I’m sure most of us can remember the joy of waking up on Christmas morning and seeing a tree filled with shiny wrapped boxes, just waiting to be ripped open. Unfortunately, this isn’t something that all kids get to experience. That’s why this year, we are again teaming up with several organizations to help make every child’s Christmas something they will remember forever.

From answering the call of duty to fight against the evils of fascism and imperialism in World War II to fighting against communist regimes in Korea and Vietnam to defending our country against terrorist threats in the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, time and time again, our veterans stood strong and bravely fought to protect our freedoms. In November, Nuvision held several events to thank them for their service.

Veteran Ernie Delgado spent four years serving in the thick of Vietnam’s jungles as an infantry Marine. He fought courageously and carried the burden of leading his squad. Now, he’s a husband, grandfather, and member of the American Legion, where he and other veterans who share similar experiences connect and serve the community. “Never forget how you got your freedom, and how it’s maintained, and how it’s protected,” he said. “Someone’s got to pay for it.”

Vietnam veteran Frank Passarelli grew up with five Navy veterans in the family, his uncles, who had all served during World War II. During his own time in the Navy, he worked as a radioman on an assault troop carrier, facing constant danger and once surviving a deadly attack. Today, he continues to serve his fellow veterans and help civilians remember the cost of freedom through his role as Second Vice Commander at American Legion Huntington Beach Post 133.