Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Veterans get special thanks at pinning ceremony
KENNETT SQUARE >> Brandywine Living at Longwood last week honored their resident veterans with a pinning ceremony thanking each resident for their service and dedication in serving our country.
“We can never say thank you enough to our veterans for everything they have sacrificed for our country,” said Kristen Aran, Escapades Producer of Brandywine Living at Longwood. “This event allows us to not only personally thank our resident veterans but to thank the soldiers and veterans who come out to help us honor our residents every year.”
The ceremony included special readings by Paola Fusaro, Executive Director of Brandywine Living at Longwood. During the ceremony, she read poems that honor veterans and announced each resident veteran’s rank, service, and any honors they received.
“There is no greater honor for me as the executive director than to acknowledge, thank and celebrate our resident veterans. We admire and appreciate our veterans for their sacrifices for this great country,” said Paola.
Residents had the honor of being pinned by Sergeant Ryan Gumby and Private First Class Carsen Frey of Company B, 111th Infantry. Tech Sergeant Gerald Breeden and Corporal Marine John DiMatteo also attended and handed each resident a certificate of appreciation.
Corporal Marine John DiMatteo commented, “I look forward to this event every year. It is a wonderful opportunity to thank such an amazing group of veterans.”
Brandywine Living at Longwood is proud that so many veterans call their community home. A total of 14 residents were honored during the ceremony.
“Brandywine’s pinning ceremony with our family and friends present was the most rewarding for the veterans, especially when the two soldiers who were pinning were active reserve. Thank you to Brandywine and the First Battalion of the 111th Infantry,” said Brandywine Living resident and Veteran of the United States Navy, Colonel Edward Huber.