Veterans Day 11/11/11

Post 1463 VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary commemorated Veterans Day with a social at the Post on Sunday November 6, 2011. All veterans were invited to attend and approximately 100 veterans from WWII, Korean and Gulf Wars and peacetime attended the occasion. Special guest speaker Sgt. Neil Gussman of the PA National Guard spoke about the citizen soldiers who fight the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. He related stories from his deployments and the character of the men with whom he served. State Representative John Bear, State Senator Mike Brubaker and Mr. Russell Pettyjohn spoke briefly and praised our Post and all veterans. Representative Bear presented Post 1463 with a copy of House Resolution 493 honoring all PA veterans who served during war and peace and honoring the men and women who currently serve. Spirit in Song entertained while refreshments were provided and served by the Ladies Auxiliary. Tom Mannon, who generously created and donated the plaque for all Lititz Veterans that hangs in our Post, was publicly acknowledged for his contribution. Tom stated that he was proud to be part of our program and extended his sincere thanks to all veterans. Local elementary school students drew cards and decorations for the event, which are always appreciated by our veterans.

On Veterans Day, Commander Ellis and Ladies Auxiliary members visited veterans at Audubon Villa for a brief program. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance, Anne Loechner read inspirational materials and Joel chatted with the veterans. Everyone who attended received a Veterans Day card, a small gift, a flag and a Buddy Poppy. Later in the day Joel and Senior Vice Commander Ron Lantz visited the Assisted Living Center at Luther Acres for another patriotic program with the Ladies Auxiliary. Anne and Joel greeted the veterans and presented another brief program. Ron stated his appreciation of Post 1463 and the work of the Ladies Auxiliary. Once again, Spirit in Song joined us to provide entertainment. The Ladies Auxiliary distributed cards from the elementary school kids, flags, small gifts and Buddy Poppies. Nearly 80 people attended this program and truly enjoyed themselves; so did we!

Our veterans and their families truly appreciate that we remember them, visit them and they always ask us to return. The Luther Acres social activity director has already booked us for next Veterans Day! Join us next time.



PA National Guard Sgt. Neil Gussman speaks to the audience
(L to R) Kim Mannon, Tom Mannon, Sgt. Neil Gussman, Rep. John Bear, Senator Mike Brubaker, Mr. Russell Pettyjohn




(L TO R) After unveiling the plaque, Sr. Vice Commander Ron Lantz, Tom Mannon, Commander Joel Ellis, District 9 Jr. Vice Commander Richard Getz, Service Officer Vince Anzalone




Commander Ellis and patriotic instructor Anne Loechner during the program at Audubon Villa.



Residents showing their patriotic spirit.



Joel, Ron and a fellow army veteran show respect as the Army Anthem is played.



Spirit in Song was a big hit with this audience!



A photo op!............All the veterans who attended the program at Luther Acres