ervicemen and women, their families, and Elks gathered at the Elks Lodge on Veterans Day on Friday to honor and remember the men and women who served and are serving our country.

An opening Elks prayer for veterans was recited by Bob Malyevac, Lodge Trustee and Past Exalted Ruler.

At the conclusion of the prayer, Malyevac led everyone in singing “God Bless America.” When the song was finished, it was time to eat.

Janice Thomas and Jule Mason, the lead cooks for the evening, and a group of volunteers offered a large array of dishes.

At times the line stretched around the room, but everyone had a chance to try some great food. The dessert table was loaded with all manner of cakes and pies.

The range of veterans spanned from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan.

One veteran recently celebrated his 90th birthday, and said he would be back next year.

Many stayed long after dinner to connect, enjoy the company, and in some cases revisit the dessert table.