Veterans Day 2023: A Day of Gratitude

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In a poignant tribute that resonated across the Lutheran SeniorLife communities, Veterans Day became a time of collective honor and gratitude for the remarkable individuals who have selflessly served our nation.

From the Overbrook Pointe Community’s heartfelt gathering of ten incredible veterans, representing various branches of the military, to the Visiting Nurses Association’s active participation in the Veterans Day Parade, the spirit of acknowledgment and appreciation echoed across the communities. LIFE Beaver County crafted personalized messages and certificates for their veterans, and Passavant Community commemorated the sacrifices of World War II, Vietnam War, and Korean War veterans.

This holiday is meant to recognize the service and bravery of our veterans and capture the profound respect for all who have served across Lutheran SeniorLife.

Honoring Heroes: Passavant Community’s Annual Veterans Day Tribute

Passavant Community reverently celebrated our veterans and local community members in a heartfelt tribute. The ceremony paid tribute to the selfless sacrifices of World War II, Vietnam War, and Korean War veterans, ensuring their legacy of protecting freedom lives on.

Representatives from the Marines, Navy, Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard were proudly displayed, symbolizing the strength and unity of our armed forces.

Among the distinguished attendees were seven World War II veterans, including Joan Gill, August Liehr, Donald Wunnenberg, James Slingluff, Maurice “Pete” Bish, Edward Sherman, and Andy Szakelhidi.

Zelienople Mayor Thomas Oliverio led the WWII veterans in the placing of the colors while PA State Representative, Stephanie Schlabria, presented each veteran with a pin from their branch of service, acknowledging the veterans’ service.

An emotional video tribute, set to “God Bless the USA,” beautifully remembered all Passavant residents who have passed on.

“This is our day to honor and celebrate the lives of those who’ve given so much for our freedoms,” said Jody Gulish, Passavant Director of Community and Abundant Life , who has passionately organized this event for the past 11 years. “It is an honor to be in a room full of heroes.”

 

Overbrook Pointe Community Unites to Honor and Thank 10 Incredible Veterans

The residents of Overbrook Pointe came together to pay tribute to the 10 incredible veterans in their community. Thank you to Paul Schoenecker – U.S. Army / Michael Chester – U.S. Army / Joseph Cummings – U.S. Army / Joseph Kovach – U.S. Army / Harry Geist – U.S. Army Medical / Fred Abdon – U.S. Marine Corp. / Lou Catalina – U.S. Marine Corp. / Richard Heffler – U.S. Marine Corp. / Thomas Monahan – U.S. Air Force / Bernie Topf – U.S. Air Force

The veterans shared stories with each other about their time served surrounded by pictures of each during their service time. Residents gathered to show their gratitude, respect, and a deep appreciation for these brave men.

Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) Honors Local Veterans in Veterans Day Parade; Advance Care Center of Butler (ACC) Celebrates Veterans

As part of Veterans Day, the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) showed their support to local veterans by participating in the Veterans Day Parade in Butler on Saturday. Walking in the parade were VNA staff members and their children, a VNA Board Member, a VNA Hospice Volunteer who is a veteran, and Dave from LIFE Butler County, also a veteran.

VNA has been caring for veterans since its inception in 1965, and continues to do so today. VNA Hospice is a proud member of the “We Honor Veterans Program” that empowers end-of-life care partners to meet the unique needs of America’s Veterans and their families. At the Advance Care Center of Butler (ACC), the ACC celebrated their two veterans – resident Rolf Englehart and employee Keith Bland, certified aide.

Honoring the Veterans of PrimeTime Senior Center

Melvin George – Melvin was drafted to the army in 1953 when he was 20 years old. His assignment was Infantry in Berlin, Germany at checkpoint Charlie.

Bob Ciotti – Bob enlisted in the Air Force when he was 19. He served in England for Air Police and Supply. He would guard the back entrance to the Air Force base.

Joe Comport – Joe was drafted into the Army when he was 19. He still remembers his first day when they shaved his head. He served in Germany and worked in the medical field.

LIFE Beaver Honors Veterans with Heartfelt Ceremony: Certificates, Handmade Cards, and a Touching Tribute to the Fallen

The Veterans, were recently honored in front of their friends and staff. Every veteran was honored with a certificate and a heartfelt handmade card containing a personal message, thoughtfully crafted by a participant from LIFE Beaver.

The ceremony included playing the distinctive song of each veteran’s respective branch, alongside heartfelt poems dedicated to veterans. Additionally, the event featured a solemn prayer led by different members of our dedicated Recreation Department

The Center also featured a Missing Man Table. The Missing Man Table, sometimes referred to as the “Fallen Comrade Table,” is meant to remind viewers of those fallen, missing, or imprisoned U.S. Military Service Members. Each item on the Missing Man Table represents the emotions and feelings reserved for those who did not come home.