St. John’s United Church of Christ honors local veterans with a special meal and program

 

[November 16, 2022] 

On Sunday evening, November 13th the St. John United Church of Christ resumed a 20-year tradition of honoring local veterans from all branches of the military with a special dinner and program at the Lincoln American Legion Post 263.

The process for this grand event begins many months prior to the actual dinner as the church hosts fundraiser and giving opportunities to bring in cash to cover the cost of the dinner.

Then there are the invitations that are sent out. The dinner is for veteran’s only and attendance is by invitation. Local veterans who have not received an invitation in the past are asked to contact the church to be added to the list.

As the evening began, doors opened at 4:30 p.m. and many of the special guests arrived right on time, with others coming in just prior to the meal.

Outside veterans were greeted at their vehicles and given the option of riding in a golf car to the front door of the American Legion.  The carts were offered to the dinner by Chicago Street Rentals in Lincoln.

Once inside the building, guests were seated in reserved spots with the military branch in which they served marked in the centerpieces of the tables.

Around the centerpieces were patriotic cupcakes donated by American Legion Auxiliary member Laura Slayton. Tossed salads were set at the table, along with a program for the evening.

The cover of the program was noteworthy because it was a copy of a piece of artwork done by local veteran Gary Hickey.

On hand were members of the Lincoln Boy Scout Troop 102, serving beverages at the table as guests arrived. Later in the evening, those same scouts would hand deliver meals to the veterans at their tables.

MARINES

ARMY

NAVY

AIR FORCE

Prior to the meal and program, Lynn Paulus had been asked to take group photos of each military branch represented. She called for Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. All the branches except the Coast Guard had veterans in attendance.

The evening was emceed by Lincoln Mayor and Army veteran Tracy Welch.
 

The evening included welcoming comments from St. John UCC Church Council President Kent Paulus. He welcomed the veterans and also acknowledged the committee that had worked to bring the evening to fruition successfully.

The American Legion Color Guard delivered the presentation of colors and the Star Spangled Banner was sang by the congregation of veterans.

Pastor Laurie Hill delivered the invocation and then dinner was served.

The meal included roasted pork loin with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and dinner roll, and was catered by Nick Bay of Lincoln Land Catering.

Live entertainment was presented by the Harvest of Talents Vocal Ensemble led by Tim Searby with accompaniment by Kay Dobson.

During “Mail Call” the boy scouts handed out gift bags to each veteran in attendance. The bags were made by elementary students from Lincoln District 27 schools.

Boy Scout David Morrow spoke and there were special presentations to local veterans celebrating milestones.

A moment of silence was observed for fallen veterans who have passed away since the last dinner.

Calob Pluhm presented a vocal solo “On Eagles Wings” then there was a sing-along for everyone.

Pastor Lauri Hill delivered the closing remarks and benediction.
 

As the evening drew to a close, veterans disbursed. It had been an evening of recalling past history, re-connecting with friends made at previous dinners, and celebrating those who have given their service to all Americans, insuring our freedoms from tyranny.

Some of the veterans in the room wore shirts that made statements about who these men and women are on the inside. “All gave some. Some gave all. Thank a Veteran.” And “Freedom is not free. Thank a veteran,” are simple yet very meaningful statements, that hopefully we will all remember well past the November observances associated with Veterans Day.

[Nila Smith with photos by Smith and Lynn Paulus]