Twice a year, the Elks Lodge hosts some of the Central Valley’s most honorable citizens for a veterans’ lunch.</p><p>The Elks celebrated Veterans Day for 2009 on Nov. 12, its second event of the year for local veterans. Nearly 100 veterans were honored by their family and the Los Baños Elks during the annual luncheon.</p><p>Raul Gutierrez, Leading Knight and chairman for veteran affairs for the lodge, started the tradition three years ago and Elks agree the Veterans Luncheon has grown into what many look for to each year.</p><p>“We couldn’t plan on any of this without you,” Gutierrez said to the attending veterans. “You being here is what makes it worthwhile for me.”</p><p>Richard Frontella, Elks Exhaulted Ruler, said after three years of developing the biannual events, the lodge “won’t let it go now.”</p><p>“As long as there are veterans, they’ll never be forgotten by the Elks,” Frontella said of an Elks saying.</p><p>The lunch, prepared and served by Elks members, was a full plate of spaghetti with salad and garlic bread. A cup of American flag clad vanilla ice cream topped off the meal for attendees.</p><p>Mayor Tommy Jones, along with City Manager Steve Rath, attended the luncheon and offered their appreciation.</p><p>“I always say the best thing for a young man or young woman is to join the military,” Jones said. “Thank all the veterans for your service to America.”</p><p>Gutierrez reiterated that the work of Elks to provide the luncheon was all for the veterans.</p><p>“I hope you can all keep coming as long as we keep the program and we’re going to keep the program as long as you keep coming,” he said.</p><p>Gutierrez shared the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day - the two annual celebratory events held each year at the lodge.</p><p>“Memorial Day honors those who are deceased,” he said. “This day is to honor every person who has ever worn a uniform.”