The VETERAN’S FOOTLOCKER

It’s an old footlocker; outside it looks beaten up, tattered, dented, and used.  It has not always looked like this.  Years ago, it began as a valuable piece of military equipment, painted beautifully with leather handles, strong latches, and a wooden shelf.  It served a valuable utilitarian purpose of supplying a soldier with a place to store their necessary items required to serve their country.  It held clothing, toiletries, boots, weaponry, letters, and photos of home from loved ones. It was a place a soldier could keep what was important to him. It was as much a part of his daily life as his comrades and superiors. However, that was then…

Over time the footlocker was discharged or retired, its original mission completed, a job well done; replaced by a newer, more modern version.  The box was cast aside, retired to the storage places seldom frequented: attics, basements, storage rooms.  A sometimes-forgotten box that was witness to so much history and, if it talked, would have many stories to tell. Some housed a wealth of memorabilia of the Greatest Generation detailing the sacrifices they made for us.

This footlocker serves as a visual example of some of the Veterans in our community today.  After serving their country, some find themselves relegated to nursing homes, Veterans’ Homes, and other long-term care facilities, while some live on the streets due to mental illness. Many in healthcare facilities deal with declining health that requires constant nursing care. Their incomes depend on government pensions and assistance, so affording little extras is not possible.

The Outreach Division of Session has decided to bring the old footlocker out of retirement and use it to help us help the Veterans as a way of saying thank you for your service. From October 1-31, a special footlocker will be out on the McConkie Pavilion, our covered seating area next to the playground. Please take a moment to view the list here and use it to help us help the Veterans as a way of saying thank you for your service. Bring your donations to the church and put them in the footlocker. We will deliver the collected items to the Veterans’ Home in time for Veteran’s Day on November 11.

Direct questions to the church office by emailing TrinityPresLR@gmail.com or calling 501-868-5848.