Tuesday’s meeting was a special occasion as the Princeton Rotary Club honored its veteran members and reflected on their service and the significance of Veterans Day.
Club President Steffani Burton noted the group had gathered not just as Rotarians, but as citizens grateful for those who have served in our nation’s military.
click to download audioShe also shared the personal significance of Veterans Day for her family and offered some history about the holiday, which began as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.
click to download audioBurton recognized local Rotary Club members who are veterans, including Geneva Malone, who joined the U.S. Air Force at 19 and retired after 22 years; Paul Cline, who served 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps; John Earnest, who spent 14 years with the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell; and Al Brunelle, who served 10 years in the U.S. Air Force.
She also shared written accounts from each of the four veterans about their military service, while Gale Cherry recalled experiences from her late husband, Mike, who served in the U.S. Navy.
Cline, Earnest, and Brunelle folded an American flag as Burton explained the meaning behind each of its 13 folds.
click to download audioEach Rotary Club veteran was presented with a tie blanket made by the Interact Club, while all attendees were given a small soldier as a reminder to honor our veterans.
click to download audioAt the close of the meeting, Burton offered a few parting words.
click to download audioA display was also set up on tables that featured photos of each Rotary Club veteran from their time in the military.
The Princeton Rotary Club holds its weekly meetings on Tuesdays at the Majestic Steak House Restaurant, and welcomes visitors to attend.
