- Last Updated on Wednesday, 01 December 2021 22:28
By Matthew Peaslee
The spirit of Veterans Day was celebrated throughout the entire month of November at South Hills Square retirement resort in Whitehall.
On Veterans Day, four local Unites States Marine Corps veterans presented the colors during a ceremony at the resort’s theater. More than 20 residents of the independent living facility are former military members. Some of the residents spoke about their experience in the armed forces and displayed their love of defending the great country of the United States.
“Today is about honoring those brave enough to sign on the dotted line to defend our country,” said lifestyle director Ashlyn Kueshner, a member of the Army National Guard, herself. “No matter what branch, what gender, what age, what time, they represent freedom and courage.”
Students at nearby Mother of Mercy Academy sent hand-written and hand-drawn cards to servicemembers and residents of South Hills Square.
“No amount of words could ever convey our gratitude,” said community manager Glenna Foster, whose son is a Marine. “Thank you to every single veteran from the bottom of our hearts.”
Later in November, South Hills Square residents along with students and staff at Mother of Mercy, helped to raise $625 that was donated to the Purple Heart Foundation.
Donations to this organization provide PTSD resources to wounded veterans, care packages to homeless veterans, training and pairing of service dogs, college tuition for families in need and general financial help to veterans facing economic or medical hardships.