Few things bring Americans together like supporting the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces.

A group of Jim Thorpe neighbors showed their appreciation Sunday afternoon by hosting a free meal for area veterans.

Seven veterans came to the home of Dave Gasker on Center Avenue for several hours of good conversation and even better food.

“This is the second year I have opened my home up to veterans for a meal,” Gasker said. “Last year, we had five veterans and this year seven so we’re trying to expand on it.

Gasker is a member of the Facebook group, “Neighbors on the Hill,” a collection of friends who live in the “Heights” section of Jim Thorpe. Having heard of Gasker’s outreach last year, a handful of the members wanted to play a part this year and helped to serve the meals and bake desserts.

In addition to an appetizer pizza from the Jim Thorpe Sporting Club, the meal featured salad, chicken rice soup, a chuck roast, pork barbecue, sweet potato casserole, carrots, corn, and baked potatoes.

“Last year after the election, there was a lot of division in America and I just wanted to bring everyone together,” Gasker said. “We’re all Americans. It doesn’t matter what political party we support or if we are black or white. The common thing between everyone is our veterans and our great country.”

The generosity was not lost on the seven veterans who attended.

“It’s a really nice gesture,” said Elmer Highland, U.S. Air Force.

Sitting across from Highland, Jeff Thomas, U.S. Army, said the show of support for the men and women of the military was much appreciated.

“It’s a great show of camaraderie,” Thomas said.

“It means a lot to us,” added Albert Helmer, U.S. Army.

There were no distractions Sunday, just a group of men and women swapping stories and friendship over a freshly prepared meal.

“We don’t have the television on or music playing,” Gasker said. “Today is a day to just get around and talk.”

Many of the veterans at Gasker’s house Sunday were childhood neighbors or lifelong friends.

He hopes the veterans dinner expands to the point where they have to move it to another home or a venue that can hold more people.

“Back in Revolutionary War days when a soldier came into town, they were always welcome at anyone’s home for a meal and a place to stay,” Gasker said. “People don’t look at veterans that way anymore. We wanted to take a step back and reintroduce these things for our veterans.”