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 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 galof 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.
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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] |
