For residents at Heisinger Bluffs Senior Living Community, Veterans Day was more than a tribute; it was a celebration of service and good memories.
The staff hosted a corsage-pinning Friday for all veteran residents, serenading them with song, food and memories of fellowship.
Friday also marked the 242nd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.
"We know without you none of us would have the freedoms that we take for granted sometimes. We thank each of you for your service and sacrifices," Heisinger Bluffs Director of Lifestyle Rita Rivera said.
The 31 veterans honored include Mary Waggoner, a WWII Marine Corps veteran, the only female servicewoman who lives at Heisinger Bluffs.
Waggoner came to America from Ireland and established citizenship while in the Marines. At age 25, she enlisted and worked in an office on a Marine base in North Carolina for four years.
Waggoner is 89 years old and said she never regrets a moment of her service.
During the ceremony, the wives and mothers of past veterans were recognized and thanked for their support of those who served.
Maureen Purdy, regional educator at Heisinger Bluffs, also was recognized for her service as a naval nurse during Desert Storm.
"This has been wonderful for me to be able to connect myself with these veterans," Purdy said. "We have something in common that we don't have in common with anybody else. It's an honor to be here with them."