Among her many responsibilities at the senior living community, The Palmerton, Andrea Humanick takes special care in recognizing Veterans Day.

“Veterans Day has always been meaningful for me,” said Humanick, the community enrichment director at the Palmerton.

This year, the coronavirus pandemic has locked down senior living centers and locked out any visitors. But Humanick still wanted to make sure the community’s veterans were recognized.

On Wednesday, the community’s annual Veterans Day celebration went forward, with masks and social distancing in effect.

Eighteen veterans received recognition for their service, including veterans of Vietnam, Korea and two World War II veterans.

Musician Claude Shappelle played more than a dozen patriotic songs, including the anthems of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. He is a regular guest at the annual ceremony with his American flag guitar, and was happy that the event wasn’t claimed by the pandemic.

“It would have been very easy for (Humanick) to use COVID as an excuse not to honor our veterans,” he said. “That would have been a shame, we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude.

During the ceremony Humanick and her co-workers read the poem “In Flanders Field.”

They recalled the history of how Nov. 11 evolved from Armistice Day, the final day of World War I, into what is now known as Veterans Day.

Veterans said they appreciate the effort that Humanick and the staff of The Palmerton put into saluting them.

“They always put on a good show here,” Clarence Patterson, 95, a World War II veteran, said.

This year, the pandemic has prevented many veterans from getting out to participate in Veterans Day ceremonies. But they can still read about them in the paper, and appreciate the recognition from the community.

“It doesn’t make a difference if it’s six houses or 60, they’re still celebrating. That’s nice. Honoring these men and women who didn’t get a chance to come back and enjoy it,” Patterson said.

During the ceremony each veteran received a certificate and a handmade gift from Humanick: a woodworking piece with their branch of service. It’s meant to help them remember the ceremony throughout the year.

“It’s to remind them that somebody thinks it’s important. They’re not forgotten about. Their service is appreciated. If it wasn’t for them, I’m sure we wouldn’t have the way of life we have today.”