For over 15 years the Sunland-Tujunga Elks Lodge has hosted an annual picnic for veterans. This year the picnic fell on Saturday, July 15 in a triple digit heat wave.

Volunteers with the Sunland-Tujunga Elks Lodge were joined by those with the Canoga Park Elks Lodge, the Van Nuys-Reseda Elks Lodge, the San Fernando Elks Lodge, the Glendale Elks Lodge, the Santa Clarita Elks Lodge and the Burbank Elks Lodge served veterans at the Sepulveda Veterans Administration. Donations were also received by these groups to offset the costs related to the picnic. While most enjoyed the buffet line and live music, the Elks made sure every veteran, even those 40 vets unable to leave their beds, had a picnic lunch.

Together these Lodges provided an All-American picnic fare, including hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, watermelon, potato salad, cookies, soda and water. Music was provided by singers from the Santa Clarita Elks Lodge and while the live band kept everyone entertained, it was the singing of the national anthem by Meredith Thomas that brought to everyone a moment of reverence. While volunteers included faithful Lodge members from the area’s organizations, young servicemen cadets and “The Antlers” filled in the ranks. The Antlers are Elks members who are below the age of 21 and above the age of 18.

Exalted Ruler Mark Seigel, along with officers and members Amber Ardizone, Karla Bottomley, Pati Potter, Mark Streeter, Donna Higgins, Greg St. George, Elks Riders President Dan and Mary Kinney, Ray Dilger and Rochelle Zenger, PDDGER, were among those from Sunland-Tujunga Elks Lodge 2098 who served their community through their Lodge and honored veterans who were served by donating, cooking and serving food.

Submitted by Katie O’BRIEN