First, they were touted for their valiant service to our country.

Afterward, they were treated to a complimentary breakfast as a token of appreciation by St. Luke’s Carbon Campus on Veterans Day.

Veterans who attended the ceremony Friday morning were treated to eggs, sausage, breakfast potatoes and juice, as well as a red, white and blue parfait.

Dave Gibson, vice president of patient care service, served as master of ceremony.

Gibson said it was a day to celebrate our veterans for their “commitment and sacrifice.”

John Nespoli, president, Carbon and Lehighton, welcomed those in attendance.

Nespoli told the veterans on hand that they are “the heart and soul of this country.”

On Thursday, the Together With Veterans Northeastern Pennsylvania partnership held an official grand opening of the Hub on the first floor of St. Luke’s University Health Network’s Lehighton Campus, 211 N. 12th St.

St. Luke’s Psychiatric Associates recently opened a 24-hour walk-in mental health clinic at the Lehighton campus in collaboration with Carbon, Monroe and Pike counties. The location makes it possible for the psychiatric center to refer patients to the veterans’ Hub and connect veterans with social or mental health resources immediately if necessary.

“We want to be the resource for you for everything,” Nespoli said. “You’re very important to us.”

Nespoli added, “You’re our top priority.”

Dan Frable, coordinator, security, Marine Corp Veteran, thanked all of his fellow veterans.

Joe Pinto, Chief Operating Officer for the Carbon, Lehighton and Sacred Heart campuses, expressed his heartfelt gratitude.

Pinto told the veterans on hand how appreciative he is because “we wouldn’t be here if weren’t for all of you.”

“Words can’t just describe how grateful I am for your service to our country.”

Veteran Art Williams of Lansford served in the Army from 1962-1965.

“I’m just pleased to be here with my fellow veterans,” Williams said. “I’m very proud of my daughter.”

Williams’ daughter is Christine LeClair, Carbon County Director of Veterans Affairs.

As he received his free breakfast, Joseph Balogach, who serves as vice president of the Carbon County Veterans Council, said he was appreciative of the ceremony.

“It was really a wonderful ceremony for the veterans,” Balogach said. “They (St. Luke’s) are very gracious.”