Veterans honored for service at pinning ceremony

POTTSTOWN >> The TriCounty Active Adult Center in Pottstown recently recognized nearly 30 local veterans who served in the armed forces.

Attendees came dressed in their best red, white and blue at the pinning and flag folding ceremony.

“We’re recognizing about 28 veterans today with pins and certificates to thank them for their service,” said Brian Parkes, executive director of the TriCounty Active Adult Center.

Veterans and other guests were welcomed to the TriCounty Active Adult Center in Pottstown beginning at 11 a.m. Those in attendance were treated to patriotic musical selections followed by lunch.

After enjoying a meal together, veterans were called by name to receive a pin, certificate and star taken from retired American flags to keep as a memento.

“It’s always important to remember and recognize the many, many veterans who volunteered and put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedoms and help us maintain the free life that we live,” said Parkes.

After receiving their pins and certificates, veterans were welcomed back into the dining area for a brief flag folding ceremony. During the ceremony, an Amer

ican flag was folded as attendees were reminded what each of the 13 folds represents.

The event, sponsored by TriCounty Home Health and Hospice, ended with the playing of Taps.

The TriCounty Active Adult Center, formerly the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center, serves adults age 50 and older with programs and services including information and referral assistance, a daily free lunch, exercise programs, social activities, and much more. The TriCounty Active Adult Center has more than 2,500 members, and anyone living in the tri-county area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) who is 50+ years of age is welcome to attend the center.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP Veterans were recognized for their service with pins and certificates at the TriCounty Active Adult Center in Pottstown.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP Nearly 30 veterans were honored at the TriCounty Active Adult Center for their service.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP Veterans flashed a smile as they were pinned with an American flag. The ceremony recognized their service in the U.S. Armed Forces.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP Guests at the TriCounty Active Adult Center showed up in their patriotic best as they were honored for their service in a pinning ceremony.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP Guests at the pinning ceremony held at the TriCounty Active Adult Center in Pottstown hold their hands over their hearts as the ceremony comes to a close with the playing of Taps.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP Veterans were honored with American flag pins and a certificate recognizing their service during a ceremony at the TriCounty Active Adult Center in Pottstown.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP Brian Parkes, executive director of the TriCounty Active Adult Center, and Kristine Parkes, regent for the Mahantawny Chapter DAR, assist with folding a flag during the ceremony.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP Veterans and guests enjoyed lunch before celebrating a pinning ceremony.