Love for the American flag and their service in the Army, Navy and Air Force has brought a group of strangers together over coffee and Big Macs.

Ron Hanna of South Whitehall, spokesman for the group which meets 10 a.m. Tuesdays at McDonald’s, 721 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., South Whitehall, said their relationship began about five years ago.

“It is a fun group,” Hanna said. “We discuss anything and everything, and what is happening in people’s daily lives and with their loved ones.”

They share war stories, discuss current events, what ailments each other has and the medications they are taking.

Hanna joined the group after stopping at McDonald’s one morning for coffee.

“I knew people in the group, so I started sitting in,” he explained.

Over the years, some members have died. Others have moved.

Current members include Hanna and his wife, Renee, Kenny Smith, Bob Williams, Mike Fisher, John Long, Dick and Fay Gatti, Ron Sparr, Lois Binder, Anthony and Barbara Moccino, all of South Whitehall, and Bob Stewart of Allentown.

The group also includes Gildo “Chris” Verzino, who served in Italy, and his wife Renee, both of South Whitehall.

Renee Hanna spoke with The Press about their relationship with each other.

“The main focal point of the group is the love of country, the American flag and their service in the military,” she said.

Ron Hanna gave a big thank you to Mike Fountaine, owner of McDonald’s, for letting them meet in his restaurant.