The Masonic Temple Porter Lodge 284, 1103 Sixth St., North Catasauqua, hosted a veterans breakfast Nov. 9, sponsored by the North Catasauqua Police Department, the Lodge and Mission BBQ.

The master of ceremonies was Cpl. Steven Santiago, of the North Catasauqua Police Department and a retired sergeant major. After a tasty country-style breakfast in the social hall, a poignant ceremony followed with a five-minute Veterans Day video.

Santiago introduced state Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th; District 14 Director Matt Marks; and District 14 Executive Assistant Alexi Lisboa. Miller thanked all who attended the breakfast honoring veterans.

Other dignitaries included North Catasauqua Mayor William Molchany Jr. and his spouse, Connie; North Catasauqua Police Chief Christopher Wolfer; and Nancy and Bryan Smith from Mission BBQ. Expressions of thanks for the veterans present for their sacrifices serving the nation were expressed by all the speakers.

The breakfast event touched all by honoring veterans, particularly those present, with a heartfelt ceremony, an impressive master of ceremonies, a good meal, an opportunity to speak with elected representatives and time to socialize in a friendly, respectful environment.

The Masonic Temple and the Masonic Service Association of North America has a long history of supporting the North Catasauqua community and veterans. Its original purpose was to provide aid to our military servicemen near the end of World War I. Now the effort is to provide assistance to the women and men in the armed forces.

For more information, visit msana.com.

Mission BBQ, 1421 Grape St., Whitehall, has demonstrated a commitment toward veterans. On Veterans Day, Mission BBQ offers veterans who visit their restaurant a free sandwich and a thank you for their service to the country.