Elan Gardens honors military with Veterans Day celebration

SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. — All veterans of all wars and branches of the United States military were honored with a Veterans Day celebration at Elan Gardens Wednesday, Nov. 11.

The event began with a flag raising ceremony, performed by members of VFW Post 7069 and 21 gun salute by members of The Northeastern Detachment Marine Corps League and Museum. Sgt. Joel Sofranko gave a brief speech in the auditorium, followed by a patriotic sing-along with musicians Jim Selingo and Frank Casty, both U.S. Army Reserves veterans. A dessert reception in the Four Seasons Private Dining Room wrapped up the afternoon festivities.

Elan Gardens residents honored during the ceremony for their service to the country include U.S. Army veterans Paul Burke, WWII; Anthony Duboski, post Korea; Joseph King, WWII and Alfred Reich, WWII and U.S. Air Force veteran Sheldon Goldstein, WWII.

Staff members of Elan Gardens who were honored include veterans 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.

A member of The Northeastern Detachment Marine Corps League and Museum salutes the American flag as it is raised by members of the VFW Post 7069 during the Veterans Day program at Elan Gardens.

http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_ABJ-Elan-Vets-1.jpg.optimal.jpgA member of The Northeastern Detachment Marine Corps League and Museum salutes the American flag as it is raised by members of the VFW Post 7069 during the Veterans Day program at Elan Gardens. Elizabeth Baumeister photos | Abington Journal

Members of The Northeastern Detachment Marine Corps League and Museum perform a 21 gun salute on Veterans Day at Elan Gardens.

http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_ABJ-Elan-Vets-2.jpg.optimal.jpgMembers of The Northeastern Detachment Marine Corps League and Museum perform a 21 gun salute on Veterans Day at Elan Gardens. Elizabeth Baumeister photos | Abington Journal

SSgt Joel Sofranko speaks to fellow veterans, guests, staff and residents at Elan Gardens during the Veterans Day ceremony.

http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_ABJ-Elan-Vets-3.jpg.optimal.jpgSSgt Joel Sofranko speaks to fellow veterans, guests, staff and residents at Elan Gardens during the Veterans Day ceremony. Elizabeth Baumeister photos | Abington Journal

Jim Selingo and Frank Casty, both U.S. Army Reserves, provide the musical entertainment for Elan Gardens’ Veterans Day celebration, playing a variety of well-known patriotic tunes from the days of old.

http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_ABJ-Elan-Vets-4.jpg.optimal.jpgJim Selingo and Frank Casty, both U.S. Army Reserves, provide the musical entertainment for Elan Gardens’ Veterans Day celebration, playing a variety of well-known patriotic tunes from the days of old. Elizabeth Baumeister photos | Abington Journal

Elan Gardens residents and WWII veterans Sheldon Goldstein, US Air Force and Joseph King, US Army, sing along from the audience while entertainers play a patriotic tune.

http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_ABJ-Elan-Vets-5.jpg.optimal.jpgElan Gardens residents and WWII veterans Sheldon Goldstein, US Air Force and Joseph King, US Army, sing along from the audience while entertainers play a patriotic tune. Elizabeth Baumeister photos | Abington Journal

What’s a Veterans Day celebration without an American flag cake to top it off?

http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_ABJ-Elan-Vets-6.jpg.optimal.jpgWhat’s a Veterans Day celebration without an American flag cake to top it off? Elizabeth Baumeister photos | Abington Journal