The Elks in Idaho Falls honor our veterans in a very special way through their annual All Veteran’s Appreciation Night, held at the end of March. The goal of the banquet is to not only provide an evening of entertainment and service for those who have served us, but also connect veterans with others who are going or have gone through some of the same experiences they have had.
This year’s event will be held tonight, March 31, at 6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Idaho Falls. The evening is meant for all veterans to come and enjoy, but this year’s special emphasis is on the women who have served our country. Veterans who plan on attending should call 208-522-6371 to RSVP and let the Elks know how many guests they should prepare for.
Although most organizations honor veterans in the month of November, the Elks hold their All Veteran’s Appreciation Night at the end of March in conjunction with Vietnam Veteran’s Recognition Day. As the name of their night would imply, the Elks are out to honor all veterans, but each year they have a special emphasis on a particular group of veterans, such as Vietnam veterans or WWII veterans.
This is the fifth year the Elks have hosted the All Veteran’s Appreciation Night with the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #972. The evening includes a sit-down meal with linens, center pieces and nice dishes, several patriotic presentations and speeches by state, city and Elks officials.
The Civil Air Patrol presents the colors at the beginning of the night.
Recruiters pass out roses, donated by VVA Chapter #972, to every woman – caregiver or servicewoman – who attends the banquet.
The Elks raise funds and food donations to put together the nice evening for veterans. Any leftover funds raised go to the Idaho Veteran’s Home in Pocatello to support extracurricular activities for the veterans. Last year they donated $7,300.
You don't have to be an Elk or a member of the VVA to help out with this special night. Pinecrest Golf Course donates the use of their golf carts for volunteer drivers to help attendees arriving and departing, and people from a variety of groups donate their time and money. Those who would like to volunteer can can contact Alan Wagner 208-589-5846 or John Carter 208-283-1235.