Sixty-six guests filed into the National Guard Armory on Nov. 10 for the 10th annual Veteran’s Day Dinner honoring the men and women of the area who have served their country.
The event was organized by local Girl Scout troops.
The evening began with a local Brownie troop leading the guests in a rendition of “America The Beautiful” and continued with various Scouts taking turns reading “I Am Your Flag.” Entertainment was provided by Hermiston’s Dance Unlimited, who performed a Patriotic-themed routine.
“You can tell they put a lot of work into the routine,” said Michelle Kane, leader of Hermiston Girl Scout Troop 51444. “They were right in step with one another. The guests loved the show.”
The Girl Scouts showed their appreciation for their guests by thanking each branch of the military. The evening included a moment of silence honoring those who had given their lives in service to their country. Allison Mulcare, a Girl Scout Senior from Pendleton Troop 51436 read a poem honoring the guests’ service.
Thirty-seven Girl Scouts were on hand to serve their guests.
“There were several more Girl Scouts who weren’t in attendance, but helped behind the scenes by making centerpieces and thank-you cards, and providing food and other supplies,” said Kane.
Each guest went home with a box of Girl Scout cookies, a hand-made poppy and hand-written thank you card.
Kane said the area Girl Scouts put a lot of work into the dinner.
“I was very impressed with how the girls were eager to help out and visit with our guests,” she said. “We gave the girls “conversation starter bags” filled with questions they could ask. One of the girls was collecting signatures . . . and would bring them to her mom to show her the autographs.”
