Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, togetherness, and stomachs full of good food. But for the young Coast Guard recruits currently in boot camp at the base in Cape May, home is hundreds of miles away. During these long months that they’re in boot camp, the recruits can’t leave, making the base fully become their home.
Of course, no one knows exactly what this experience is like unless they’ve gone through it themselves. However, the men and women who are part of the American Legion Post 352 in Somers Point do. Together, the Legion steps in to make sure these young recruits aren’t spending the holiday alone.
On Thanksgiving morning, the recruits are bused from their barracks in Cape May and welcomed into the American Legion with open arms, full plates, and the promise of a day filled with warmth, games, conversation, and community spirit. The Legion gives these recruits a taste of family, the kind that extends far beyond bloodlines.
For the last 10 or so years, this Thanksgiving event has been a cherished tradition, bringing smiles to the recruits and everyone involved. Between the 250 Legion members, the Auxiliary members, and the Sons of the Legion, there are plenty of helping hands who choose to spend their Thanksgiving Day this way.
Larry Lemieux, Commander of Post 352, shared what this day is all about. “It means quite a bit to all of us. I mean, we’re giving back to recruits that will soon be veterans and giving them a place to go. It’s Thanksgiving; it’s a time to be with family and be with people. And if they didn’t get to come here, they’d be back at the barracks in Cape May, just having dinner with themselves,” Lemieux said. “This gives them a chance to get out, get away for the day, call their families and loved ones. It becomes a day off for them, and we’re able to provide them a meal and a good time.”
LB One Steakhouse generously donates the turkey and all the classic Thanksgiving sides needed to complete the feast. The American Legion Auxiliary members bake and bring in a ton of desserts to really sweeten up the celebration. Students at St. Joseph Regional School are even making placemats this year for the men and women to enjoy, making it a true community affair.
“It’s very heartwarming to know that we’re helping out the recruits who can’t be with their families on such a special day,” Marie Gilbride, a member of the Auxiliary, said.
The recruits arrive at the Legion around 11 a.m. and don’t bus back until about 4 p.m., giving them a full day of food, conversation, and fun. Lemieux shared that Legion members also spend the day chatting with the recruits, letting them use their phones to call home, playing games, and offering them a ton of human connection and community.
“My favorite part of this day is that I’m able to give back to where I came from. As veterans, we’re all in the same boat, (and) we love what we do. We’re 1% of the population, so we’re a unique group, and we always support other veterans,” Lemieux explained. “We feel for these kids, know what they’re doing and going through, and just want to give them a home for Thanksgiving. (We) want to give them a place to come to and feel like they’re with family for the day.”
Each year, the American Legion Post 352 reminds the community what Thanksgiving is truly about: kindness, gratitude, and the simple joy of coming together. For the recruits who may be far from home and for the veterans who know exactly what that feels like, this day is more than just a meal. It’s a reminder that family can be found anywhere, especially in a room filled with people who care.
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DLC Media, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
