Dinner honors service to country

They served their country in the Armed Services.

Now the Elks Club of Superior is serving them.

The club is planning a special dinner to honor of veterans on a day designed to recognize the sacrifice made by men and women in service of their country.

“The vets get a chance to get together and tell all there old stories,” said Troy Magnuson, chairman of the Elks Veterans Council. “They get to spend time around like people, people who understand. Second, there’s a lot of veterans out there and they’re hurting. It’s just another opportunity for them to get out there. It’s something for them to do. It’s what Veterans Day is all about.”

The dinner planned for 12:30 p.m. Nov. 11 features a chicken dinner prepared and served by members of the Elks Club.

Plans include a guest speaker, POW/MIA ceremony and an old-fashioned U.S.O. show put on by the Douglas County Historical Society among other entertainment.

A display of military memorabilia owned by a military buff is also planned.

“There’s a fellow up in Proctor who collects everything,” said lodge president Dick Sislo.

“He’s a military history buff,” Magnuson said.

The lodge held a similar dinner last year after a long hiatus. About 160 people were served at the 2011 Veterans Day dinner.

“It was nice,” Sislo said. “Everything went great … It really was a nice program last year for getting our feet wet. It went pretty well.”

The dinner starts earlier this year because it’s easier for the older veterans to get out earlier in the day, Magnuson said.

The dinner is free for veterans of the Armed Services; $8 for non-veteran guests.

“Come down and have a day with your fellow veterans, and tell some of your stories,” Magnuson said. “They do have those.”

Tags: news, food, military