In the last few years a few of my friends from various regiments and I have started a sort of tradition.
We have contacted the Federation of French War Veterans (FWV) and have got the addresses of housebound veterans in our regions. We go out on Christmas Eve and offer to do some grocery shopping if they need it and to leave them a gift (normally wine, naturally
) and to talk to them. We'll also give those that may be alone a call on Christmas Day to just wish them a Merry Christmas.
This year I am not with my regiment (i'm with our Embassy in London) but i've got the details of a few old soldiers that live not far from me (a couple are even French) so i'll be giving them a visit. They have all been called beforehand, who knows what they'd have thought of a stranger in a strange uniform otherwise.
FWV, The British Legion and i'm sure the organisations in your countries do a great job but funds and volunteers only go so far so if your able and have the time and inclination maybe you could do something similar. Maybe visit someone you know or contact an organisation and see if you can help/visit someone.
a Joyeux Noël and a Merry Christmas to all of you!
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