Veterans are Appreciated at Commonwealth Senior Living

Twenty-two out of the ninety-seven residents at Commonwealth Senior Living Front Royal are veterans. On Tuesday, November 12, in the dining area of this assisted living facility, the staff honored those former members of the services by arranging an opening ceremony in which the Randolph-Macon Academy Color Guard stood at attention, proceeded down an aisle in which they were flanked by the seated veterans, and posted the flag at the other end. “You signed that blank check all those years ago for us to have a free country,” said Susan Bell, the program director, “and we are all grateful.” She continued: “None of us know what you’ve gone through. None of us can even imagine what you have done for us.” But the staff at Commonwealth Senior Living joins Bell in expressing the most profound gratitude for the patriotism of those veterans.

The Randolph-Macon Academy Cadet Color Guard prepares to present the flag in an opening ceremony honoring those among the residents at Commonwealth Senior Living Front Royal who are veterans. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh.

“The Color Guard performs opening ceremonies by presenting the National Colors at community service events and parades at the request of local and national organizations,” said Craig Stanley in an email interview. Stanley is a former military member and provides training and transportation to all events. “It was an honor and pleasure for the Randolph-Macon Academy Cadet Color Guard to perform for the Commonwealth Senior Living organization veterans to celebrate and honor America’s veterans for their service and sacrifice for our country.” Commonwealth staff led the gathering in singing songs like God Bless America and My Country Tis’ of Thee. After a special hat was presented to each veteran with his or her branch printed on it, as well as certificates of appreciation, some from the Colonel James II Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and some from Gentiva Hospice, the R-MA guard took down the colors, and the veterans enjoyed a steak lunch.

Each veteran received a special hat acknowledging the branch in which he or she served.

“We have a lot of vendors and service organizations who like to come in and recognize our veterans,” Bell said. “They usually bring certificates, and they do beautiful ceremonies.” Bell and her associates wanted to do something special this year, something a little beyond the usual certificate. Hence, the service branch hats. Many of the veterans may have an old hat that they want to retire, and this event provides them with new hats and hats they can wear proudly in memory of the sacrifice they made for their country. While many of the veterans the Royal Examiner was permitted to interview spoke of careers in the line of duty spanning Vietnam to the Korean War, the WWII service of Arthur Hunsberger in the Navy was unique in that he saw combat twice. Overall, there are some low points he would not want to relive, but he said he is grateful for the experience.

Arthur Hunsberger, still mentally sharp, can remember his service in the Navy in WWII.

The Remarkable Journey of Arthur Thomas Hunsberger: From a Virginia Farm to the Pacific Theater