Lakewood Ranch Elks thank veterans

WWII veteran Steve Mahr enjoyed a free lunch June 27 at the Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge 2855, where he caught up with friend Ernie Keller, a fellow veteran, over drinks and food.

They and about 70 U.S. military veterans gathered June 27 for a lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers, baked beans, cole slaw and dessert while mingling with fellow veterans and heard from guest speaker Dave Trout of the Sarasota National Cemetery.

Jack Ogren, chairman of the lodge’s veterans committee, said the lodge hosts lunches for veterans about every quarter.