By Sadie Hunter
For the Noblesville Lions Club, this year will be the third in which they dedicate their November meeting to those who have served and to honoring Veterans Day.
For the past two years, members of the club have invited at least one veteran they know to share anecdotes about their time served. Guests include both men and women, young and old, who have served in the Middle East, dating back to service during World War II.
The club’s president, Dave Marsh, first had the idea for the event in 2014 when he was planning Lions events for the year. In both 2014 and 2015, the dinner was held at the club’s usual meeting place – Jim Dandy Restaurant on Conner Street in Noblesville. But this year, the event will be held at the Noblesville Masonic Lodge No. 57 at 295 S. Ninth St., Noblesville, at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9, just two days before Veterans Day. Doors open at 6 p.m.
“We’re expecting a bigger turnout,” Chairperson Steve Shaw said. “We had close to 40 veterans last year, and with club members it was up 80 to 85 (people.) We’re anticipating it’s going to grow.”
In 2014, the event garnered approximately 50 club members and veterans. In 2015, the dinner welcomed more than 80. At both events, attendees enjoyed food and drinks, sang patriotic songs, prayed and shared their stories. This year, since the event is expected to be welcoming more and for the sake of time, Shaw said each guest will introduce themselves and say which branch of the military they were in and years served, but anecdotal stories will be welcomed informally after the dinner.
New this year, the American Legion will provide its color guard. Dinner will be catered by Jim Dandy.
The Noblesville Lions Club has approximately 60 members, meets twice each month and celebrated its 74th year in May. To learn more, visit e-clubhouse.org/sites/noblesville.
