The Bong Veterans Center hosted its 7th annual Thanksgiving Day Meal. The event is free for veterans, active duty military members, and their family/loved ones- many of whom have nowhere else to go.

Bong Executive Director John Gidley explains that this event is a display of gratitude, “The idea came about seven years ago by staff members. A couple of our volunteers let us know they were going to spend Thanksgiving along, and we just could have that.”

“Everyone who served our country should have companionship on this day and be able to celebrate.”

The event has grown in the time its been around. WDIO is told that the first year they had about 80 people, and this Thanksgiving they served about 250.

The Bong thanks those in the community who made this event possible. They say the Patterson Park Area Lion Club bought and prepared the foos.