Country Meadows of Allentown Retirement Community held a veterans celebration Nov. 9 with a USO-style performance by the Swing Time Dolls. Residents enjoyed favorite patriotic melodies as the entertainers took a sentimental journey back to the days of World War II, Glenn Miller and the Andrews Sisters.

On Nov. 11, the veterans were treated to a special luncheon, a program and a surprise video including a collage of pictures from the residents’ military days. Families helped with the surprise by sending pictures from their family albums. Resident and veteran Col. Charles Jackson, Airborne Infantry, Ranger, Army, retired addressed fellow veterans:

“Today we represent an important, perhaps critical element of our society,” Jackson said. “We served our country in her time of need. Some volunteered, some were drafted, some served during periods of conflict and some did not. Some of us are World War II vets, some served during the Korean conflict, others during the Vietnam War. And others served during the ongoing war on terrorism. Our ranks include commissioned officers, warrant officers, medical officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel. Some of us are combat veterans and some of us were wounded. Many of us were the support personnel who made the machinery of the armed forces work. Engineers, mechanics, logisticians, drivers, medics. But we all served and the nation is grateful for that. We are proud that we have served and earned the title of veteran.”

A beautiful arch with a silhouette of a soldier was handcrafted by residents and co-workers. Each hand painted poppy symbolizes a fallen veteran.

When the veterans returned to their apartments after lunch, there was a special gift waiting for them (made by fellow residents and co-workers) symbolizing gratitude for the sacrifices they made for all of us. It was a moving celebration from start to finish ... with a few surprises in between. Tears of pride and hearts of gratitude … a memorable tribute to our vets.

Editor’s Note: Additional photos can be found at www.lvpnews.com.