CELEBRATING HOLIDAY WITH VETERANS — Veterans residing in area assisted living facilities attended the American Legion Post 33 Ladies Auxiliary’s annual Christmas party Thursday. Among those taking part were, from left, front, Joe Holliday, Legion service officer; Bob Giammarco, Navy veteran and honoree; and back, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy Ben Swoyer; and Jim Kuczynski, transporter for veterans of Country Club Manor. -- Julie Stenger

STEUBENVILLE — They went to serve or to fight for continued freedom in the United States.

They are the men and women of this country who walked away from their jobs, their families, their children, their parents … for us.

And yes, we often say how thankful we are for a veteran’s service, for their sacrifice.

The truth is, over time, they tend to be forgotten.

But on Thursday morning, veterans residing in local nursing homes were remembered, honored and celebrated by the American Legion Post 33 Ladies Auxiliary in Steubenville.

CELEBRATING WITH VETERANS –– Seven of the eight members of the Hollywood Ukes group performed a selection of patriotic songs for veterans attending the Christmas celebration. The group concluded with the playing of holiday songs. -- Julie Stenger

The auxiliary once again held its annual Christmas party for area veterans who are no longer living on their own.

Although no one is truly sure of an actual date as to when these parties first began, officials recall the tradition has been strong for more than 35 years.

Nine area nursing homes were invited to attend the auxiliary’s Christmas party. Six accepted the invitation, with one being forced to decline due to an illness at the center.

Among those in attendance were residents from Catherine’s Care Center, Gables Care Center, Country Club Manor, Lancia’s Vista Villa, Belmont Manor, Carriage Inn of Steubenville and the Meadows of Cadiz Capital Health.

Aides joined the veterans at the event to ensure all of their needs were met, including serving them their meals. However, the aides were not the only ones assisting.

Members of the Steubenville Police Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and the Steubenville Fire Department were on hand to help wheel in veterans from their vans and assist them throughout the afternoon.

Steubenville Police Capt. Joe Buchmelter, who has been attending the event for several years along with other members of the department, explained that the men and women being honored are veterans from all over. They represent individuals who fought in the Vietnam War, the Korean War and possibly even World War II.

He noted many of these individuals are living in assisted living facilities, and he and his department look forward to attending this special event because it is important to let them know they are thought of, remembered and not alone.

“We wait for this all year long,” Buchmelter stated. “We know that some of these veterans do not have families around to visit them, and we want to be able to spend time with them and enjoy this fellowship at this time of the year.”

“We never forget what they have done for us,” he added.

Buchmelter and other first responders circulated throughout the room, ensuring all veterans were taken care of and bringing them whatever they needed.

Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr. said he chooses to be a part of the annual event because of his great respect for veterans.

Abdalla said he believes in spending time with veterans throughout the year, especially during the holiday season. He said he is thankful for their sacrifice, which is the reason this community can meet peacefully on occasions such as this.

“All of our officers support them,” Abdalla said of the veterans. “Some are lonely and not able to be with their families, so we are trying to let them know that we appreciate them,

“We always try to be present at any of their events to let them know that we support them,” Abdalla concluded.

The afternoon included a meal consisting of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, rolls and cake.

Bob Giammarco was among the 34 veterans expected to attend the event.

Bound in his wheelchair, he received quite a gathering surrounding him, as he was once a longtime board member of the Legion.

Auxiliary President Cindy Longwell noted she was Giammarco’s caregiver prior to him going into a nursing home last year, making this his first Christmas party attending as a nursing home resident.

The Navy veteran, who served during the Vietnam War era, was wheeled in by Jim Kuczynski, a transporter for Country Club Manor.

Kuczynski said he was honored to be able to be a part of the day and help the veterans throughout this special holiday celebration.

Longwell said the purpose of holding this particular holiday event for veterans is so all of them realize they have not been forgotten. Not for a moment.

Entertainment was a highlight of the morning’s activities.

The Fun Time Dancers line dancing group performed songs to open the event, followed by patriotic songs and Christmas carols performed by members of the Hollywood Ukes group.

Members of the Hollywood Ukes in attendance included Ronda Seelig, John Slivka, Mary Alice Mitchell, Harry Nicholson, Bill Danaher, Karen Shell and Betty Schiappa. The group thanked the veterans for their service and stated it was honor to be able to perform for each of them.

Children from Wells Academy in Steubenville once again visited the legion to performing several Christmas songs for veterans and guests.

The students performed one song using sign language as they sung, a feat accomplished in just two days time. Wells Academy teacher Glory Dami not only directed the children’s choir but performed a solo, as requested, of “God Bless America.”

Each child was given a candy cane full of treats from Santa as they exited the building.

Santa and Mrs. Claus sat on stage throughout the event, helping to distribute gifts.

Longwell explained each veteran is given a gift bag containing pajamas, a blanket, cookies, a puzzle book, crayons, a coloring book and other trinkets to occupy some of their time while in the assisted care facilities.

Thursday’s party was a day to ensure that while the years may pass, our gratitude for these local heroes does not fade