ELKHART —
Residents of the Elkhart Oaks Care Center were both honored and entertained Saturday with a special program organized by locals to commemorate the conclusion of National Nursing Home Week, as well as Armed Forces Day and an early celebration of Memorial Day.
Themed “You are not forgotten,” the ceremony opened with a prayer by Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor, followed by Elkhart volunteer firefighter and veteran Bobby Cernoch leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
Howard Miller, one of the program organizers, read a letter sent for the occasion by U.S. Senator John Cornyn, which was followed by an acapella performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” by Nikki Cook.
One of the honorees of the event was Elkhart Oaks resident Mrs. Joseph Faust, who’s husband, a veteran, recently passed away. She was presented with an American flag to be hung in her room and the words to a song performed by Miller, “The Ragged Old Flag.”
Also honored was resident Donald Krell, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952-1955. Precinct 1 Constable Larry Bennett and Marine Corps veteran Katherine Mason presented Krell with a flag and certificate from State Representative Byron Cook.
During the program, the Country Cousins — a gospel country folk group consisting of Hannah Miller and Mason — performed several patriotic musical numbers including: “This Land is Your Land,” “God Bless the USA,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “America the Beautiful” and more.
The program was concluded with a prayer by Elkhart Mayor Raymond Dunlap.
“It is so great to see people come out and show support for these people — people that care about them and our veterans,” Dunlap said later. “It is such a blessing for them. There are a lot of veterans in here and we certainly want to show them the respect they deserve.”
Elkhart Oaks Administrator Cecile Redding and dietary supervisor Melanie Mooney both were pleased at the event and the response from residents.
“It touches my heart that people, even in this small community, come out to honor our residents,” Mooney said. “That they have taken the time to honor them and remind them that they will not be forgotten.”
“I think it is a great tribute for our veterans here,” Redding added.
According to Howard Miller, the event was organized first as a tribute to seniors, and secondly as “a symbolic statement to all the people who are confined or with limited abilities that they truly are not forgotten.
“Each of them has given so much in so many ways,” he said.
Mary Rainwater may be reached via e-mail at mrainwater@palestineherald.com
Local Scene
Related Photos
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Precinct 1 Constable Larry Bennett, right, and Marine Corps veteran Katherine Mason, center, present Elkhart Oaks Care Center resident Donald Krell, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952-1955, with a flag and certificate from State Representative Byron Cook during a special program Saturday. MARY RAINWATER
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Howard Miller, left, and Hannah Miller, right, presented Elkhart Oaks resident Mrs. Joseph Faust, who’s husband, a veteran, recently passed away, with an American flag to be hung in her room and the words of the song, “The Ragged Old Flag.” MARY RAINWATER
Discussion
Patriotic program honors Elkhart veterans
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