First Posted: 11/11/2014

Elan Gardens, Clarks Summit, was decked out in red, white, blue and plenty of patriotism for its Veterans Day celebration Nov. 11.

Local veterans representing VFW Post 7069, Clarks Summit, conducted the flag raising and members of The Northeastern Detachment Marine Corps League and Museum, Scranton, presented a 21-gun salute. The celebration then transitioned indoors to the auditorium, where guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel Carl J. Weinschenk, Jr., of South Abington Township, U.S. Army Retired, gave a brief presentation.

Asking, “Who is a veteran?” Weinschenk reminded attendees of their neighbors, friends and strangers on the street who, at some point in time, took an oath to serve their country.

“It’s a very serious oath,” he said. “What that means is, that this young person has decided to write a check — a blank check, so to speak — for this country, the United States of America, and the amount is filled in by his or her service. That check can be right up until giving your life for this country.

“It is very important,” he said, “to remember that the price of freedom is not free.”

He then asked, “What are the qualities of a veteran?” explaining it doesn’t end with patriotism, although that is part of it. He said being a veteran is also about service, sacrifice, resilience, strength and passion.

Following his speech, Weinschenk introduced the Elan Gardens resident and staff veterans. Those residing at the facility include: Leon Abramowitz, Paul Burke, Joseph King and Alfred Reich, all U.S. Army, WWII; Martin Brennan, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam and Sheldon Goldstein and Bernard Rockman, both U.S. Air Force, WWII.

Staff members include: Matthew Georgetti, U.S. Navy; Stephanie Gleason, U.S. Navy; Bobbie O’Donnell, U.S. Army Reserves and Alan Scango, U.S. Army National Guard.

U.S. Army Reserves veterans Jim Selingo and Frank Casty then provided musical entertainment with a patriotic sing-a-long. Hands were clapping and feet tapping as the pair led attendees in several American classics from various war-time eras.

The program came to a close with a dessert reception in the Four Seasons Dining Room area, where organizer Bobbie O’Donnell declared the well-attended event a “definite success.”