As we honored the veterans who have bravely served our country this past week, I find myself reflecting on what it means to be both proud and hopeful for our future as Americans. This past year, with its contentious election and division across so many fronts, has shown how deeply we all care about our country—but also how vital it is to heal, connect, and strengthen our communities, one small step at a time.
Being married to an Army Reserve Major, I have a personal connection to the sacrifices our veterans and military families make every day. I know firsthand the pride that comes with that service, and the challenges that follow each deployment or separation. Veterans and their families give so much to our country, yet they often carry unseen burdens that we, as a community, can help ease. They remind us of what it means to sacrifice for something greater than ourselves, and they set an inspiring example of strength and resilience. I’m reflecting on the importance of doing my part to support and celebrate not only our veterans but all families who make our community a better, stronger place.
As the publisher of Macaroni KID Hershey, I believe that healing and moving forward as a community starts small: through simple acts of kindness, through connections made at a playdate, through the joy of watching kids dance at recitals, or the smiles shared at birthday parties. These moments may seem small, but they add up to a beautiful mosaic of shared experiences that can bridge divides, renew hope, and remind us of the good that exists in our world.
I’ve been mad or worried or both about our country nearly every day since 2016. When my husband deployed to the Horn of Africa in 2020 I found myself wondering if his service, our sacrifice as a family, even mattered. On a personal note, my husband is a disabled veteran who has struggled particularly since his last deployment. The cracks in our personal village, due in some ways to the political angst of recent years, has made shouldering the burden of his service-connected disability difficult.
For me, supporting veterans and strengthening my community this year is a personal mission. Here are a few ways I plan to bring that to life:
Highlighting Local Veteran-Owned Businesses: Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and many veterans are proud small-business owners. By featuring these businesses in Macaroni KID Hershey, I hope to introduce more families to the incredible work these veterans are doing in our area.
Creating Family-Friendly Events with a Purpose: Our community events bring families together for fun and connection, and I’m committed to dedicating more of these gatherings to honor veterans and active-duty military families. From patriotic crafts for kids to Veterans Day celebrations, these events will help teach our youngest generation about gratitude, respect, and the importance of service.
Supporting Community Initiatives That Uplift: Whether it’s donating to local veteran organizations, volunteering to help military families, or partnering with local charities that provide services to veterans, every little bit counts. I’m making it a priority to keep veterans and military families at the heart of my community focus this year.
Offering Resources for Families: Macaroni KID Hershey will continue to be a source of support for families by sharing articles and resources on mental health, family connection, and ways to give back. It’s my hope that these resources will provide comfort, build understanding, and inspire action within our community.
As we work toward healing and unity, I’m deeply proud to be an American and even more grateful for the opportunity to do so alongside each of you. My goal with Macaroni KID Hershey is to be a place where every family feels welcome, supported, and inspired to connect with one another. We move forward together with open hearts, kind words, and compassion for those around us.
This Veterans Day, let’s not only honor those who have served but also commit to supporting each other and building a brighter, more united future. Healing might not happen overnight, but with every conversation, every shared moment, and every act of kindness, we’re building a stronger community—together.
Thank you to our veterans, our military families, and to each of you who are making a difference in our community. I’m so grateful to be on this journey with you.
