Steen Funeral Homes hosted its 17th Annual Veterans Appreciation Day Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, at 1 p.m. at Ashland Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 350 on Carter Avenue.
When this event was started, American World War II Veterans were dying at a rate of 1000 a day. When asked by The Daily Independent why Steen Funeral Homes hosts this dinner for veterans every year, Brian Binion, Managing Partner said, “This event is our way of giving back to the veterans in our community and for their sacrifices. It is our way of showing how much we admire and support their commitment to our country.”
Lovell Goodwin, who will turn 101 years old News Year day, was with his daughter, Joyce Leaver. Goodwin is a War War II Veteran, a longtime resident of Ashland and managed the Rug Department at Sears for 39 years. Leaver said her dad was still driving five years ago at the age of 95, but is now currently living at Woodland Oaks.
Ashland City Manager, Mike Graese, a veteran himself, was keynote speaker.
The veterans were treated with a dinner of baked steak, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls and cake. The Elks Lodge members prepared and served the meal to over 100 veterans and their families.