GOWEN CITY - Old friends gathered Sunday inside the fellowship hall of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, exchanging greetings and pleasantries as they arrived and settled in.
The group of gentlemen share common bonds, not only of living in East Cameron Township, but also in having served their country in times of war and peace.
Church members honored veterans with the fifth annual Veteran's Recognition Dinner, representing all branches of the armed forces. About 35 veterans and guests enjoyed a roast beef and pork dinner with all the trimmings, presented by church volunteers.
"You have all given of yourself so unselfishly, today is a day that we want you to sit back, relax and enjoy yourself," said organizer Claire Bonshock.
The dinner's benediction and grace were offered by church pastor Rev. David Byerly and Rev. Jerry Schlegel of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Gowen City. Both pastors are also veterans of the U.S. Army.
The event's guest speaker, State Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107), began by reminding the veterans of what an elite group they are.
"A recent study showed that one percent of the population are veterans, and have served their country to protect the freedoms of the other 99 percent," Masser said.
The representative spoke of the experience those who serve their country have that others will never know.
"You have all seen the misery of wartime and experienced the joy of coming home," Masser said. "We also give special thanks to your family members, who were unwavering in their support for their loved ones, keeping things together at home while you served your country."
The church presented each of the veterans with a special pin, baseball cap and a list of benefits available to them, including free meals at national chain restaurants like Applebee's, Olive Garden and more.
Stephanie Boyer gave a reading of the 1970 poem by veteran Charles Michael Province entitled "It is the Soldier," which served as a reminder to all in attendance of the vital the role soldiers play in America.
"It is the soldier, not the minister who has given us freedom of religion," she read. "It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet who has given us freedom of speech.
Musical presentations of "America the Beautiful" and the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" were played by Walter C. Boyer and sophomore Graeme Shappell, a member of the Shamokin Area High School band, played Taps following the Prayer of Remembrance.