With Labor Day weekend approaching, many Americans are planning to hit the links, and depending where they tee it up they can support the troops at the same time. Thousands of courses across the country are participating in Patriot Golf Day, which donates the proceeds of Labor Day rounds to the Folds of Honor Foundation.
Patriot Golf Day, which is supported by both the PGA of America and the United States Golf Association, has been a substantial success over the last five years. Since 2007, the program has raised in excess of $12.8 million, which has allowed the Folds of Honor Foundation to provide 3,500 scholarships to military families. Former President George W. Bush, an avid golfer, is the honorary chair of the event and encourages his fellow golf enthusiasts to support the cause.
"Our military families make great sacrifices for our nation, and their children's dreams of an education should not go unrealized," he said. "This Labor Day weekend, I ask you to join thousands of golfers across the country in supporting Patriot Golf Day."
The event addresses one of the most important causes in the military community. About 87 percent of children of fallen soldiers do not qualify for federal assistance when they head to college, so organizations such as Folds of Honor fill a significant void.