It was an evening of coming together to honor the men and women who served this country.

Earlier this week, the Nesquehoning Historical Society, in conjunction with the New Columbus Fire Company, held its second annual Veterans Day dinner for area servicemen and women.

Approximately 85 veterans signed up for the meal, Lois Kuba, historical society president said.

“This means everything to be able to do this,” Kuba said. “They gave everything for us so it’s just a small thing we could give back to them. It means so much to see them all trading stories and sharing different things. It’s just a good fellowship for them.”

She added that it was nice to see the volunteers coming together as well help make the meal possible. In addition to the historical society and fire company, several high school students from Panther Valley’s JROTC program were in attendance to help take food orders.

Joe Folk, vice president of the New Columbus Fire Company, echoed Kuba’s thoughts.

“It means a lot for the fire company to be able to give back to the veterans and also open our doors to help, not only the veterans, but the historical society do this for the second year,” he said.

As you walked around the room, veterans from around the community chatted about their time in the service, as well as shared their life stories.

Jack Yaroma of Lake Hauto showed off a photo of him while he was serving in the Navy.

Of the event, he said it was nice of the town to have this for veterans.

“I think it is great,” he said. “It’s a great celebration.

Fellow tablemate Jeff Beck, another Navy veteran currently living in the Lake Hauto area, said he appreciated the meal and the fellowship the event brought.

Albert Yeakel, who is a Korean War veteran, having served in the U.S. Army and Marines, was there with his daughter, Pam Heydt.

He spoke about his time in the service, including going to basic training with a man from the New Columbus area, Albert Baker, whom he lost touch with when their assignments came down.

“I never found out what happened to him to this day,” he said, noting that his friend was hard to miss since he stood about 6 feet, 5 inches tall.

Yeakel thanked the Nesquehoning community for the wonderful meal, noting that he was born and raised in Carbon County, living on Lentz Trail as a child.

The event was capped off with a few words from Carbon County District Attorney Michael Greek.

The historical society began this new tradition last year and plans to alternate between the borough fire companies to host the event. Last year it was held at the Nesquehoning Hose Company.