Citizens around the country will hold various ceremonies on Veterans Day to show their appreciation to the United States military. At Bethany Lutheran Church in Palmyra, parishioners will go a step further and hold a breakfast for all borough vets Saturday, Nov. 9, at 8:30 a.m.
The idea for a breakfast for veterans came up during one of the church’s council meetings and it has stuck. Parishioners wanted to do something special to show their appreciation.
“I think we have lost the overall perspective of what our veterans have done for us,” said church member and Palmyra Fire Chief Richard Dreby. “I think we have lost sight of these individuals that have given so much for our freedom. This is our way to reach to them and just say thank you.”
“The perspective of our veterans has definitely changed over time,” Dreby continued. “In the past, there were several political conflicts, but it doesn’t change what they’ve done for us. We should express our thanks and recognize our soldiers.”
The breakfast is open to any veteran living in the area by contacting the church at (856) 829-2373. The event will also feature Mayor Michelle Arnold and state Assemblyman Troy Singleton.
“I am honored to speak at Bethany Lutheran Church’s first-ever Veterans Day breakfast,” said Singleton. “While I firmly believe that we should honor our veterans all year ’round, this is a special time of year when we can show our gratitude and appreciation for the men and women who have served our nation.”
While this is the first time for the veterans breakfast, the church has ramped up its community outreach program over the last few weeks. It will also hold a blood drive on Nov. 19.
The blood drive will be held with the American Red Cross between 2 and 7 p..m at 617 Morgan Ave., Palmyra. According to Derby and fellow members of Bethany Lutheran, the blood drive and veterans breakfast align with church’s core values of giving back to the community.
