On November 10, 2018, the Mission Viejo Elks Veterans Committee hosted a Veteran’s Day BBQ and 99 meals were prepared and served by 16 Elks and supporters. The menu included Bratwurst, big burgers, potato salad, green been almondine, cole slaw, chips, pecan pie, and pumpkin pie. Sven Akesson, Tom Marquez, Lucky Walch, Lloyd Bryan, Paul Miller, and Jerrie Muir tended grill, Pam and Ed Mackey prepared Pam’s famous potato salad, Carol Bryan, Monique Goetz, Margie Paul, and Sharon Howlett set-up, decorated, ran the silent auction and the 50-50, Liz Marquez and Katie Muir worked the kitchen, Leading Knight, Jamie Camunas, ran the cash register and kept the finances straight, and Doug Houston provided the music and sang great tunes!
During the BBQ, Exalted Ruler Mike Klinger welcomed veterans and their families, and was the de facto photographer for the event. Lane Keran, Lecturing Knight, introduced the Esperanza School Special Education Teacher, whose students made colorful blankets which will be presented to Veterans who are patients at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Long Beach. Jerrie Muir, Chair, Veterans Committee, provided a brief history of Veterans Day, which started as Armistice Day in 1919, became an annual observance in 1926, a national holiday in 1938, and designated as Veterans Day in 1954. The oldest and youngest Veterans in attendance were honored.
Near the end of the BBQ, a Marine Corps Birthday Cake Ceremony was held, led by former Marine, Elk, and current Laguna Beach Police Officer Thom Spratt. Members of the “Jarhead Jamboree” celebrated the 243rd birthday of the United States Marine Corps, along with the Elks, and the oldest and youngest Marines, 87 and 45 years of age, respectively, were honored. Semper Fidelis!
Jerrie Muir
Vet Committee Chair
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