“All throughout the year, we talk about how much we love our country, and I even start my morning show by doing the Pledge of Allegiance every day,” says Matt Malone of the Matt Malone Morning Show on 97.5 Y Country. “Through the month of May, we are able to actually display our patriotism by sharing stories and conversations with our American heroes leading up to memorial day.”
97.5 Y Country and Boss Services are excited to show gratitude to our veterans as the May We Thank You Tour of 2022 is now in full swing. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the entire month of May, Matt Malone will broadcast on-location while sharing stories and visiting with our local veterans. Already having visited the Legions of Benton Harbor Post #105 and New Buffalo Post #169 earlier this week, Matt can be found in Coloma, Galien, South Haven, Baroda, Berrien Springs, and Stevensville over the next three weeks.
“The amazing thing about American legions is that not only do they give our American heroes a place to retain the camaraderie that they experience while they served their country, they continue to serve the community by giving back to parades and sponsoring other community events,” Matt says.
The American Legion organization began just after World War I, providing a place of community and fellowship to military veterans overseas, and quickly grew into a worldwide place of respite. Legions are represented in fifty-five departments (states, countries, and districts), and there are over 13,000 posts across the globe.
This year, the May We Thank You tour has a little bit of added flair– patriotic t-shirts! With a suggested donation of $20, you will receive a free t-shirt, and every penny of your donation goes directly back to the Legion. “At our first stop, with some help from Chris and Rodger Williams, we were able to raise $580!” Matt says. On top of t-shirt donations, funds from May We Thank You Tour sponsors will be divided up evenly between all of the legions participating in the tour this year.
The tour schedule and American Legion interview podcasts can be found at 975ycountry.com, so be sure to pop in at the next legion stop and show your support. “This is not only a really great opportunity to make a donation to help our heroes, but, in turn, help our communities. These shirts act as a symbol to show that we don’t just say we have patriotism, we do something about it.”
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
