Year after year, Americans gather and remember Memorial Day in honor of its fallen heroes. However, some people go beyond remembrance. Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson is one of those people.
Jackson, whose parents were from the military has been part of something that goes beyond the confines of remembering Memorial Day year after year. His organization, called Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, helps the children from military families in the educational, emotional and physical aspects, The Undefeated reported.
One @TBBuccaneers WR has chosen this #MemorialDay2016 to inspire & uplift active-duty military families. https://t.co/cIFfjm2hjo
— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) May 30, 2016
Focusing On The Families Left Behind
"We don't want to forget about the families and we want to make sure they understand that we appreciate their support and sacrifice as well," Jackson was quoted as saying. Jackson's organization is based in Tampa, Florida and was formed in 2012.
According to the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation's website, their standard is "to be as resolute in our mission to help military families as those families' soldiers are to protect our freedoms." In line with this, Vincent and his wife Lindsey have developed children's books that focus on how to cope with emotional issues from having a parent away on military duty.
The foundation also has a Salute to Reading Program, Youth in Action Camp, Military Moms Baby Shower, Military Family Home Makeover, Fall Festival and Salute to Scholars. A graduating senior who is a child of active duty, retired or deceased military personnel from Widefield High School in Colorado Springs where Jackson studied is given a $2,500 scholarship.
Some Former NFL Players Who Died For America
New York Daily News did a round-up of NFL players who not only made their mark on the football world, but also on the battlefield. The most recent was Pat Tillman, who played defensive back for the Arizona Cardinals. In 2004, he was reportedly killed in Afghanistan due to friendly fire.
The other NFL war heroes mentioned were Jack Lummus from the New York Giants who was killed at the Battle of Iwo Jima, and the Buffalo Bills' Bob Kalsu and Cleaveland Browns' Don Steinbrunner who both died in the Vietnam War. Al Blozis of the New York Giants died in action in France.
