The American Legion Ladies Auxiliary organized a meal for Veterans and their families on Veterans Day Nov. 11 at the Swan Valley Community Hall. Veteran Alan Taylor won the basket shown.
Swan Valley resident Dave Stenhouse served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. The patches on his jacket place him on the USS Independence in the Mediterranean in 1971 to 1972.
Swan Valley resident Ed Klassen served in Iraq. He told the group assembled outside the Swan Valley Community Hall at the Veterans Day event that he served because of his family and to protect America's freedom.
SWAN VALLEY - Swan Valley residents gathered in front of the Swan Valley Community Hall Nov. 11 to honor the valley's veterans. Speaking to the nearly 65 people in attendance, American Legion Post 63 Commander Rick Ferguson said:
"The purpose [of this day] is to celebrate and honor all of America's veterans for their patriotism love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. I salute our local veterans and those who passed before us, who are now held in reverence on the front wall [their names engraved on individual plaques] of the community hall. God bless those serving today, their families, their widows and orphans."
A few local resident veterans took the microphone and spoke about their service.
Jim Vanfossen remembered that three from his high school graduating class in 1966 were killed in Vietnam within months of being drafted into the service.
Ed Klassen said that he served for his family and to protect America's freedoms.
The group spontaneously began to sing "God Bless America" after which the veterans and their families were treated to a lunch organized by the American Legion Post 63 Auxiliary.
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