Elks to assist VFW with Thanksgiving meal for veterans

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — On Sunday, Nov. 23 from noon-5 p.m., the Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Hayward Frazier Post 2599, will be serving its annual Thanksgiving meal free of charge to all veterans at its 6 State Road, Presque Isle location.
There will be a nominal charge of $5 for spouses or guests of veterans. The meal will include turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed vegetables, and the choice of a variety of desserts.
For the first time, the Presque Isle Elks, Lodge 1954, will be assisting the VFW by providing transportation to any veteran requiring it. In addition, the Elks will be helping the VFW with entertainment for the event.
“In following the proclamation of our national Grand Exalted Ruler John D. Amen, Presque Isle Lodge 1954 is proud to partner with the VFW auxiliary in this wonderful event,” said Elks Exalted Ruler Alan Harding. “Similar to the Elks’ own Veterans Stew Night on Veterans Day, the free Thanksgiving dinner for all veterans is an appropriate expression of the debt we all have to our veterans for their service.”
Presque Isle Elks will pick up and deliver to the VFW any veteran needing transportation and will also assure their return to their residence or other destination. All veterans, including wheelchair-bound vets, may reserve transportation by calling the Elks Lodge at 764-0985 or Ron Mullen at 768-5848.
In addition to helping with the transportation, the Elks will also be lending a hand with entertainment. The Elks have assembled a variety of area musicians to entertain the veterans as they enjoy their Thanksgiving fare provided by the VFW Post.
“The Elks are proud to be able to assist the VFW in this awesome event,” said Harding. “It is the hope of both organizations that together we will collectively make this an even more memorable event for our veterans this year and for years to come.”