Sixteen years ago, the Quarryville Lions Club wanted to do something more than just thank veterans for their service. The organization decided to invite community members who had served in the military to one of its regular meetings to share a meal, marking the start of an annual tradition.

The Quarryville and Wakefield Lions Clubs will join forces to host the 16th annual Veterans Appreciation Banquet on Friday, Nov. 6, at Chestnut Level Family Life Center, 1068 Chestnut Level Road, Quarryville. The banquet will begin at 6 p.m., and free admission will be offered to local veterans and one guest. Individuals who wish to attend must register before Thursday, Nov. 5, by calling Lions Club members Joe McMullen at 717-786-6080 or Gerald Wagner at 717-786-2195.

The Veterans Appreciation Banquet will begin with an opening ceremony, during which members of Chestnut Level Girl Scouts will present the flag of each military branch. A pianist will play the corresponding branch's official service song as its colors are brought in, and the ceremony will conclude with the arrival of an American flag as attendees sing the national anthem.

After the opening ceremony, volunteers from local Scouting America troops will serve a full-course meal and bus tables. Every year, members of Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church prepare food for the banquet. Singers from the Solanco High School Chorale will perform once dinner has concluded.

Although the core idea behind the annual banquet has remained unchanged, the community tradition has continued to grow larger every year. The average number of attendees has climbed from less than 20 to more than 150 individuals in recent years. Certain small changes have been made; this year, the banquet will begin 30 minutes earlier than normal to accommodate guests who dislike driving at night. The event will also highlight more live music this year in place of its typical guest speaker.

The Quarryville Lions Club will award a gift card donated by C.R. Lapp's Family Restaurant in Quarryville to the oldest veteran who attends the banquet. Guests are encouraged to bring donations of unwrapped toys, which Lions Club members will collect for the Toys for Tots program operated by the United States Marine Corps.

"The banquet accomplishes what we set out to do, which was to show veterans our gratitude instead of just saying thank you all the time," said Wagner. "People that come are really appreciative, and the ceremony is always a nice way to start the night."