Veterans including (l-r) Dennis Haack, Richard Denbow, Allen Eggers, and Don Hall attend Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary’s Community Veterans Day Program held at Westbrook Acres on Monday, Nov. 11. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

GLADBROOK – The Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary hosted a Community Veterans Day Program at Westbrook Acres on Monday, Nov. 11.

The ALA Americanism Chairman Lisa Reinhard started the service stating, “Today we commemorate the Armistice marking the end of the fighting between Germany and the Allies of WWI. Originally celebrated as Armistice Day, Veterans Day is a federal holiday. Its significance is noted as happening on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. With this in mind, Veterans Day is always celebrated on November 11.”

Everyone then sang “This Land is Your Land.” The names of veterans who had passed this year were lifted up.

VA&R Chr. Jolene Denbow pinned a poppy corsage on the veterans present including Dennis Haack, Army; Richard Denbow, Army; Westbrook resident Allen Eggers, Army; and Westbrook resident Don Hall, Marines/Army.

Sue Koster played the military songs.

Americanism Chr. Lisa Reinhard pictured on Monday, Nov. 11, at Westbrook Acres in Gladbrook during the Community Veterans Day Program. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

Lisa gave a very informative message on the history and the value of the Merchant Marines during World War II. Her father, James Gilchrist, was a Merchant Marine. She ended her message by thanking all the veterans for their service.

The program was closed by singing “God Bless America,” after which everyone enjoyed the patriotic cupcakes.

ALA Unit President Jeanne Paustian assisted.