ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Peterson Meadows Senior Living Center held its own Veterans Day celebration for veteran residents and their family members.
Larry Sunke, a US Army veteran who served during the Korean War said military service “instills a lot of discipline, a lot of organization, and everybody serving with you is your buddy. They’re all looking out for you.
The veterans and the families gathered on Monday had a chance to reminisce on their time in the military.
“They have this every year,” said Karen Holmes, whose aunt answered the call of duty. “And we have things during the year where just the vets all get together for coffee or something like that, you know? And that camaraderie is always going to be there.”
Veterans like Sunke were able to bring loved ones with them to Monday’s event.
Carol Ostrom’s son, Chuck, left for the military at the age of 18.
“He was home the evening before he left and after we had dinner he said, ‘Mom, I need to say goodbye. I’m on my way to serve our country,’” she recalled.