MADISON TOWNSHIP — Nearly 35 residents of Oak Grove Manor and members of the community recognized the sacrifices made by veterans on Friday afternoon.
“We really wanted to honor our own resident veterans,” said Jim Carder, the hospital and community liaison at Oak Grove Manor nursing and rehabilitation center, located at 1670 Crider Road. “As time went on, and we made more connections with members of the community, we wanted to show a way to honor (veterans in the community) as well.”
Carder said some veterans never got the respect and honor they deserved.
“Some of them came back, from let’s say Vietnam, and they were not well received — because of the nature of the conflict. Some have expressed to me, this is the first time they’ve heard a thank you for their service.”
There are seven veterans living at Oak Grove Manor.
Carder ran the hour-long veterans pinning ceremony and paid respects to former military veterans who are no longer living.
“It really helps them feel like they are back home,” Carder said. “We tell the guys and the ladies, we wish we could do this everyday. One day is not really enough to express to them our appreciation for their sacrifice.”
