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.Â
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According to a release, the day affords trainees a time away from military rigors and allows them to relax with families like their own.
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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.Â
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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.Â
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Operation Fireside is a program overseen by the American Red Cross, which provided the accompanying photographs from Thanksgiving 2019.