Knights of Columbus Veterans Day Event at St. Paul’s Draws 140 Attendees

Some 140 Highland Lakes area residents gathered at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Horseshoe Bay, TX, Friday, November 10, for a Veteran’s Day observation to honor those who serve our country in the armed forces.

The event was organized by the Knights of Columbus Council 15365 of Horseshoe Bay. The group is located at St. Paul’s.

The event began with the recitation of the Rosary and the celebration of Mass. Mass was followed by several patriotic songs. Veterans in attendance, along with their spouses and family members, were recognized by St. Paul’s pastor Fr. Ruben Patino, C.S.P.

Retired Lt. Col. Angelo Anzivino, Deputy Grand Knight for the local council and a decorated combat pilot, served as keynote speaker for the special veteran’s recognition program following Mass. Anzivino also serves as Treasurer to Local Assembly 2976.

In his remarks, the Highland Haven resident recalled many of his experiences in both times of war and times of peace during his 28-year career with the U.S. Air Force.

Following the program, veterans in attendance were invited to a brunch in the parish Family Life Center.

Homer Ahr, Grand Knight of the local council, noted St. Paul’s provides an especially appropriate place to honor those who serve.

The church campus, located at 201 Dalton Circle, is home to an Armed Forces Honor Garden. The garden is centered around a large fountain featuring memorial plaques that honor veterans and a life size statue—entitled “Lest We Forget”—depicting Jesus Christ embracing a soldier in battle gear.

“With the statue in mind, we wanted to plan an event that honored our veterans respectfully and reverently,” Ahr said.

“We wanted to make a statement that stressed how important it is to remember. Calling to mind “Lest We Forget,” we wanted a reminder that we don’t want to ever forget the service and sacrifices of those who serve,” he said.

Keynote speaker retired Lt. Col. Angelo Anzivino

Attending the brunch following the event were (back row, left to right) Homer Ahr, Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 15365; keynote speaker Lt. Col. Angelo Anzivino; Jack Gless, event chair; and (front) honored guest retired Maj. Gen. Vincent Luchsinger.

More than 20 veterans attended Friday’s Knights of Columbus event at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. St. Paul’s pastor Fr. Ruben Patino, C.S.P. (front row, left) officiated at the Mass that began the day’s events. Lt. Col. Angelo Anzivino (front row, center) was keynote speaker. Knights of Columbus member and veteran Jack Gless (front row, right) chaired the event.

The statue “Lest We Forget” in the St. Paul’s Armed Forces Honor Garden set a fitting tone for the Veteran’s Day celebration.