Patriot Day, the National Day of Service and Remembrance or 9/11 Day, is a federally recognized day of unity and charitable service, annually observed throughout the United States and in other countries around the world on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It has grown to become the largest annual day of charitable service in the United States.

Colorado Springs AARP Chapter 1100, in conjunction with AARP Colorado in Denver and the Bruce McCandless Veterans Community Living Center near Florence, Colo., recently teamed up to provide some useful items for the center’s residents in appreciation for their service.

At a special ceremony, AARP Associate State Director of Community Outreach Jeremiah Mora, with several members of Chapter 1100, presented 30 wheel chair pouches to the center for distribution to residents. Mora expressed the sincere appreciation on behalf of AARP Colorado and AARP Chapter 1100 for the military service the veterans provided while on active duty, and cited the desire for AARP to recognize their service.

Art Stucke, Resident Council Vice President at the Veteran’s Community Center, and a resident at the home, accepted the presentation on behalf of the McCandless veteran residents. Stucke remarked that the items donated would be very useful and were very much appreciated.

After the ceremony AARP guests chatted with many of the veterans.

The Veterans Colorado Community Living Centers serve only veterans, veterans’ spouses, and Gold-Star Parents, creating a unique atmosphere among long-term care facilities. Residents enjoy camaraderie with other veterans and respect from staff and volunteers, who value the contributions these service men, women and their families have made to the country.

The Bruce McCandless Veterans Community Living Center at Florence is a Colorado State Department of Human Services facility providing long- and short-term services and rehabilitation, special programs and many amenities for veterans, their children and families, and people with disabilities.

The AARP Chapter in Colorado Springs consists of more than 60 members whose motto is “to serve, not to be served.” The Chapter has been designated the best in Colorado for community service for the last nine consecutive years.

Interested individuals should contact Ray at 495-6767. There are no age restrictions for membership and all are welcome. For more information on AARP Chapter 1100, visit aarpchapter1100blackforest.weebly.com/index.html.

Jeremiah Mora, AARP Associate State Director of Community Outreach, presents one of the brightly-colored wheel chair pouches to Art Stucke, Resident Council Vice President at the Bruce McCandless Veterans Community Living Center at Florence with Barbara Moore, left, of the veterans home and some of the members of Colorado Springs AARP Chapter 1100. Courtesy photo

AARP Chapter 1100 members at the Bruce McCandless Veterans Home in Florence, Colo. Pictured back row, left to right: Beverly Schaab, Lavonne Hidy, Linda Siebe, Electa Beckner, Anna Skinner, Rita Fitzpatrick. Pictured front: Stanley Beckner. Courtesy photo

Jeremiah Mora talks with John Ferretti, a naval veteran at the McCandless Veterans Home near Florence, Colo., after the Patriot’s Day presentation. Courtesy photo

Anna Skinner and Stanley Beckner discuss the attributes of a wheel chair pouch with army veteran and AARP member Leon Hanyie, right. Courtesy photo