Gilbert's American Legion packed the house on Friday morning, paying tribute to all of the community's veterans with thanks and acknowledgment from several guest speakers.

Post 927 Commander Robert Calcavecchia led the engagement, beginning with a recitation of the Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion."For those of you who might not know, this is my first time, so I hope I get this right," Calcavecchia said before introducing Doreen Powers, president of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 927.Powers focused upon the integral participation of women in the U.S. armed services since the very beginning."We know how long and hard the women of this country have always fought beside our soldiers. History shows us as far back as the Revolutionary War, women served on the battlefield and as saboteurs. Elizabeth Newcom enlisted as Bill Newcom, marched 600 miles before she was discovered to be a woman and discharged during the Mexican-American War. Not sure what's more shocking, whether that she enlisted as Bill, or that she walked 600 miles before anyone knew," Powers said, punctuated by the laughs of the crowd.State Rep. Jack Rader, R-Monroe, spoke about the unquestionable importance of each and every veteran and armed service member."Ordinary men and women have been defending the nation for more than 200 years, performing an extraordinary duty without regard for hardship and sacrifice. That is what makes them the strength of the nation," Rader said. "Certain elements of war may change, weapons come and go, uniforms may change, organizations and policies are revised. But the noble spirit of wearing an American uniform remains the same."State Rep. Rosemary Brown, R-189, expressed that it was a pleasure and honor to be in attendance"We have over 950,000 veterans in the state of Pennsylvania. We are the fourth largest state of veterans in the United States, and I'm very proud of that," Brown said, going on to thank the veterans for sacrifices that include being parted from family members for long stretches of time. "We thank you, we honor you, we bless you, and we appreciate you. Thank you for your service, and your many sacrifices that I know are not always spoken about."Calcavecchia rounded out the speakers with an impassioned speech, referencing the numerous men and women who have given their lives in one way or another for the service and the protection of the United States."We're here today to honor our heroes, to remember their achievements, their courage, their dedication, and to say thank you for all their sacrifices," Calcavecchia said. "Speaking of the heroes who joined us today, and those only here in spirit, along with their families and friends, a person can't help but be filled with pride and gratitude."He then asked all of the servicemen in attendance to stand, and the crowd applauded their efforts. The same was done for families of servicemen before Calcavecchia capped off his speech."Our gathering today is just one small spark in the flame of pride that burns across the nation today, and every day. It's one small way to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live in freedom... Thank you all for your service, God bless you all, God bless your families, God bless our troops, and God bless America."Veterans and families were invited to stick around, enjoy food, and socialize with fellow service members. Long overdue thanks were expressed and accepted by those who had spent years in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard."I remember in Vietnam when people were spitting on troops coming home," veteran Robert Loehmann, who served in Korea - the Forgotten War - during his 43-year career, said. "Veterans never got their due, never got the appreciation. Now, we're finally getting appreciated, and it feels good."