Masonic Temple Porter Lodge 284, 1103 Sixth St., North Catasauqua, hosted a veterans event Nov. 8.

The event was sponsored by North Catasauqua Police Department and the Lodge. Master of ceremonies was Ret. Sgt. Major Steven Santiago, who is a current North Catasauqua Police Department corporal.

Debbie Bailey, with North Catasauqua Police Department administration, and Julie Santiago were all smiles as they ate a country-style breakfast and mingled with others in the social hall. Anthony Ranaldi said he also enjoyed the breakfast. He brought his service animal, Luke, with him to the event.

After breakfast, a ceremony began with an invocation from Chaplain Carl Wunderler.

Santiago gave his remarks, thanking all veterans and their families for their sacrifices.

Other dignitaries included North Catasauqua Mayor William Molchany Jr. and his wife, Connie; police Chief Christopher Wolfer; and Chris Yarnell, president and founder of the veterans support organization Battle Borne. Visit wearebattleborne.com for information about its extensive outreach efforts to assist veterans and their families.

An abundant expression of thanks from all speakers and attendees for the veterans present for their sacrifices serving the nation were expressed.

Veterans Day began Nov. 11, 1919, as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1938, it became a national holiday to honor these veterans. After World War II and the Korean War, American veterans successfully lobbied for the holiday to include all veterans. In 1954, Congress officially changed the name to Veterans Day.

The Masonic Temple and the national Masonic organization, called Masonic Service Association of North America, has a long history of supporting the North Catasauqua community and veterans. The original reason for the MSA’s formation was to provide aid to our military servicemen near the end of World War I. Now, the efforts by the MSA are to provide assistance to the men and women in the armed forces.

For more information about the MSA, visit msana.com.

Attendees mentioned the event was a success. Veterans were honored with a breakfast and ceremony, and all appreciated the opportunity to speak with dignitaries and community members.