Leola Breakfast Honors Veterans

The Upper Leacock Township War Memorial Association (ULTWMA) held a Veterans Day breakfast in the Veteran's Hall of the War Memorial Building, 54 W. Main St., Leola, on Nov. 11, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

About 50 veterans, spouses, and guests took part in the observance, which was opened by Rep. Keith Greiner, who served as master of ceremonies, and pastor Bruce Tully of Salem Evangelical Reformed Church, Hellers, who offered the opening prayer. The national anthem was played, and the group said the Pledge of Allegiance, after which the hymns of the various military branches were played. Veterans were encouraged to rise when they heard the hymn of the branch in which they had served.

Speakers, in addition to Greiner, were Jean Summers and Amy Roth Sandrolini. Greiner commented on the War Memorial Building as the center of the community, pointing out that community members have a civic responsibility to "never forget the sacrifices that each (veteran) has made on our country's behalf." "The support of your community sends a clear signal that America stands united behind all five branches of our armed forces every day," he said, adding that the service of local veterans teaches lessons to the coming generations. "(Those) lessons (are) to appreciate the blessings of our freedom, recognize the power and virtue of sacrifice, and respect those who gave everything on behalf of our common good," said Greiner.

Summers is director of the Patriotic Stitchers, an organization that is affiliated with ULTWMA. According to Summers, more than 50 active volunteers have made and distributed 1,300 blankets to veterans in the last three years. Because the organization is fully funded by donations, stitchers receive the necessary materials to create the blankets. "We are grateful for support so we can continue to provide this service," said Summers, who, along with Darla Carpenter, presented a blanket Carpenter made to be displayed in Veteran's Hall to ULTWMA.

Summers introduced Sandrolini, an Emmy award-winning journalist and hospice worker with Promedica. Sandrolini shared her story with the gathering, pointing out that she comes from a family where many members have served their country in the military. She noted the thread of commitment to love of country. "That love transcends divisions," she stated, adding that on Veterans Day, "the entire citizenry joins hands in a common purpose." Sandrolini went on to tell her story, including the service of her husband as a diplomat, her own work as a journalist, and their shared values and love of democracy. She described the experience of losing her sister to a devastating stroke and how that led her to hospice work. Sandrolini concluded by reminding veterans of the importance of their service. "What you did mattered then, now, and for future generations," she said. "You served as role models and inspiration in a country that desperately needs (those)."

Before taps was played, Tully offered the closing prayer, saying, "May you leave this place proud of what you've done, who you've become, and yet humbled by the goodness of God."