Nov. 11, 1954, was officially named Veterans Day in this country.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower called upon all of our citizens “to join hands with a common purpose — to solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought on the sea, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom.”

As we mark Veterans Day, it is a good moment to reflect on the contributions made by those who are serving and have served our country.

The bond and commitment to service amongst soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines lasts far beyond their days in uniform. They continue to serve their fellow veterans, their communities, and their country.

Our troops have always served our country with dedication, both stateside and around the world. They’ve fought in major conflicts, including World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the more recent Iraqi and Afghanistan wars. They also fought in smaller areas around the world, including Somalia, Bosnia and Grenada.

Our military men and women from the past and the present deserve our thanks on Veterans Day and on every day of the year, as do those we’ve lost.

Reach out to a veteran or a current member of the U.S. military. Put out your hand, whisper “thank you” and show them you care. Remember, they risked their lives for us while fighting to preserve our independence and freedom.

The Senior Center would like to thank all those Veterans that attended our free meal on Nov. 7. It was great to have you here and be able to serve you.

Don’t forget our coffee shop where every day you can have homemade soup for $1 and a sandwich for 50 cents. You are always welcome at the center.

Upcoming events

Monday: Blood pressure Checks, 9 a.m.; Naps 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Exercise with Evie, 1 p.m.

Tuesday: Closed for Veterans Day

Wednesday: Wood Carvers, 8:30 a.m.; Macular degeneration, 10 a.m.; Ron’s Massage 10:30 a.m.; Weight Watchers, noon; cards (Duplicate Bridge, Pinochle, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; Weight Watchers, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; Hearing Aid Checks, 3:15 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4:15 p.m.; HIIT, 5:10 p.m.; Zumba, 5:45 p.m.; Zumba, 7 p.m.

Friday: Defensive driving, 12:30 p.m.; Cards (Duplicate Bridge, Pinochle, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.; Ping Pong, 3 p.m.; Younkers Community Days

Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

Oct. 27, three tables

1st Bud Higgins, 2nd John Karnes, 3rd Arnie Lang, 4th Mary Johnsen, 5th Carolyne Higgins

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

Oct. 28, five tables

1st Bud Higgins, 1st Jim Fisher; 2nd Dave Solomonson, 2nd Judy Bungum; 3rd Arnie Lang, 3rd Joyce Crowe; 4th John Lisen, 4th Rick Stroup; 5th Ray Schmidt, 5th Gail Schmidt

Tuesday 500

Oct. 28, four tables

1st Wayne Freitag, 2nd Dick Davies, 3rd Sally Michels, 4th Patty Andrews

Pinochle

Dave Solomonson, John Karnes

Friday Bridge

Oct.r 31, three tables

1st Jim Fisher, 2nd Mary Johnsen, 3rd Carolyn Higgins, 4th Lois Johnson, 5th Ella Rouhoff

Wednesday Cribbage

Oct. 29, 2.5 tables playing

1st Mercedes Nordstrom, 2nd Quentin Fiala, 3rd Mabel Vaale

Friday 500

Oct. 31, four tables

1st Wayne Chilson, 2nd Sally Michels, 3rd Lois Anderson, 4th Gene Rauen