Veterans Day was celebrated a little early, this past weekend, by members of the Royal Neighbors Riverbank Chapter 9890 and the many volunteers who band together to provide a free luncheon, now in its 15th year.

The program was hosted by Diane Talbert at the Stanislaus Veterans Center in North Modesto. It had begun in the Community Center in Riverbank, but several years ago outgrew that facility and was moved.

The printed program noted a thank you from the Royal Neighbors of America, for “your service and dedication to our country. We are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy today because of the many sacrifices that you have made.”

In the program, they thanked the Stanislaus County Veterans Foundation and its volunteers, and the S.T.A.R.S. volunteers of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department. It also noted that the many placemats were decorated by Riverbank Unified School District’s After School Program students.

At the back of the program the names of all veterans who pre-registered for the luncheon were listed, covering two pages.

Those attending included veterans from WWII and Korea, as well as Vietnam-era and more modern engagements such as Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom.

It was interesting to note that several of the ladies in attendance wore T-shirts with a graphic like ‘Rosie the Riveter’ from the WWII era, but were imprinted with the words: “I’m not married to one, I AM a Veteran.”