The Freedom District Lions Club (FDLC) held their annual veterans’ appreciation dinner at the American Legion Hall in Sykesville on April 24, 2024. About 35 veterans attended as guests of the service club. Col Ed Rothstein, USA, Ret.served as Master of Ceremony; the National Anthem was sung by Sophie Beck, a Liberty High School Leo Club member; the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Lion Jim Moore, Chairman of the event; and Lion Don Champ offered the invocation.

Following dinner, Rothstein recognized all the veterans present. A ceremonial cake cutting was done by the veteran who served longest ago and the one who served most recently. A POW/MIA table with symbolic items was present to reflect that we always have a place for them when they return home.

Keynote speaker Bill Rosier recounted his long career serving our country in uniform. Anthony Woods, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs spoke about the services available for veterans and current needs. Bob Finn, recently retired Deputy Secretary for Veteran Affairs gave a status report of the new home for veterans that will be built in Sykesville.

FDLC President Melissa Turski presented a donation to Caleb Sebra, President of Platoon 22 – a non-profit that works to provide services needed by veterans. Their current priority is eliminating suicides by veterans.

Pictured (left – right) are: Ed Rothstein, Anthony Woods, Bill Rosier, Bob Finn, Caleb Sebra, and Melissa Turski.