MAHOPAC – The tradition continued when the Downstate Chapter of the Purple Heart Homes hosted Putnam’s 8th annual Veterans Thanksgiving Dinner.
More than 500 vets crowded into the Putnam County Golf Course main dining room in Mahopac Falls for the party on Saturday to enjoy an old fashioned home-cooked turkey dinner with all the trimmings courtesy of a small army of volunteer chefs, waiters and waitresses, busboys and even entertainers.
Lola Lauro stole the show when the 11-year-old from Mahopac dressed in military attire belted out several old-time favorites that included “Over Here” and “God Bless America” that had many in the appreciative audience in tears. The sixth-grade budding superstar received a standing ovation.
Veterans representing World War II, Vietnam, Korea, the Persian Gulf, and Iraq were all recognized.
Suzi McDonough, chairwoman of the event, told the gathering, “It is our honor to show our appreciation to the men and women who have served in our armed forces. We thank you; we honor you and salute you. God Bless you and God Bless America.”
