A Veterans Day program in memory of those members of Allen O. Delke American Legion Post 16, Slatington, who passed away during the past year was held in the Northern Lehigh Bible Fellowship Church, Best Road, Walnutport, during its regular church worship service.

"We have some special visitors. We want to celebrate our veterans," said music director Jason Musselman.Everyone joined in singing "God Bless America," and Ben Strohl, in his first public solo performance, sang "God Bless the

U.S.A."Musselman said people are blessed to have so many men and women who step up to protect us."Thank you to the many who have served," he said. "God gives us freedom, the veterans give us freedom."Dennis Ziegler, president of the Veterans Day committee, introduced Commander Bernie Dugan of Post 16.He said Veterans Day went through several names beginning with Armistice Day, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 which ended the First World War. It was officially Veterans Day since 1964.The Allen O. Delke American Legion Post 16 is the oldest post in Lehigh County. It honors those who passed away during the year."Reach out with a hand and thank the veterans," Dugan said, closing with "God bless you and God bless our country."Ziegler said men and women set aside their lives and it was their determination that made them better warriors. In time of peace it is the enabling virtue of tolerance and discipline learned in the military that makes them good citizens.Family members who are in the Legion Riders and Sons of the American Legion were asked to stand for recognition.As Dugan read the names of American Lehigh Auxiliary members who passed on Auxiliary representative Susan Queen placed a poppy on a red, white and blue wreath.As the names of the 26 service members from the Army, Air Force, and Marines who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Lebanon-Granada were read by Queen, Dugan placed poppies on the wreath.A bell chimed as each name was read.Scott Schaeffer and Jesse Troxell played taps.Ziegler read a poem, "Eulogy for a Veteran," that begins "Do not weep for me, I am not here."