A Salute to Veterans

The Lodge at Cold Spring celebrated Armed Forces Day this past Saturday in a big way. It wasn’t just for the 25 veterans and family members of The Lodge, it was also for local veterans, and it gave the chance for the public to learn a little more about an important piece of American history.

The festivities started at 12:30, when chefs Horst Zerber and Mufit Lumani prepared a complimentary meal for all veterans in attendance. Residents and guests were then treated to kind words of thanks and support from Connecticut’s Lieutenant Governor, Nancy Wyman. Next, Rocky VFW Chaplin Maurice Wyman gave an official invocation to officially start the program. This was followed by a performance of “God Bless America” by The Lodge’s resident chorale group, The Singing Buddies.

Regional Manager of Holiday Retirement (The Lodge’s parent company) was on hand, and after some kind words, led the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Also joining The Lodge that day was State Senator Paul Doyle and State Representative Antonio Guerrero. After some kind words of thanks and support from them, the focal point of the program began.

One of the residents at The Lodge is Ray Krawiec, one of only a few remaining survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack that took place on December 7, 1941. Mr. Krawiec’s son, Tom Krawiec, gave a presentation about his father’s first-hand experience of “a day that will live in infamy” to residents and guests alike.

Following the riveting presentation, The Singing Buddies closed the program by singing “You are My Sunshine,” and guests were allowed to meet and speak with Ray and Tom. Residents were extremely happy and impressed with the effort and program put forth by The Lodge’s staff. More importantly, it was a great way to not only honor veterans at The Lodge at Cold Spring, but veterans all throughout Connecticut, as well as those who are currently serving in America’s armed forces as we speak.

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