On Nov. 11, Sarasota South Elks Lodge #2495 held a veterans’ appreciation dinner. There were 82 veterans in attendance with their family and guests, and 149 spaghetti dinners were served. Each veteran received a challenge coin representing the branch of service in which they served. The evening had three guest speakers – retired Army Col Ben Knisley; Army Chief Warrant Officer (CWO3) Todd Slaughter, whose family was assisted through the Army of Hope; and USN 1st Lt. Bernard Friedland, the oldest veteran in the room at 92. Friedland began serving in World War II when he was 17 years old as a USN Seaman 3rd Class crossing the English Channel in an attack transport during the invasion of Europe. He later served in the Korean War and was one of the last standing executive officers of a MASH unit. Twelve years later he put his uniform back on and served in the Vietnam War. He spoke about what the world was like then and what it is like now. His powerful message was that we have to take time to teach children the history of America that is not being taught in schools. He reminded the attendees that today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders and that parents, grandparents and great-grandparents need to take the time now to teach them what it took to keep America free. They need to reinforce respect for our country, veterans and the leaders of this nation.
Sarasota South Lodge Exalted Ruler, Richard Bouchard, is pictured with 1st Lt. Bernard Friedland, retired Col. Ben Knisley and CWO3 Todd Slaughter.