Messages Of Cheer

To the Editor:

For several months the Blessed Pope John XXIII Council Knights of Columbus, Monroe, has been successfully sponsoring a “Messages of Cheer” program: the collection and delivery of cards, letters, and notes of encouragement to the convalescing severely wounded from the Iraqi and Afghanistan campaigns.

We are most appreciative of the responses we have already received from various segments of the Connecticut community; the old and the young; veterans groups; school children; Girl and Boy Scouts; numerous organizations — as well as individuals, all sensitive to the purpose of this program to make the recipients aware that their sacrifices were not in vain and that their fellow Americans honor and respect them for their efforts. The messages have shown to be an effective “medicine of the mind” for these young people as they recover and begin to contemplate their futures.

Until such time as our military completes its missions and combat ceases, it must be realized that the reason for the “Messages of Cheer” program remains ongoing!

Therefore we continue to look for your support and hope that all who can — whether they have made contributions before or not, will please keep sending their messages to us, c/o St Jude Parish Office, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06468; attn: Art Sheehan, “Messages of Cheer,” for shipment and distribution by the K of C to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC and the “National Naval Medical Center” in Bethesda, MD.

Thank You

Gary L. Thomas

Grand Knight

32 Hunter Ridge Road, Monroe                                 February 2, 2005