Check our calendar for Veterans Day ceremonies planned for this morning.
“Coffee for Veterans,” is a free event offered on the second Tuesday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 631 Grand St., Allegan.
It is designed for all veterans and those still serving in the military to share conversation and enjoy free coffee, donuts and rolls.
Now in its second year, organizer Jesse Cronkhite was asked if the coffee time was a success.
“Our first meeting had two gentlemen show up and now we have up to 13,” she said. “That’s what I call a success.”
Cronkhite said the idea to host a coffee time for veterans materialized after noticing a few veterans gathering over coffee at Allegan’s old Red Cross building. After the building became unsafe for use, church members thought providing a place to meet for coffee was the least they could do to give back for their service, Cronkhite said.
“It’s their personal time and we go back into the kitchen to let them be,” she said. “It’s a time for fellowship—to talk about common interests like their time in the service, sports, hunting or just catching up with each other.”
And Coffee for Veterans is not limited to the male population.
“I had a woman come in with her husband and I asked about his service,” Cronkhite said. “His wife informed me she had also been in the service—it was a reminder that women are veterans, too.”
Veteran’s Day luncheon
On Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, at noon, the church also hosts their annual recognition luncheon for all local veterans and those still actively serving in the United States military, including their spouses or significant others.
The free feast includes turkey, dressing and all the trimmings. Last year, the luncheon served 100. This year, they’ll be ready to serve up to 120.
Of the church’s support for veterans, Cronkhite said, “Actually, I think we get more out of it than they do.
“It’s an opportunity for us to say thank you.”
For more information, call the church office at (269) 673-3335.
Virginia Ransbottom can be contacted at vransbottom@allegannews.com or at (269) 673-5534.
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