CAPE MAY - A longstanding holiday tradition continued Nov. 28 when many Cape May County families hosted Coast Guard recruits from Training Center Cape May as part of Operation Fireside. 

According to a release, the day affords trainees a time away from military rigors and allows them to relax with families like their own.

In the past the early bonds formed as part of Operation Fireside have continued as families and Coast Guard members remained in contact for many years after graduation and military service. 

For the families, who may have service members of their own away from home during the holidays, it helps bring the bond of all services closer. 

Operation Fireside is a program overseen by the American Red Cross, which provided the accompanying photographs from Thanksgiving 2019.