American Legion Riders Post 259 members Sharon Parshall and Vic Bronner created the program “Rider Memory Bear” that donates to the family of a veteran a handmade stuffed bear, typically made of a shirt from the veteran and a traditional black American Legion Rider vest.
This vest is adorned with an American Legion Riders logo pin, a branch of service pin, and an American Legion Riders patch on the back.
The program is in conjunction with Helios Care (previously Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.) for veteran clients and their families, and the Veterans Administration “Veteran Recognition Certificate” program, which currently honors veteran clients for their service to our country with a framed certificate and a branch of service pin.
It is hoped that this effort will spread to other hospice locations and attract volunteers to create Rider Memory Bears for their veteran clients.
The American Legion Riders of Post 259 are proud to support such a heartwarming recognition of our veterans for their families.