December 14, 2005
Marine league honors veterans
Luncheon recognizes more than 40 veteran residents at Pavilions
By
Herald staff writer
There was a lot of reminiscing among the more than 40 veterans who were honored during a special luncheon given by the Yagle Brother Marine Corps League Detachment 165 for residents of Grand Traverse Pavilions on Saturday.
"We owe you - the greatest generation - a thank you every day for the rest of our lives," said Patti DeAgostino, director of community relations at the Pavilions as she welcomed the honored veterans, their friends and family and members of the Yagle Brother's detachment to the fifth-annual holiday luncheon held at the Pavilions.
Veterans of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, National Guard and Navy sang the anthems of each branch of the military, along with a lively version of Jingle Bells, before being presented with an American flag and pin.
"It's the least we can do," said Tony Buday, a veteran of the Marine Corps and member of the Yagel Brother's detachment.
League member, Mauri Cahill who looks forward to taking part in the annual luncheon each year, enjoys spending time talking with the veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam as well as in peace-time.
"It is a show of respect to the vets. Sometimes they get forgotten, we want them to know that they aren't," Cahill said.
Marian Keeder, whose husband David, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam and current resident of the Pavilions, appreciated the special attention the honorees received.
"I think this is a wonderful day. It gives them a good, normal feeling, something they can relate to," Keeder said.
Ralph Black, a 25-year Navy veteran and resident of the Pavilions, shared Keeder's gratitude.
"I think this is great. It is nice that they are thinking of us this time of year," Black said.