Celebrating Veterans Day has become an honored tradition in Herons Glen, thanks to the hard work and dedication by the members of the Veterans of the Glen (VOG).
At the start of the day residents are greeted with strategically placed American flags lining Herons Glen Boulevard; while in the evening, the popular Veterans Day dinner and dance is offered! The day brings Glenners together to celebrate and remember the nation’s veterans. All attributed to the efforts of VOG!
The evening dinner and dance begins with the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem which is consistent with every gathering of the VOG. What’s special about this year’s event is the significance of the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy, Marines and the Merchant Marines. VOG President Bruce Johnson, spokesman for the evening, recognized the veterans of all branches of the military and invited them to stand as their theme songs were played.
Other highlights of the night include:
• The traditional ceremonial slicing of patriotic cakes as Jack Cotter portrays a uniformed Marine making the first slice with his saber.
• Guests were treated to inspirational videos displaying soldiers in action with an outstanding musical performance by Janet Bryan, Anna Ellis and Claudie Tweedle of A Veteran’s Halleluia.
• Bruce Johnson’s explanation of the significance of The Missing Man’s Table.
• Lee County Sheriff’s Demonstration Team showing the proper ceremonial folding of the flag. Afterwards, Bruce described the symbolic meaning associated with each of the 13 folds.
Dinner was a three-entrée buffet, followed by dancing to music of the Tribute Reminiscent band. Later, winners were announced for the door and raffle prizes, silent auction and the 50-50 drawing.
The program closed with a dinner blessing by Dave Matheny and the sound of Taps.
The Veterans Day Dance is an important fundraiser for VOG. The contributions are used to support area agencies and organizations that serve veterans.
Hosting the dinner and dance event requires hard work of many volunteers and supporters. Recognition and a big thank you to:
• Kathleen Colletti and Alpha Delta Alpha for the table centerpieces
• The Glen Group for donating the large screen TV door prize
• Lynn Kaminski, Sande Herde and Mike Zarella for securing the raffle prizes.
• Jerry and Lynn Kaminski donating the patriotic cakes.
• Mary Koenig and Jane Schwarz for barkeeping
• Paul Koenig for managing the stage lighting
• Realtor Rich Morea with Caldwell Banker
• The Steil Group for sponsoring the band
• Silent auction donors: Mike Kaminski of Park West Gallery and Arthur Veldbloem of Recolor Your Grout
• And countless others for their support and help
The VOG welcomes all residents of Herons Glen who have served in any branch of the military. They meet in the clubhouse the second Monday of the month.
