Elks Lodge 2540 hosts veterans and families

Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540 hosted a luncheon Nov. 8 for all members of the armed services, their families and friends. Exalted Ruler Eileen Loftus began the program by welcoming the veterans, speakers, and invited guests. Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, attended and told all gathered he was there to serve them.

Keynote speaker Robert "Bob" Corsa, commissioner of Veterans Affairs for Sussex County, gave a clear picture of the situation that confronts the veterans of Delaware and what the VA is doing to aid them. Isaac Goodman, a veterans' advocate,  offered the benediction and closing prayer.

Retired USAF para-athlete "Jersey" Jeanne Goldy-Sanitate, who is on the Delaware State Council for the Disabled, spoke on the benefits of disabled veterans engaging in sports as a means of rehabilitation. Two of the oldest vets who attended were George Horneck, an active member of the Cape Henlopen Elks and Past Exalted Ruler, who was a member of Navy Security and served for 28 years in the Caribbean, Key West, Fla., and Brazil; and Edward Freund, who was a member of the First Engineer Battalion for 42 years, serving in North Africa and Sicily.

During the open discussion it was mentioned that Freund was having a difficult time obtaining an electric wheelchair from the Veterans Commission. Immediately, Isaac Goodman spoke up and said he had one and he and Corsa have been trying to find a veteran who needed one, and they would be happy and honored to give him the wheelchair. Arrangements were made for delivery.

One of the most poignant moments of the program was the reading of the poem “Vacant Chair” by John Loftus, Cape Henlopen Elks Past District Deputy, Grand Exalted Ruler and Treasurer.

The Elks Order follows proud traditions. In 1907, the Elks became the first fraternal organization to observe Flag Day June 14. More than 40 years later, President Harry S. Truman, a member of the Elks Order, declared the date a national observance.

The Elks made a promise during World War I that disabled American veterans would never be forgotten. Elks supplied and equipped the first two field hospitals, one in France and one in Boston, Mass., for returning wounded  and then donated the one in Boston to the War Department. This was the only veterans' hospital donated by a private entity after World War I.

For more information about the Cape Henlopen Elks contact the lodge secretary at 302-645-7016.