Veterans Day Celebration held at Presbyterian Village North

On November 11 at 10 a.m. the life enrichment team held a Veterans Day celebration at the Myrtle and Emeric Gruchalla Pavilion on Presbyterian Village North’s (PVN) Campus.

PVN is home to about 150 veterans.

“As we get to honor this Veterans Day, I can’t help but feel patriotism right now,” Bryan Cooper, executive director at PVN, said as he opened the ceremony.  “As I look across and see all of the red, white and blue and the military caps I am humbled to be with you this morning.”

The service began with a welcome from the executive director, Bryan Cooper and a blessing from Carolyn Mitchell, the director of spiritual life department. Then, a pledge from Ivory Tatum, security manager and former marine. Then the main event was a word of remembrance from resident, John “Lucky” Luckadoo. Luckadoo is a WWII veteran who flew missions in Nazi Germany. The celebration was concluded with Heather Porch, director of sales and marketing, singing God Bless America and leading the attendees in singing the National Anthem.

“A quotation from President Ronald Reagan which I never heard before, ‘Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction. We didn’t pass to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed onto them to do the same.’” Said Luckadoo in his remembrance.

After the celebration light refreshments were served for the residents to enjoy.

“I’m a veteran and I enjoy meeting other veterans and I appreciate [them all],” said Frank Goode, PVN resident. “I currently have a son-in-law who’s a veteran that has three children that are active duty. So, it’s in the family.”

If you missed the event and would like a recap, visit our YouTube or learn more about the veterans at PVN by clicking here.