By Lulu

One of my best events to attend this year was my first trip to “The Swamp” located in Groveland, the home of the Nam Knights MC. One of the members known as Reply started this toy drive 7 years ago and incorporated it into their Christmas in the Swamp which was started one year earlier. The Lake County Chapter has 14 members and 1 prospect. What a difference 15 people can make. An amazing free Christmas dinner was served in the afternoon for a donation of one unwrapped toy. MC’s from all over were in attendance along with individual riders. This event was amazing in the number of toys under their tree. With Covid-19 I wouldn’t think people could be so generous, but that wasn’t the case in The Swamp. The need was surely greater for the children of Astatula, Mascotte and Groveland and Santa came in the form of generous bikers answering the call of The Nam Knights to be good little elves!

Vietnam Vets are Americans of the best kind!!! I know many so I can say this with my own personal knowledge. Not only did they fight in jungles in a far away land, watching many of their “brothers” lose their lives fighting; then due to civil unrest and spoiled brat college kids, they faced criticism and hate upon their return. Most people would be bitter and have hatred in their hearts, but no, they love this land we call home. They love the freedom that they fought to provide for South Vietnam. And now they spend their retirement still giving of themselves. I am honored to have spent the day with these guys and their friends. If you live in the Leesburg/Clermont/Orlando area look for this event next year…take a day to get to know these good men and be Santa for a child in need. You will be glad you did…

The Nam Knights have 15 Florida Chapters and 74 Chapters through the U.S. and Canada. They continue to serve their country through community service. 2021 Christmas in the Swamp is scheduled for Saturday, December 11th.