The Nesquehoning VFW Post 8008 celebrated Loyalty Day on Sunday by awarding plaques to three businesses and five members.

Post Commander Richard Ellis said Loyalty Day is observed nationwide each May 1 as a counter to Russia's annual May Day rally during which it displays its military might.A guest speaker was Thomas A. Brown, VFW Department of Pennsylvania senior vice commander and next state commander.Brown, of Swarthmore, Delaware County, praised veterans. He said the VFW state department has 112 programs."They're not just for veterans," he said. "They're for everyone. That's what we fought for. To make our country what it is today."Recipients of awards were:• Craig Strohl, regular member award.• Maryann Feinsilber, auxiliary member award.• Greg Eck, veteran social award.• Chelsea Evans and John Monteserin, social member awards.• Attorney Robert Yurchak, 2015 business award.• Joey Matula of Narrow Valley Tree Service and Michael McLaughlin of Carpet Craft, 2016 business awards.A special plaque was given to Brown.The awards were presented by Robert Paul, senior vice commander, and Cheri Santore, president of the VFW auxiliary.Christa Kattner, senior auxiliary vice president, gave a description of the post's POW/MIA table display.A proclamation for Loyalty Day was given to the post by Nesquehoning Mayor Sam Kitchko.Ted Dacey, post chaplain, offered the invocation and benediction.