Honoring veterans for their service and sacrifice, the Riverbank Royal Neighbors of America hosted its annual Veterans Luncheon on Saturday.

This year marked the eighth annual dinner, and it was hosted at the city’s Community Center, which was wall to wall with people for the noontime gathering.

Along with the Royal Neighbors putting on the event, there was participation from several local groups and organizations including Job’s Daughters, the Riverbank High School NJROTC, RHS band and singers, an appearance by county supervisor Bill O’Brien, Riverbank City Council members working to serve up the luncheon and the meal itself catered by O’Brien’s Market.

Offered each November around the Veterans’ Day holiday observance to local veterans, there were an estimated 120 of them on the guest list, and that didn’t include the spouses or family members that veterans brought with them to the celebration.

Attendees also were presented with a ticket, as there were many gifts to be given away during the course of the afternoon.

Royal Neighbors Secretary-Treasurer Diane Talbert said the group enjoys putting on the luncheon as a way to thank veterans and also recognize the sacrifice of their families.

The Royal Neighbors organization also honored those listed as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action at the luncheon. In the jam packed Community Center, crowded with veterans from all eras, set off to the side was a small table for one. Talbert pointed out the table and its one-place setting signified the loss of a loved one that didn’t come home. It served as recognition of those who were POWs or listed as Missing in Action in any of the military conflicts in which the U.S. has been involved.