TOWANDA - Representatives from several local churches were on hand Friday evening at community room of the Towanda Presbyterian Church to provide a dinner for veterans who have served their country. This was the first year that the churches have hosted an appreciation dinner for the veterans.
According to head pastor Rachel Stahle, in past years, the county used to host a dinner for the veterans, but unfortunately stopped the event.
"We (the churches) wanted to pick up the baton and keep the tradition going," said Stahle. "The secondary thing is that we really wanted to show that the church community appreciates the veterans."
The event was sponsored by Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Towanda Presbyterian Church, Wysox Presbyterian Church, Trinity Lutheran Church and Community Alliance Church.
Each church donated a certain part of the meal, according to Stahle. A few members from each church came to the event to help serve food and welcome the veterans.
Stahle had no idea of how many people would come to the event, and was quite surprised when a large crowd showed up. Veterans of all ages came to the event with a grateful heart.
Tom Elliott, 77, came to the event in his uniform and a hat that said "proudly served."
Elliott served in the Vietnam War and the Berlin Crisis in 1961- 63. Growing up, Elliot felt he had an obligation to serve his country in return for all the blessings it has given him.
Elliott was overwhelmed with the support of the community coming together to host an event that honors the veterans.
"I think its wonderful," Elliott said. "It's about time the churches have come together."
A veteran couple also came to the event, Dale and Christina Maryott. Dale served in the Active Army during 1984-95 and is now in the Reserves. His wife, Christina, served in the Army from 1976-82.
"I think this is fantastic," Christina said. "It shows patriotism and unity in the community."
For Dale, he was pleased to see that people came together to remember the veterans.
Currently serving, Jeremy Gee, 39, came to the event as well. Gee is now serving in the National Guard. He first signed up in 1993 and served until 2004. After taking a three year break, he decided to go back in 2007 and is still serving today.
"Here you have veterans of all walks of life and age groups. It's good to finally see groups who do stuff for veterans," Gee said. "I appreciate it (the veterans dinner) very much."