Elks Host Christmas Lunch for Veterans

NORTH WILDWOOD – Greater Wildwood Elks Lodge 1896 hosted its annual Christmas lunch for veterans Dec. 19, continuing a tradition that began in 2013. The lunch expanded to two adjoining rooms, as the number of veterans attending grew to 51 this year.
Almost a dozen of those in attendance were transported from the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland. The dining area was transformed with green and red Christmas decorations and good cheer as the veterans were shown to the tables.
Located in North Wildwood, Lodge 1896 is the second largest of the 113 Elks’ lodges in the state. With an active Veterans Committee, chaired by the luncheon host, Mike Marino, the lodge organizes activities and support programs for local veterans throughout the year, including a summer picnic and trip to the Cape May County Zoo. One of the most popular of these events is the Christmas meatloaf lunch.
“We haven’t changed the menu because the veterans tell us each year how much they love the meatloaf,” one Elks member said.
Throughout the room, veterans from every era wore clothing that identified their service branch. Navy sweatshirts, Marine Corps hats, and Army pins all competed for attention. What unified them was a history of service to their country and pride that comes from that service.
Almost 30 members of the Wildwood High School Choir were in attendance to provide entertainment. The students also moved among the veterans, recording contact information for the lodge’s newest effort, a local veterans’ community contact list.
Deb Moore, who was master of ceremonies, announced an Air Force sighting of unusual activity inbound, and Santa made his appearance, providing gift cards and packages to each veteran. The next day, the Veterans Committee was expected to be busy, delivering gift baskets to veterans in locations like Victoria Towers in Cape May.
One wall at the lodge displays the names of dozens of donors whose support provides the funds that aid the various outreach efforts, especially during the holidays.
Conspicuous to all at the front entrance of the dining area was a decorated Christmas tree that was recently home to almost 100 names of needy children in the Wildwoods. Elks members selected names and bought gifts for the children, which were to be distributed before Christmas. The gift tree names also provide age and gender information to guide the gift giver. Over 90 local children were to receive presents this year.
Christmas carols were, at one point, interrupted by a broadcast of the service songs as “The Marines’ Hymn,” “Anchors Away,” “The Army Goes Rolling Along,” “Wild Blue Yonder” and the Coast Guard’s “Semper Paratus” blared.
The location also demanded a playing of “Under the Boardwalk.” As all were enjoying themselves, servers arrived with a choice of cheesecake or carrot cake.
For the newest members of the high school contingent, this was a unique exposure to living history, meeting men and women who had served their country long before they were born. It was a demonstration of the importance of always remembering that sacrifice.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.