The West End Memorial American Legion Post 927 in Gilbert was filled with veterans and their families on Thursday celebrating and honoring veterans both those still with us and those who have passed away.

Joyce Castillo, an auxiliary chaplain, said the opening prayer, then post Commander Danny Insalata, who served as the master of ceremonies, designated an empty chair in front of the podium to represent the MIA/POW soldiers who never came home.

Insalata went on to say that in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the fighting of World War I ended in 1918. With the end of the war, Nov. 11 became a universally recognized day of celebration originally called Armistice Day. It honored only veterans of WWI. Then in 1954 after World War II and the Korean War, it was renamed Veterans Day in the United States to honor all veterans who served in war and defended democracy.

“As we honor our veterans and remember their great deeds, let us also salute those who are currently fighting for our freedom,” Insalata said. “The war on terrorism has helped us realize how truly unique the American way of life is.”

Later in the ceremony, Lisa Kaye, director of Veterans Affairs in Monroe County, said she almost declined speaking at the event, because her brother with Down syndrome passed away recently, but remembering him changed her mind.

Kaye said her younger brother loved unconditionally and he saw the world without hate, without prejudice. He could light up the room and put everyone at ease when he entered.

She said how as a new recruit in the military, she and the others had to work together as a team even though they came from different backgrounds and ethnic groups.

“It taught us a lot. It made us proud and humble,” Kaye said. “And now when we enter a room, it’s a presence felt by many.”

Kaye said it’s important to make a difference in people’s lives. She knows that in her job with Veterans Affairs, she is a part of something bigger than herself.

“The military afforded for me the title of soldier. We all made sacrifices and did something honorable for our country,” she said. “My challenge for you today is to find those things you can do for others.”

Kaye encouraged the veterans to continue their efforts to speak to the younger veterans about what they can do for their community.

“Share your stories, because some of you have some pretty incredible stories to share,” she said. “What we do for others isn’t about what we can gain from it. It’s about knowing you did something wonderful, feeling good about it, and making that difference so you too can give a legacy to remember.”

A young veteran stepped up next to talk.

Recently home from deployment, Emily Schaff, a combat medic with the Pennsylvania National Guard, said, “As a member in our current generation serving, I do want to thank all the veterans who have served before me that made the military what it is today. Because of you guys, we have many programs for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety, depression, that I know that we didn’t have during your time serving, and I do want to personally thank you guys.”

Other speakers at the ceremony included: state Rep. Rosemary Brown, state Rep. Jack Rader, and state Sen. Mario Scavello. Each thanked the veterans for their service.

“We are proud of you. We respect you. We want you to take good care of yourselves, and we thank you always. God bless you all,” Brown said.

Rader said, “I believe it is not only fitting, but more importantly our civic responsibility to never forget, nor take for granted the valiant sacrifices these veterans made on our behalf.”

Scavello told those gathered that work is being done on an old church in Mount Pocono to create a museum dedicated to all of the branches of the military.

He also said that he hopes to find an old hotel in Northampton County, like the one in Monroe County, that can be renovated as a place where homeless veterans can live.

“There are still a tremendous number of veterans on our streets and that’s not supposed to happen,” he said. “We have to get them the services that they need, get them room and board, and then help them transition. … They served our nation and they are going to get all of the support that we can possibly give them.”

After taps and a gun salute, the closing prayers were said by Michael O’Rourke, post chaplain.

On a side note, a special car sat in front of the Legion for everyone to see.

The American Legion is holding a raffle with the prize being a black 1989 Firebird Formula. Half of the proceeds will go to the legion to help pay for the nine new windows in the building.

The five-speed manual transmission vehicle is fully restored with only 3,000 miles on the restored engine. It has air conditioning and power windows and locks. Tickets are $50 and the Legion is selling a max of 350 tickets. There are 150 tickets left. Anyone interested in a ticket or wanting more information should call Tom at 917-807-0347. Tickets can also be purchased at the Legion.