Elks salute veterans

WINSTED — More than three dozen veterans convened at the Winsted Elks Lodge Saturday, Nov. 12, for the organization’s sixth annual Veterans’ Luncheon, which brought people of all ages together for the afternoon.Organizer John Beach said more than 60 people, including volunteers, family members and youth members of the Elks Antler Club, came to show their support, share stories and help serve burgers and hot dogs to veterans.Shortly after 1 p.m., visiting veterans headed to the front steps of Lodge 844, where a brief flag ceremony was held. Inside, veterans from the World War II, Korean, Vietnam and Gulf War periods gathered at tables to eat and chat.“We didn’t have quite as many as I expected, but it was a success,” Beach said. Many Elks volunteered to bring dishes of food, while lodge member and Marine veteran Robert “Charcoal Bob” Zablocki manned the Weber grills outside. Among the elder veterans were Ted Marolda and Bob McCarthy, both 88, along with Irving Simons and Leo K. Thomsen, both 86; Frank Nelligan, 83; and Larry Winn, 80. Beach, a Marine veteran, said volunteers made Saturday’s event possible.“If I did not have the help of members and officers of this lodge, the function would not have been so successful,” he said. “I appreciate all the help from the Antler Club. My belief is the Veterans’ Luncheon will get bigger and better each year with the support of the lodge.”