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Sussex Elks honor county veterans

| 24 May 2016 | 03:14
    Standing beside the table during the "empty table" ceremony were Richard Periu of Hardyston (left) and David Vnenchak of Stanhope. They represented the Sussex County P.F.C. Jeffery S. Patterson Marine Corps Detachment 747.
    Standing beside the table during the "empty table" ceremony were Richard Periu of Hardyston (left) and David Vnenchak of Stanhope. They represented the Sussex County P.F.C. Jeffery S. Patterson Marine Corps Detachment 747.
    Veterans included many from the Vietnam War, at least two from World War II and some from the Korean War.
    Veterans included many from the Vietnam War, at least two from World War II and some from the Korean War.
    Jim "Stogie" Adams, a Sussex Elks Trustee and 10-year veteran of the United States Navy Submarine Service explains the meaning of the empty table that honors those military personnel who remain prisoners of war.
    Jim "Stogie" Adams, a Sussex Elks Trustee and 10-year veteran of the United States Navy Submarine Service explains the meaning of the empty table that honors those military personnel who remain prisoners of war.
    Elks Vice President, Northwest District, Philip A. Maenza addressed the veterans and thanked them for their service to our country. At the right is Elks Exalted Ruler Patty Green.
    Elks Vice President, Northwest District, Philip A. Maenza addressed the veterans and thanked them for their service to our country. At the right is Elks Exalted Ruler Patty Green.
    Retired Army lieutenant colonel Ernie Kosa is applauded after offering the invocation at the Sussex Elks veterans dinner. In his prayer he asked God to prevent veterans from committing suicide at a rate of 22 each day. FranklinþÄôs Kosa Veteran Support Center was named after the colonel.
    Retired Army lieutenant colonel Ernie Kosa is applauded after offering the invocation at the Sussex Elks veterans dinner. In his prayer he asked God to prevent veterans from committing suicide at a rate of 22 each day. FranklinþÄôs Kosa Veteran Support Center was named after the colonel.
    Elks Exalted Ruler Patty Green (right) introduces Veterans Administration representatives of the Montrose and Lyons VA hospitals.
    Elks Exalted Ruler Patty Green (right) introduces Veterans Administration representatives of the Montrose and Lyons VA hospitals.

WANTAGE — Following the fourth annual Salute to Veterans at the High Point Monument on Sunday, about 130 veterans and guests enjoyed a fine dinner at Sussex Elks Lodge #2288 in Wantage.
In addition to local veterans, nearly two dozen veterans arrived from Montrose Veterans Hospital in Montrose, N.Y. Another special guest was retired Army lieutenant colonel Ernie Kosa who was applauded after offering the invocation at the Sussex Elks veterans dinner.
Dinner included salad and then a main course of either roast beef or chicken francaise. Each of the veterans was also given an Elks coffee mug that read, “Thank You For Your Service.”
The dinner also included an empty table ceremony that honors those military personnel who remain prisoners of war. The empty table is intended to symbolize the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors and serves as a focal point of remembrance for the fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.
— Photos by Chris Wyman