2012 EVENTS

PEARL HARBOR DAY CEREMONY

PEARL HARBOR DAY CEREMONY - Friday, December 7, 2012 at 10:30 am - A small crowd was witness to the final Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony at Lexington at the "Walk of Honor".  Navy Veteran Dr. Douglas Renfroe sang "Remember Pearl Harbor" and "The Navy Hymn" which he recorded back in the 70's when he was Director and Soloist with the United States Navy Band's Sea Chanters in Washington, D.C.  Back by popular demand was the Oasis HS JROTC Rifle Drill Team. Also performing was Lone Piper Alex Danzi, Marine Corps and LVA Color Guard.  Speakers were Kim Gaide, Military Support Coordinator for Lee Memorial Health Systems and WWII Veteran Lexington Resident Hy Tuchman who energetically described his Honor flight experience to the WWII Memorial.  Commander Bernie Gdula presided.  (Photos by Audrey Valentine)

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY & LUNCHEON - Monday, November 12, 2012 at 10:30 am - A large crowd gathered to honor Vietnam Veterans.  Highly decorated Lexington resident and retired Air Force Colonel Milan Zimer was the speaker.  He delivered a stirring address that brought tears to many eyes. Around 40 Vietnam Veterans were given a special pin by the LVA.  Many other highlights included Vocals by Lexington residents Alex Alexandro and Dr. Douglas Renfroe, himself a Vietnam era veteran of the Navy.  Doug sang "Here's to the Heroes" as the Vietnam Veterans gathered up front.  Thirty some member of the Lee County Pipes and Drums performed along with the Lexington Veterans Rifle Drill team.  The audience was treated to one of the most memorable performances ever by the Oasis HS JROTC Rifle Drill Team.  (Photos by Audrey Valentine)
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY & LUNCHEON - Monday, May 28, 2012 at 10:30 am - A record crowd both outside and inside for today's event.  Over 400 outside and 205 inside at the luncheon.  And people were finally able to hear both outside and inside thanks to Scott Branan of Beyond Audio Visual.

We were honored this year to present Lexington resident and internationally acclaimed singer Doug Renfroe who beautifully sang The National Anthem and Here's To The Heroes and was joined by his entourage - 30 members of the Voices of Naples. During the 1970's Doug was the Director and Baritone soloist for the US Navy Band Sea Chanters in Washington, D.C.  In addition, we were treated to  the Scottish Pipes of 16 year old sensation - Alex Danzi.

Commander Bernie Gdula acted as the Master of Ceremonies accompanied by the Lexington Color/Honor Guard, the Marine Corps Poolies and Marine Corps Sergeants presenting the somber remembrance of those who gave their all for our Freedom and those deceased Lexington Veterans who served their country courageously and were honored by their place in Flanders Field.  (Photos by Audrey Valentine and Dorothy Renfroe)

 

     

     

     

     

     

     

 

VETERANS SEASON END SOCIAL OUTING

ALL VETERANS SOCIAL OUTING - Friday, March 30, 2012 at 6:30 pm with Alex Alexandro, the music master.  Just over 50 veterans and wives attended with lots of yummy food available.  The music master gave us a number of memorable songs with his golden voice and then, of course, we were entertained during the Karaoke hour by Ken Taylor, George Semenek; aka Sliderman, the Nelsons (cousin of Bruce Swanson) and Jokes by Marilyn Kleinknight.  The team of Bruce & Barb Swanson and Ron & Pam Ruff did a great job of organizing the event. Treasurer Paul Tenenbaum did the Raffle drawing about 7 p.m. and the winners were: 3rd place - Phyllis Kelley; 2nd place -  Doris Bell and     1st place - Jane Wenner.  (Photos by Barb Swanson)

EDISON GRAND PARADE

This year marked the 9th consecutive year that the LVA Color Guard has marched in the Edison Grand Parade this past Saturday evening.  In addition, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard were carried by five Marine Poolies.  The Poolies are new recruits being trained by the local Marine Recruiting office prior to their formal enlistment and boot camp training at Paris Island.  In addition we were fortunate to have the 5 Marine Corps Sergeants from the Recruiting Office join us in the Parade.  All are decorated Marines having served multiple tours in Iraq an Afghanistan.   Close to 300,000 spectators lined the streets of the nearly 2 mile parade.  The eight Lexington participants were  Past Commander Ken Taylor, George Semenek, Al Kuznicki, Don Penner, Jay Burgess, Dick Deters, Ron Hyers & Bud Passini.  The LVA CG will also be participating in the Iwo Jima Re-dedication ceremony this coming Saturday morning at Eco Park in Cape Coral and on Sunday in Naples for the Voices of Naples Concert Directed by Dr. Doug Renfroe, a Lexington resident and veteran.

 

EDISON CHILDREN'S PARADE

EDISON CHILDREN'S PARADE - Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 2 pm - LVA is the lead Color Guard for the parade.  The following veterans are participating: Past Commander & Honor Guard Captain Rich Hill, Jay Burgess, Past Commander Ken Taylor, Vice Commander Al Kuznicki, Dick Deters, Commander Bernie Gdula, VC George Semenek, Don Penner, Bud Passini, & Ron Hyers.

LEXINGTON GRAND USO BALL HONORING VETERANS

LEXINGTON GRAND USO BALL IN HONOR OF VETERANS - Friday, January 20, 2012 at 6 pm. in the Vista room.  This year the Ball was designed to include ALL OF LEXINGTON with the theme "SUPPORT OUR TROOPS AT THE LEXINGTON USO".  Spearheaded by Lexington's Event Planner Cindy Roepke and Food & Beverage Director Laurie Myers it was a headline event.  In fact, the rumors spreading that Comedian Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe may attend were true.  Music by the outstanding duo - "Double Dare"  featured music of all eras.  Chef Josef  planned a superb menu and delivered the food par excel lance.   A raffle was held and Veteran  Marv Borycki won the pot and promptly and admirably gave it to the Veterans Wounded Warrior fund. (Photos by Barbara Swanson)