The Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter – Sons of the American Revolution visited Gilmer Nursing Home on Veteran’s Day.This organization provides many services such as; Educating citizens on the proper etiquette of retiring and storing flags and their upkeep while in use, public service awards to law enforcement, fire fighters, etc., education on flag folding and many other honorable endeavors. Their three top objectives is: to preserve history by marking graves, promoting education, and promoting patriotism by providing certificates to veterans.

This honorable organization presented SAR certificates to several veterans (includes widows of veterans) thanking them for service to their country. They also cut the stars out of retired flags which makes a very prestigous award. 13 were awarded to nursing home residents.

The ceremony’s emcee was Command Sergeant Major John Fortune. “God Bless America” was sang by Tracie Pospisil, the presentation of certificates included the American Legion Post 82 and a flag folding ceremony was held in honor of all veterans.

Those honored at Gilmer Nursing Home were as follows: Clyde Abercrombie – Army, WWII, Arvil J. Clayton – Army, WWII, Cecil H. Coleman – Navy, WWII, Phillip Hyatt – Army Reserve, Peacetime, Dorothy Collins – Navy, Korean Conflict, James Gaudet – Army, Vietnam, James Hicks – Army, Peacetime, Antoni Maciejewski – Army, WWII, Danny Roberts – Army, Vietnam, Wesley Umberger – Army, peacetime, and James Pete Morgan – Korean conflict.

The program ended with a bell toll in remembrance of those who had passed away as follows: Dr. E.J.Fernandez – Physician, Cuban Navy, Coy Ray Hyde – Retired Air Force, WWII, Adolph Moebs – Navy, WWII and Joseph Scigliano – Navy, Vietnam.

The Emcee was Command Sergeant Major John Fortune who gave memorable closing remarks and unveiled the veterans portraits.