Remember Our Troops With Donations to These 10 Organizations

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was devoted to decorating the graves of the Civil War dead. That tradition continued through many wars and police actions until Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971.

Many Americans still observe the day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Difficult times, however, call for more extreme measures.

While may of us at home are feeling the effects of the recession, our veterans, active-duty troops and their families are carrying far heavier burdens. For those who'd like to recognize Memorial Day this year by donating time or money, we offer the following 10 worthy non-profit organizations.

1. Wreaths Across America
The tradition of laying holiday wreaths at veterans graves began in 1992, when the Worcester Wreath Company donated 5,000 left-over wreaths. What began as one man's gesture rapidly grew into a national movement, with more than 425 cemeteries across the U.S. participating.

You can sponsor one wreath for $15 or make a corporate donation of 100 wreaths for $1,500. Schools, groups and non-profit organizations are encouraged to participate, with $5 of every $15 wreath sponsorship returned to the fundraising group. Wreaths Across America also needs volunteer truckers to deliver wreaths from the home base in Maine to their final destinations.

2. Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline 
Combat-related guilt is the strongest link to suicidal thoughts and attempts. Disturbing thoughts can overwhelm veterans -- thoughts they find it difficult to express or ignore. The Veterans Hotline provides vets with 24/7 support from trained counselors at crucial times.

The hot line is sponsored by the VA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans should call 1-800-273-8255, and press "1" to be routed to the Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline.

3. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans  
NCHV serves as a central link between governmental agencies, homeless assistance programs and legal aid for hundreds of thousands of homeless veterans each year. The NCHV believes the most effective programs are community-based, nonprofit, “veterans helping veterans” groups. These programs feature transitional housing in structured, substance-free environments where vets share support and experiences.

4. National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hot line provides homeless vets or vets at-risk with free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. Call 1-877-424-3838.

5. The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund  
Operation Iraqi Freedom had led to many single-parent families as active-duty military are stationed far from home. The Legacy Scholarship Fund helps these children afford higher education.

5. Veterans of Foreign Wars
The Veterans of Foreign Wars provides much-needed VA claims assistance to more than 120,000 vets. Among other programs, the VFW also provides free cell phone cards to active-duty military personnel; emergency financial grants to those struggling as a result of multiple or extended deployments or injuries; and more than $2.5 million in scholarships each year.

6. American Ex-Prisoners of War  
Many former POWs are unaware of their entitlements. The non-profit organization helps former POWs and their families learn about entitlements and apply for VA assistance and medals owed to them. 

Donations to any of the AXPOW funds may be sent to American Ex-Prisoners of War, 3201 East Pioneer Parkway No. 40, Arlington, Texas 76010-5396.  100 percent of all donations are used for AXPOW program support. 

7. Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation  
The Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery is a unique, living memorial honoring the 2.5 million women who have defended or are defending America. Dedicated in 1997, the memorial documents the experiences of these women and tells their stories of service, sacrifice and achievement. 

The non-profit organization is dependent upon the donations of individuals, corporations, organizations, and state and local governments to equip and maintain the Education Center, theater and exhibit areas, expand the permanent artifact collection, and continue to locate and register eligible women.

8. Paralyzed Veterans of America
PVA is a congressionally chartered veterans service organization that advocates for veteran health care; research and education on spinal-cord injury and dysfunction; benefits available as a result of military service; and civil rights and opportunities to maximize the independence of members. 

9. Lawyers Serving Warriors 
LSW has been instrumental in the passage of landmark veterans-rights legislation. Lawsuits brought by volunteer attorneys have forced the VA to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits to veterans and their families. The project is an offshoot of the National Veterans Legal Services Program. NVLSP recruits, trains, and assists thousands of volunteer lawyers and veterans' advocates. 

10. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors  
TAPS is a 24/7 tragedy-assistance resource for anyone who has lost a military loved one, regardless of the relationship to the deceased or the circumstance of the death. Founded in 1994, TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, case-work assistance, crisis intervention, and grief and trauma resources.

Photo by Jacques Henri