Veterans of Life Honor Veterans of War

Ledyard seniors held a special lunch at the Senior Center Wednesday in honor of Veteran's Day, and for most people at the luncheon, they were also guests of honor.

Most people at the lunch are veterans or know a veteran.

Joseph Christadore entered the Navy on Dec. 1, 1940 and worked and lived all over the world.

"I've been all over the world; in every country at least once," he said of his 23 years in the Navy.

Christadore said he served in the Pacific Theatre, has patrolled the Atlantic and escorted convoy ships on a Navy Destroyer. Of all the places he has been, Christadore said he had the best vacations in Sydney, Australia and loved living in the most unlikely of places.

"I liked living in Japan believe it or not," he said. "Even though I was in the war the Japanese are very people."

Many women in the room were married to veterans and came to Ledyard with their husbands who worked at the Navy Sub base.

Mary Hull's husband Arthur retired from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer and Norelle Willette's husband actually worked for the Air Force but her two sons joined the Navy, her daughter-in-law was in the Navy and her grand daughter joined the Coast Guard.

Senior Center Director Lauren Rapp expressed appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans in the room and veterans who have passed. She said, "freedom is not free, it is a gift."

This poem by Joanna Fuchs was read at the Veteran's Day Celebration

Take a Moment to Thanks a Veteran

When you see someon in a uniform,

Someone who serves us all,

Doing military duty,

Answering their country's call,

Take a moment to thank them

For protecting what you hold dear;

Tell them you are proud of them;

Make it very clear.

Just tap them on the shoulder,

Give a smile, and say,

"Thanks for waht your doing

To keep us safe in teh USA!"