A Veterans Day program in memory of members of Allen O. Delke American Legion Post 16, Slatington, who died during the past year took place in Northern Lehigh Bible Fellowship Church, Best Road, Walnutport, during the church worship service.

American Legion Post 16 is the oldest post in Lehigh County.

"We have some special visitors," Music Director Jason Musselman told the congregation. "We want to celebrate our veterans."

Everyone then joined in singing "God Bless America," and Ben Strohl, in his first public solo performance, sang "God Bless the U.S.A."

Musselman said Americans are blessed to have so many men and women step up to protect us.

"Thank you to the many who have served," he said. "God gives us freedom. The veterans give us freedom."

President of the Veterans Day Committee Dennis Ziegler introduced Post 16 Commander Bernie Dugan.

Dugan said Veterans Day had several names beginning with Armistice Day, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, which ended World War I.

The name officially has been Veterans Day since 1954.

"Reach out with a hand and thank the veterans," Dugan said, closing with "God bless you and God bless our country."

Ziegler said men and women set aside their lives and it was their determination that made them better warriors.

"In time of peace it is the enabling virtues of tolerance and discipline learned in the military that makes them good citizens," he said.

Family members who are in the Legion Riders and Sons of the American Legion were then asked to stand for recognition.

As Dugan read the names of American Lehigh Auxiliary members who died, auxiliary representative Susan Queen placed a poppy on a red, white and blue wreath.

As the names of the 26 service members from the Army, Air Force, and Marines who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Lebanon-Granada were read by Queen, Dugan placed poppies on the wreath.

A bell chimed as each name was read and "Taps" was played and echoed by Scott Schaeffer and Jesse Troxell.

Ziegler closed the progrm by reading the poem, "Eulogy for a Veteran," that begins "Do not weep for me, I am not here."