Veterans living at Harbor at Harmony Crossing Assisted Living had a special day of their own recently when their community honored them.
“We just wanted to thank them without the recognition being attached to a holiday, just showed them appreciation for their service,” said Arlene Alford, executive director at Harbor at Harmony Crossing.
The special service was held outside in the breezeway entrance of Harbor on Friday, April 22. Ten veterans were recognized – Donald L. Allen, who served three years in the National Guard; Robert Cooley, who served two years in the Army; Joseph R. Davidson who also served two years in the Army; Leon E. Dutton for his six years in the Army Reserves; Robert T. Hilman Jr. served four years in the Air Force; Robert J. Hinton served in the Army two years, Robert I. Landau, who was in the Army for eight years; Bobby J. McElhannon had four years in the Navy; Joe Sam Linson Rabun also served in the Navy for four years; and Clarence Thompson who retired after 20 years in the Army.
They sat at the front, while the other residents, family members and friends all sat in the audience. Marsha Jump played the piano and sang the National Anthem; the Putnam County High School JROTC Color Guard presented the flags; Putnam County Fire Department displayed the giant American flag, which was hung between the ladder trucks; Nikki Barker with the VFW served as emcee; and Putnam County Board of Commission Chairman Billy Webster, a veteran of the Air Force served as the keynote speaker.
“It was a really nice ceremony,” veteran Landau said. “I felt really good about being recognized and enjoyed seeing everyone who came. I’m glad they did it. This is a great community.”
Stephanie Nelson, activities director at Harbor at Harmony Crossing, said she was grateful to Teri Beth Fuller of Agape Care Group, for inviting all the participants. After the ceremony, a reception was held inside with patriotic refreshments that included red punch, fresh strawberries and white powder sugar donut holes served on navy plates along with cups of snack mix.
“The ceremony was short and sweet, but the veterans and all the residents were amazed at the huge flag,” Nelson said. “It was all worth it to see the looks on their faces as they were saluted and seeing that flag flutter in the wind. I’m glad we could thank them for their service.”