VETERANS DAY 2023: More Than 200 Attend LWC’s 21st Annual Luncheon To Honor Veterans

Pictured: U.S. Army veteran James Flowers of Columbia wins a quilt from the Joyful Hearts Quilt Guild. Flowers, a retired artillery officer with the 18th Airborne used the special day to don his dress blues. He served from 1971-1996 and is a member of VFW Post 6097.

Columbia, Ky. -- Lindsey Wilson College honored area veterans on Friday, November 10 when it hosted the 21st Annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon. The heartfelt event was held at the Adair County VFW Post 6097 with more than 200 veterans and their families in attendance.

“The College and I are grateful for the relationship we share with the local VFW post,” said LWC Dean of Students and luncheon coordinator Chris Schmidt. “Post Quartermaster Ronnie Holt and all the other women and men from this post continue to lead and make a difference in this community. They embody the spirit of service, honor and kindness. Today is about recognizing them for all they have done and continue to do.”

The veterans enjoyed lunch provided by the Roberta D. Cranmer Dining and Conference Center and LWC students and staff assisted veterans during the event.

Carrie Pendleton of Russell Springs, Kentucky, was one of 20 veterans selected in a drawing to receive a handmade, patriotic quilt from the Joyful Hearts Quilt Guild. Twelve members of the local quilt guild worked together over the past year to provide custom quilts for the veterans.

“It’s nice to see the veterans all coming together,” said Pendleton who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1997-2000. “I don’t usually get the opportunity to attend many of these events because of work. It’s nice to know that you can come back home and feel appreciated. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to actually go and be a part of something better and bigger than yourself and it’s so nice to be recognized for that.”

The Veterans Appreciation Luncheon concluded with a performance from the Lindsey Wilson Singers under the direction of LWC Associate Professor of Music & Director of Choral Programs Gerald Chafin.

To view more pictures from the event visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB2MCo