The heroes that make up the fiber of our community were honored at the annual Heroes Dinner Monday evening, Patriots Day, at the Elks lodge in Jefferson. The meal was hosted by Elks Lodge 2306 and served by Does Drove 196.
Greene County High School students Braden Cerveny, Clay Peters, Jacob Hanson, Kara Betts, Natalie Payan, Kirsten Lamoureux, Andrea Grundon, Hannah Yetter and Kaitlin Tjostem began the evening with singing the National Anthem.
About 60 persons were present. All military personnel, veterans, EMS, firefighters and law enforcement officers were invited. There were two World War Two veterans at the dinner – Wendell Lindhart and Bob Owens. There were five Korean War vets there.
Exalted ruler Bill Allen introduced guest speaker James O. Andrew, a captain in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1975, and now commander of American Legion Post 11 in Jefferson.
Andrew compared emergency responders to the Minutemen of the American Revolution. “Just as a soldier marches into battle, first responders often rush into the unknown to protect or assist a fellow citizen in harm’s way,” he said.
“You are the true fiber of our community and nation. Because of your ever-present commitment to the safety and welfare of your fellow citizens, you ensure the survival of our civilization…. Today, we not only remember the fallen patriots of the past, but we salute all of our local heroes who bring peace, safety, and security to our daily lives. Thank all of you for your service in allowing the citizens of Greene County to enjoy their life and freedom,” Andrew said.
Les Fister, past exalted ruler, led a brief empty chair ceremony for deceased members Randy Love and Jim Riley.
The program ended with Wayne Lautner playing “Taps”.
