Monday, Dec. 01, 2008

Los Banos Elks Lodge hosts veterans

More than 100 attend twice-annual event

Honoring our local veterans is one of the many causes that the Los Baños Elks Lodge supports. Richard Barcellos, a member of of the local Elks, invited me to share the afternoon with these his group Nov. 13 at the Elks Veterans Luncheon.

According to Elks member Norm Donovan, the Los Baños Elks Lodge hosts the function twice per year to honor the veterans who have served in the U. S. Armed Forces. Donovan said the local veterans are invited to share a meal at no cost as part of the Elks intrinsic commitment to all of America's veterans. He quoted part of their pledge: "So long as there are veterans, the benevolent and protective order of Elks will never forget them."

According to Elks member Raul Gutierrez, the Elks have made the luncheon a priority for some time and they hope to keep it growing. The Elks dining room was nearly full with about 110 people from Los Baños, Firebaugh, Gustine, Mendota, Dos Palos and Fresno present. The mayor of Los Baños, Tommy Jones, as well as other politicians attended. In the future Gutierrez hopes the crowd expands.

In addition to providing the veterans with a nice meal, members of the Elks Lodge and local dignitaries availed themselves of the opportunity to share their appreciation with words and speeches honoring the people who have served in the Armed Forces. During the luncheon Councilmen Tom Faria and Joe Sousa as well as Councilwoman-elect Elizabeth Stone spoke to the veterans assembled for the luncheon. Merced County Supervisor Jerry O'Banion also shared his gratitude to the men and women that once wore a uniform. Richard Barcellos, the Exalted Ruler of the Los Baños Elks, read a tribute to the crowd.

The veterans were honored with music as well. Beverly Brown who is the president of the Los Baños Golden Agers Club was there with an instrument called a Q-Chord on which she played the official songs of each branch of the U. S. Armed Services. Attendees were invited to sing along as she played for them. Pride of service is still shown by many of these veterans. In fact when the Navy's song "Anchors Aweigh" was played, Norm Donovan (himself a Navy vet) stood up. With a big smile on his face he insisted that the rest of the Navy vets stand and sing as well.

As the luncheon came to a close Faria, who is also the local high school choral director, honored the vets by singing Lee Greenwood's "Proud To Be An American."