“Veterans, you have done your duty–to your families, to your communities, to your fallen comrades, and to your country. You have honorably served your nation with great distinction. And we can never say it enough–for your (the Veterans’) service in war and in peace–thank you and God bless you.”
On Friday evening November 11 Christian County Elks #2777 hosted their Veterans Day Dinner honoring all that served. Boy Scouts Carter and Alex Sweet led the Pledge of Allegiance, Trustee Charlie Hopkins said a prayer then the quartet JAZZ! sang the Star-Spangled Banner. Dinner was served with Caesar salad, Mesquite Garlic pork loins, brown rice, fresh broccoli, and cheesecake for dessert. Our Veterans program continued with Americanism Chairman, Steve Buttress acknowledging a local citizen, Gary Schreiner, for flying his American Flag 24-7 and receiving an Americanism Certificate. Steve then read a poem his grandson had written titled, “Names upon Black Granite”. Veteran Gene Ward also recited one of his many poems he has written, many are published, and Gene is starting his fifth book of poetry. All Veterans were recognized with a group photo and members of the Springfield Metro Chorus closed out the evening with upbeat military medleys. Thank you to everyone who made the Veterans Day event a success from the decorating team to the kitchen staff. Elks Care, Elks Share.
To all of the veterans of our military branches, thank you for your service and everything you do to protect us. Our freedom isn’t guaranteed, it is provided to us by the men and women in our armed forces. Thank you all for your service. Thanks to all the members of our military, past, and present, living and dead.
