For many of us, 2021 started off in a very challenging way. Our fight against a global pandemic continues, and we witnessed an attack on the U.S. Capitol Building last week resulting in the deaths of five Americans and injuries to 58 DC Police Officers.
What Operation Gratitude did in response was nothing short of extraordinary, and we need your help to continue to lift the spirits of our men and women in uniform at a time of their greatest need.
I am asking you to join us in our sustained effort to support 25,000 National Guardsmen and thousands of First Responders who will be serving in our nation’s capital for the 2021 Presidential Inauguration. I am asking you to volunteer in a hands-on way to support frontline responders fighting COVID across the country and preparing for potentially violent protests in other state capitals.
Monday, January 18 was a National Day of Service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and many Americans celebrated the holiday as “a Day On, not a day off.”
As our COO, Paul Cucinotta, and I navigated a difficult trip from DC to New York City where we spent the entire week serving the brave police officers in NYPD, I thought of YOU and our one million volunteers and supporters nationwide, as well as the 619,000 heroes we impacted last year during a global pandemic.
As part of the Operation Gratitude family, you know that when it comes to serving those who serve – “Every Day is a Day On.”
Every day we bring communities together through a common bond of service that all Americans share.
Every day we act with gratitude and kindness to forge strong bonds between those who serve and the citizens they protect.
Every day we bridge divides through meaningful connections and engagements in communities nationwide.
Make every day a day of service with Operation Gratitude.
On MLK Day and every day, Operation Gratitude provides opportunities for Americans to unite and serve at a time when the global pandemic calls on all of us to work together and support our communities.
Over the next 10 weeks, I will shine a spotlight on 10 amazing volunteers who make every day a day of service with Operation Gratitude. These volunteers, as you will see, go above and beyond to make a difference for our nation’s heroes and their families.
My hope is: Their good deeds will inspire passionate volunteers, like you, to do more and motivate other grateful Americans to join our movement.
The truth is: I can think of no other time in our organization’s 18-year history when serving those who serve was more critical than right now. Our men and women in uniform are tired and fatigued in the face of unprecedented challenges. Our deployed Troops, National Guardsmen, First Responders, and doctors and nurses in hospitals across the country need us to step up like never before.
See an important video message from National Guardsman, MAJ M. Robinson.
As our nation’s longest war and the fight against COVID continue, I am asking you to make every day a day on, too, and recommit yourself to Operation Gratitude’s virtual volunteerism campaign. I know your actions will strengthen the resolve of our Military and Frontline Responders and help bring communities together.
In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”
Thank you for being great. I am proud to serve with you.
