men's club

John F. Kennedy’s words, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” ring ever so true each year on Veteran’s Day.  You may not have personally been an enlistee, but we all know those who were.  Some are here with us today, but we also gather to honor those who are not.  But every single one of us at Lake Fairways resides here because of those who fought for America’s freedom.

 Lake Fairways has a proud tradition of honoring veterans.  Many of us remember how Sharon Van Leuven presided over wonderfully entertaining and poignant Veterans’ Show at our clubhouse. She also displayed in the clubhouse photos and bios of vets. She was a force to be reckoned with.  

 After Sharon’s passing, we continued to honor our service people through the establishment of the Veteran’s Memorial in front of the clubhouse.  This was the brainchild of John and Judy Stewart.  They collaborated on the design, and John Lambert and the Men’s Club promoted the initial fundraising efforts.   In 2014, the park management strongly supported their efforts and was instrumental in thesite preparation and brick installation.  Through donations, the accumulated monies from Sharon’s efforts, and the sale of memorial bricks, we now have a heartwarming site that honors all who have served.  And any resident may still purchase a remembrance brick for any reason by contacting Judy Stewart.

 Plus, through the artistic vision of Lynn Suhr and members of our quilt guild, the clubhouse lobby has in place from Veteran’s Day though the holidays a tree with handmade patriotic decorations and other mementoes.  The Veteran’s Fund paid for the tree itself, and it is yet another tribute to our American heroes.

 Let the spirit and strength of our veterans guide our purpose here; let us always remember their sacrifices.  Let us live the words of John F. Kennedy.

Michelle Gregg