Gratitude for their valiant service to our country was the theme at a senior living facility in Palmerton on Veterans Day.

A group of veterans were acknowledged as part of the fifth annual Veterans Day ceremony held at The Palmerton Thursday afternoon.

Andrea Humanick, community enrichment director for The Palmerton, said the program was held as a way to thank them for their service.

“We’ve gathered here together to honor and pay tribute to all of our servicemen and women, to remember their achievements, their courage and dedication, and to say thank you for their sacrifices,” Humanick said. “The service members we honor today came from all walks of life, but they all shared the same fundamental qualities. They possessed courage, pride, determination, selflessness and dedication to duty and our country ... all the qualities needed to serve a cause larger than one’s self.

“No words can describe the heartfelt gratitude we have for them.”

State Rep. Doyle Heffley said it was important to take the day to remember all those that served.

“It’s very humbling to represent everybody in this room,” Heffley said. “Thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifice.”

George Duell Jr. and William Gallagher of the Palmerton Veterans of Foreign Wars spoke about the importance of the day.

Duell told the veterans it was a “special day,” and that he and Gallagher were glad to be able to spend a portion of their day with them.

Gallagher said, “It is an honor to be a veteran.”

Clearnce Weber, marketing and admissions director, read the poem “In Flanders Fields.”

Armed with his American flag guitar, musician Claude Shappelle played various patriotic songs, including the anthems of all armed forces.

Each veteran received a certificate and a personalized gift bag, which contained a handmade gift, a thank-you note from the students in Mrs. Haines’ fourth grade class at Parkway Manor Elementary School, and a pin.

“Our gathering here today is just one small spark of the flame of pride that burns across the nation,” Humanick said.

Eight veterans were recognized: Ronald Resikoff, Matt King and Edward Wassmer, U.S. Navy; Ralph Perez, Wallace “Jim” Wireman and Phillip Rockstein, U.S. Army; and Lawrence Brown and Nathan Scherer, U.S. Air Force.

A ninth veteran, William Gordon, U.S. Army, was not present.

Wassmer, of Mahoning Township, served in the Asian Pacific Theater.

Wassmer expressed thanks for the program. “I have a lot of (history of military service) in my family.”

Scherer, of West Bowmanstown, served for 20 years. “It’s very good,” Scherer said. “I like the songs.”