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| Servicemen on leave at the Downtown YMCA circa 1940 |
A decade before the American Civil War, the first YMCA in
the United States was established in 1851.
During this time in our nation’s history, the YMCA played an integral part
in providing spiritual, educational, and recreational support to our soldiers
on the battlefield during the Civil War and in subsequent wars.
In 1861, representatives from 15 YMCA’s joined together to
create the United States Christian Commission to provide spiritual and physical
support to soldiers. In a letter to the
YMCA, President Abraham Lincoln praised the efforts of the volunteers, “I
sincerely hope your plan may be successful in execution, as it is just and generous
in support.”
More than 160 years later, the YMCA is continues to provide
support to our U.S. military personnel. Deployment
is a stressful and uncertain time for our nation’s servicemen and women and
their families. Through a partnership
with the Armed Services YMCA and the Department of Defense, the Y proudly
offers free memberships and respite child care services to eligible military
families and personnel to provide additional support during this difficult time. It’s just one of the ways we give back to
those who dedicate their lives to serving our country.
The YMCA of Central Ohio proudly supports our military. On this Memorial Day holiday we honor the
memory of those who dedicated their lives to serving this country and those who
continue to protect our nation. The Y
salutes you!
To learn more about our military outreach initiative, visit:
www.ymca.net
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