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To the editor:
It is one of my favorite times of the year that I, along with hundreds of volunteers, get to welcome, salute, honor, respect and thank our veterans.
The fifth annual Veterans Thanksgiving Dinner was held on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Putnam County Golf Course. We were grateful to serve over 500 veterans and their guests. You could feel the appreciation for the veterans as they were ushered to their seats between rows of applauding volunteers.
Waiting at their tables were handmade placemats and centerpieces by the Lakeland school district, which they got to take home. As we stood and sang the national anthem together, the love for our nation resounded loud and clear. The veterans were served a full-course Thanksgiving dinner by volunteers, and the beverages and desserts were served by the Girl Scouts.
As they conversed with the other veterans at their table, they listened to music provided by Soulshine Entertainment and an unexpected arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus (aka Ed and Helen Hess) handed out candy canes. As the veterans exited, they were once again greeted with a line of Cub Scouts handing them handmade thank-you cards.
This day was truly the community coming together to thank the men and women who have given us the freedom that we all continue to enjoy each and every day.
Special thanks to: Purple Heart Homes NY Downstate Chapter, Black Stone, Former Senator Greg Ball and Joe Bachmeier, Al Ciuffetelli, Putnam Golf Course, Hannafords, Value Village, Aversano’s, On-Line Hair Design, Morgan Stanley, Lakeland School District, Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, Tompkins Mahopac Bank, Cross Roads Deli, Putnam County Health Dept., Clocktower Grill & Bar, Town of Southeast Recreation Dept. Youth Basketball League, Pepsi, Putnam County Fish & Game, Lou Cardillo, Bucci’s Deli, Traditions, Villa Barone, Tap House, Chophouse, The Carriage House, Freight House Café, Brooklyn Organic kitchen, The New York Flag men, Grand Central Deli, Four Brothers, Tim Russell, Lynne Mongon, Maryanne Gallipani, and all of the volunteers.
Suzi McDonough
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