By Matthew Fleishman; Yardley News Editor

On Thanksgiving morning, while many of us will be preparing big family meals or watching football, members of the Sons of the American Legion will be setting up for their Second Annual Christmas Tree Sale. The sale, which will be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Black Friday through Christmas, will benefit both activities in Yardley Borough and the veterans of the Knowles-Doyle American Legion Squadron 317.

“With the way the economy is,we can’t rely on our donations as normal because everyone is having to cut back,” said Rich Cole. “In previous years, we have raffled off grills, held 50/50s, and done other things, but it has been getting to the point that we are going back to the same people every time. We want to reach out to more people and raise awareness of our group.”

The Sons of the American Legion make up more than 43,000 sons, grandsons and great-grandsons of veterans throughout Pennsylvania, which is the most of any state in the country. The mission of the group is to support local veterans and community activities. At the Knowles-Doyle Squadron 317, there are more than 100 members, including a diaper brigade made up of toddlers.

“People join the Sons of the American Legion because it’s a small measure we take to show our appreciation and support for our active duty service people and veterans,” said Wes Foraker. “I’m remembering my grandfather who served and has since passed on, and the rest of the guys want to honor their father or grandfather for his bravery and service to our country.”

In addition to helping veterans, the Sons of the American Legion are the reason that more than 150 American Flags line Afton Avenue and Main Street in Yardley Borough, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The idea for this effort came from group member Dan Sweeney.

“I walked through town with the fire department at one of the parades, and when I looked up, I noticed that there were no flags except for ones on people’s houses,” said Sweeney.

All of the proceeds from the sale will go toward veteran support activities and the purchase of new flags, because several flags need to be replaced each year. Like all activities done by the Sons of the American Legion, all workers at the sale are volunteers.

Speaking of Christmas Trees, the Yardley Business Association will hold its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Old Library on Lake Afton. Santa Claus will arrive at 7 p.m., but there will be carolers and hot chocolate prior. Residents are asked to bring non-perishable food items for a holiday food drive. The following weekend, the YBA will hold its annual Olde Fashioned Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 5, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

For more information about the tree lighting or parade, visit www.yardleybusiness.com.

The Knowles-Doyle American Legion, Squadron 317 is located at 215 S. Main Street, Yardley. The hours for the tree sale are: Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To join the Sons of the American Legion, come to the Legion with a copy of your father’s or grandfather’s DD-214 discharge paper.