St. Francis Manor honors local veterans and families

      Maretta Grattan, left, and Carole Smothers, right, hold American Flags they received in a Veterans Day Program last week in honor of their late husbands at St. Francis Manor. They are joined by family members and American Legion officials.

       The annual St. Francis Manor Veterans Remembrance Program was held last week in Grinnell to pay tribute to the veterans residing on the senior housing campus. Residents from St. Francis Manor, tenants of the Hammond Center, and residents of Seeland Park gathered for this special occasion, which featured guest speaker Clay Grandia. Clay, a former Navy SEAL, dedicated 23 years to SEAL Team 5 and SEAL Team 6.
      American Legion representative Eric Hartz presented flags to Carole Smothers and Maretta Grattan in honor of their husbands’ service.
        Carole’s husband, Bud Smothers, served in the U.S. Army, spending 20 months in Korea as a cook before being stationed at Fort Jay, New York, until his discharge in August 1962. After his active duty, he continued to serve for 2 years in the Reserves.
        Maretta’s husband, Worthin Grattan, served for 3 years in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the aircraft carrier Bon Homme Richard, CV-31. In 2024, he was honored with a trip through the Honor Flight program to visit Washington, D.C., and received the Quilt of Valor, which proudly hung in his room at St. Francis Manor.
      Pianist Barb Tininenko played the official anthem for each branch of the armed services as attendees stood in recognition of their own or their loved ones' service. The program also included the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” and the playing of “Taps” by American Legion Representative Rod Carlson. Guests enjoyed light hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided by the Culinary Department.
     St. Francis Manor was also presented with the Patriotic Citizen Award by Randy Hotchkin for the unsolicited inspirational patriotic service to the community through the daily display of our National Flag.
         We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended to honor our veterans.

       Carole Smothers and family were honored at the Veterans Day program. Her late husband, Bud, served in the U.S. Army.

       Maretta Grattan with items, including a Quilt of Valor, from her late husband, Worthin, who served three years in the U.S. Navy.