay America’s military service men and women for the sacrifices they made for our country, but we owe each veteran the opportunity to live a high-quality civilian life. And that opportunity begins with stable living conditions that are safe and comfortable.

Other Memorial Day Events

Nuvision will also hold other Memorial Day events to benefit active military members and veterans. This includes a gas giveaway and a BBQ lunch for veterans and their families, hosted by a local radio personality.

If you’re interested in volunteering to help with any of our Memorial Day events, please contact Attila Morgan, Manager of Community Engagement at [email protected] or  323.767.3042.