Packages for Patriots' Day

It's been nine years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 -- forever known as 9/11 -- changed the way we live and travel.

When I first heard the news that a plane had hit the World Trade Center, I thought it was a private plane accident. It became apparent very quickly that it was much more.

Chris and I have traditionally observed Patriots' Day with a traditional American meal of hot dogs or burgers -- now vegetarian versions of course -- apple pie and Coca-Cola.

I also burn a single candle in my enclosed fireplace. (Note: I can do this because the fireplace is enclosed with doors that close completely. For safety's sake, do not leave a burning candle unattended out in the open.)

This year, there's another opportunity to observe Patriots' Day in a meaningful way by making "care packages" for our troops stationed around the world.

White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy will be collecting items to be distributed to our armed forces beginning Monday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 12 from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. each day. Just bring your contributions from the following list to the Temple of Memories.

White Chapel will display American flags along its causeways on Saturday, Sept. 11.

(After attending the V-J day commemoration there earlier this summer, I can tell you, this is display is both beautiful and moving.)

The cemetery is located at the corner of Long Lake Rd. (18 Mile) and Crooks Rd. in Troy.

Suggested items for troop care packages:

Food/Snacks:

>Processed comfort food/fun food (EasyMac, ravioli, etc.)
>Tuna, jerky (beef or turkey)
>Dried fruit, canned fruit, fruit gushers, trail mix, nuts
>Hard candy (Jolly Ranchers, suckers, etc.)
>Gum (blister packs)
>Powdered drinks to mix with water (single serving size)
>Protein or breakfast bars
>Protein powder

Apparel and Bedding:

>Cotton boxer briefs, cotton women's underwear
>Pillow cases
>Cotton crew socks or Fox Sox (www.foxsox.com)
>Twin-size vellux blankets

Health Products:

>Band-aids
>Chapstick (any type, including squeeze tube)
>Eyedrops - all types
>Foot powder, baby power, Gold Bond powder
>Hand and foot warmer packets
>Hand sanitizer - small sizes
>Hot/cold squares for sore muscles or instant Cold Paks
>Lens cleaner for glasses - individual packets
(all infantry use glasses, either safety or prescription.)
>Neosporin
>Vitamin C drops
>Cough drops
>Multivitamins
>Feminine hygiene products
>Dryer sheets (may be used as air fresheners or insect repellent)

Leisure:

>AT&T phone cards for international calling
>DVDs
>CDs
>Dollar store toys/fun stuff
>Small, hand-held games
>Magazines
>Notes of encouragement, news for the deployed troops