An impressive display of two armored reconnaissance vehicles of 1st Battalion Marines greeted guests as they arrived at the Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge for a luncheon honoring Gold Star Mothers and families. David Perry, Elks National Veterans Service Member of the Orange Coast District was event chairman and master of ceremonies.
Elk Veteran of three wars Tom Spry took part in the liberation of Guam, and Gunnery Sgt. Damasco Sultis, who fought in the invasion of Iwo Jima, with Elks Veterans Chairman David Perry
Perry welcomed the one hundred forty (140) members and guests in attendance. Marines from Camp Pendleton 1st Battalion 5th Marines presented the Colors. Elks Lodge President Dave McLeod led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Lodge Chaplain Greg Morgan gave the invocation.
Marine Major Lance Day and Event Chairman Dave Perry with Gold Star Mothers and wives
The program began with the National Anthem sung by Sara McDermott. Nineteen (19) Medals of Valor were presented to the families of the fallen heroes by Veteran members of the Elks Lodge. Major Lance Day United States Marine Corps Executive Officer of 1st Battalion 5th Marines was the keynote speaker for the event.
Sea Scouts of Mariner Ship 936 pose with armored vehicle
Major Day praised the Elks for their commitment to the military and to the families of those made the ultimate sacrifice. He spoke of the drive and passion to become a warrior that is inside every person who decides to join the military. Day said that every veteran in the room, everyone in his current Battalion, and every upcoming warrior has the same desire to defend our country and is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. It doesn’t matter what war they fought in, all have that common goal. He also thanked the Gold Star Mother organization for being a support group throughout the country for mothers and families.
Major Lance Day gives the Keynote address
After Major Day spoke, another significant event, not on the program, took place when the Gold Star Mothers all dressed in white took the floor and presented every Vietnam Veteran in the room with a special pin they had designed. Vietnam Vets silently waited in two lines to meet the Gold Star Mothers and receive their pin. It was very touching to everyone in the room. The afternoon concluded with the singing of God Bless America led by Melissa McKenzie.
Vietnam Vets in line to be pinned by Gold Star Mothers
Marine Color Guard from Camp Pendleton 1st Battalion 5th Marines with soloist Sara McDermott
Lunch of Southwestern chicken salad followed by rice pudding was prepared by the Elks kitchen volunteers. It was served by the Sea Scouts of Mariner Ship 936. The ten young men and women were also tasked with the duty of medal bearers for the veteran escort. Music was provided by the Karaoke King Roy Southerland. Event Chairman Dave Perry thanked the Elks Charity Committee for sponsoring the event and the Elk volunteers who helped make the afternoon a success.
Andy Costello Publicity / Mike Klinger & Assist Shelly Blair Photography
