Greenfield — Veterans from every branch of service gathered to sit down and enjoy a warm lunch with family and friends at the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce’s annual Bring a Veteran to Lunch on Nov. 7.
Having their biggest turnout yet, Retta Livengood, president of Greenfield’s Chamber of Commerce, said they may have to rent a bigger space next year if the event continues to grow. Livengood said that each year it gets bigger and bigger since she became involved with the annual event roughly 14 years ago.
“The way that it started, we realized our schools do a really good job at veteran’s programs. A lot of the restaurants do things for veterans but we as adults and businesses and people sometimes forget to say ‘thank you,’” Livengood said.
One veteran in attendance was Greenfield Mayor Chuck Fewell, who told the crowd that this luncheon was a bittersweet one since it was his last one as mayor. Fewell said he hadn’t missed this event in the last 10 years and believed it was important to be present for these events, especially when it comes to veterans.
With this being his last one to attend as mayor, Fewell said he was honored to make a proclamation for Veterans Day.
“We recognize the sacrifice of those who have been part of the finest fighting force in the world,” said Fewell when presenting the proclamation.
Fewell gave this proclamation to John Wood, who was in complete shock and unaware of the honor.
“It’s a special day for you and a special day for all veterans, and we’re just pleased to be here with us,” Fewell said.
“Mr. Mayor, I appreciate that and I’ll hang it in my office with pride,” Wood said.
Anita Workman also gave tribute to the veterans gathered there by singing “God Bless the USA.” Some in the crowd felt moved to join during the chorus.
Afterward, veterans from each branch of service stood and the room applauded them for their service to the community and county.
“Our intent for this whole luncheon is to say thank you. To feed them lunch, put on a small program and to honestly say ‘thank you’ from the depth of our hearts because they are the builders of our community,” Livengood said.
With Veteran’s Day falling on a Saturday, most celebrations and events will take place today.
The second annual Veterans Parade will start 1 p.m. at the Hancock County Fairgrounds and will end at Greenfield-Central High School, concluding with the school’s Veterans Day Celebration at approximately 2 p.m. in the main gym at 810 N. Broadway St.
The VFW Post 2693 will offer a serve-yourself Soup & Sandwich lunch on Saturdays at 529 Apple St., Greenfield, throughout November to honor veterans. Food will be served starting at 11:30 a.m. and continuing until gone. Veterans eat free and guests cost $6. The meal on Nov. 18 will be a traditional Veterans Thanksgiving lunch offered by Auxiliary Unit 2693.
The Greenfield Elks will have a breakfast free to veterans from 8-11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at the Elks Lodge, 820 S. State St., Greenfield.
For more information on Veterans Day events, visit greenfieldreporter.com.
