It’s appropriate that Veterans Day and Thanksgiving are both in November. Between our everyday blessings, our veterans and our active military, we have a lot to be thankful for.

Because of their bravery and sacrifices, I’ve been blessed never to have seen war. I realize not everyone is as fortunate.

I’d like to thank the veterans who shared their stories with us in this month’s special Veterans Day issue. The story on page 24, “Preserving the past before it’s gone,” focuses on the work of locals Jim Witt and Greg Brumfield, who are preserving stories from World War II so they won’t be forgotten. If you’re a World War II veteran with a story to share with your family and future generations, contact Jim at 209-9241 or Greg at 640-4004.

Reliving history

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Rocky Mountain Wing is another group committed to conserving World War II history. I recently took to the skies in the CAF’s 1946 Piper J-3 Cub—the smallest aircraft that flew during the war. Talk about reliving history! These historic planes continue to fly, and it’s all thanks to the CAF stewards who restore and maintain them for our education and enjoyment.

Colorado Gives Day

Any day is a great day for giving, but Colorado Gives Day provides a simple way to donate to local organizations close to your heart. More than 100 local nonprofits participate in Colorado Gives Day on December 5. Donating to them in this online campaign multiplies your good—a $1 million incentive fund increases the value of every dollar donated. For more information and to start giving, visit www.ColoradoGives.org.

Tell us what you love and you’ll love what you might win.

Go to the last page of this month’s BEACON (available in your nearest grocery store) and tell us about your favorite local places. Send in your nominations and you’ll be entered to win some prizes! Entries must be received by December 31, 2017.