PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Hayward-Frazier Post 2599, in cooperation with the Presque Isle Elks Lodge 1954, the Aroostook Shrine Club, Crown Ambulance Service and the Presque Isle Fire Department will team up Sunday, Nov. 20, to offer a free Thanksgiving-style dinner to all veterans, current military service personnel and their families.
The dinner will be served from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Aroostook Shrine Club, located at 390 Houlton Road in Presque Isle. There will be a traditional Thanksgiving meal of roast turkey, country-style ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed vegetables, rolls, and a variety of home-baked pies.
For veterans unable to leave their homes, Crown Ambulance Service will deliver meals to their doors. To request a delivered meal, veterans should call Ron Mullen at 595-1085.
Members of the Elks lodge will provide transportation for any veteran who needs a ride to the meal; those in need should call the lodge at 764-0985.
Adding to the festivities will be live musical entertainment.
According to VFW Commander Richard Norton, “This is the fourth year that this post will be hosting a free Thanksgiving meal for all military veterans and their families. Last year, which was the third occasion for our VFW post to host this event, the Presque Isle Elks provided their assistance for the second time. With the Elks’ help, attendance increased every year and those in attendance have enjoyed their experience at the event more than in the previous year.
“We are extremely grateful for the Presque Isle Elks’ help expressing our collective appreciation to all our nation’s veterans for their service to our country,” Norton said. “This year the Hayward-Frazier Post is also extremely grateful for the assistance of the Aroostook Shrine Club for making their beautiful facility available for this event.”
Norton added, “Crown Ambulance has volunteered to pack and deliver the meals to our “shut-ins” and the Presque Isle Fire Department has agreed to help in whatever way they can during the event.”
Elks Exalted Ruler Marion Donahue stated, “For all Elks throughout this country, November is Veterans Remembrance Month. The Presque Isle Elks are pleased to be able to join with our local VFW Post in expressing our appreciation for our Veterans’ service. As long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 1954, will never forget them.”
