The Christmas season is a time for us to slow down and remember how blessed we are to live in this very special country. For nearly 250 years, our country has counted on the promise made by a few of its citizens to protect it from harm. On Dec. 2 at Post 4031 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Southwest Republican Women and the La Plata County GOP gathered for their annual social. A special focus of the night was to thank the veterans at Post 4031 for their service and to support those in the Durango community who need their neighbors’ assistance during this holiday season.

Through a raffle and the auctioning off of the World War II book, “Defenders of the Rock: Sacrifice, courage, and honor in defense of the Philippines during World War II” by Tim Deal, $1,311 was raised and donated to the Post to help it carry out its mission. Canned food donations were collected and donated to the Durango Food Bank.

Thank you, veterans, for protecting us. Thank you , SWRW and LPCGOP for your support and care for our community. May God bless you all and keep you safe this Christmas season.

Kelly Hegarty

Durango