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Homeless Vets Honored at Ceremony

SCRANTON — A new Memorial Day tradition was started Friday in Scranton for a group of people who hold the holiday in high regard. People from the communit...
scr vets

SCRANTON -- A new Memorial Day tradition was started Friday in Scranton for a group of people who hold the holiday in high regard. People from the community wanted to make sure some veterans felt special.

On a busy street in Scranton that's usually very loud at noontime, you could hear a pin drop. Then, to the sound of the National Anthem, St. Francis Commons on Penn Avenue got something it needed.

"I'm sure everybody appreciates it. We got a new flag out front. The ceremony was nice."

This is the first Memorial Day weekend for the place that houses and helps homeless veterans. Many of its 30 residents circled their new flag during the commons' first Memorial Day ceremony.

"It offers a great deal for motivation because I think they're realizing that people haven't forgotten them and that people are appreciative," said Joan Wojdak of the Veteran's Resource Coalition.

Then they shared a meal, something the residents typically do, but this lunch was special because people from the community came to say thanks.

"This is great, the camaraderie here. We're all different branches of the service. It's nice to be surrounded by likewise people," said Air Force veteran Glenn Miller.

St. Francis Commons decided to hold its Memorial Day ceremony a bit early, in case the residents wanted to spend the holiday weekend with their families, but the residents say it's places like this where Memorial Day really matters.

"I've formed a bond. I've been with these guys about 11 months and we got to know each other very well. I've gotten to know Monsignor and all the counselors here at the commons who helped me along my way. To be able to share this moment with them is very special," said Air Force veteran Teon Buffaloe.

For him, Memorial Day is a time to remember vets who have died, but this year, it's also to remember how far he's come.

"Since I've been here, I've gotten some training. I got my confidence back. I have somewhere to live, get my head together. I'm going on with life now."

But in order to go forward, sometimes you have to look back and remember.

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