It’s an old familiar ritual that brings these old men together. Joined by a few faithful women. Some have been coming to this small building amidst the pines for nearly sixty years. Most of them are in their eighth decade or more. A camaraderie exists among them which freely includes the few “younger ones” (only in their 6th or 7th decade). One spry fellow, he of sparkling eyes and strong, clear voice is well into his 90s! They all share one defining characteristic. Armed service to their country.
 This morning they’re here to work and continue to serve. Service begun for most of them, sixty-odd years ago, during the “good war”. Although there are rifles here, cleaned, well-oiled, they remain in the locked cabinet. They won’t be needing them today. They hope, not ever again. Today the six or eight men (still breathin’) work and serve in this old building. Getting it ready so they might once again serve their community, God and country.
 Today they’re here preparing the old building and it’s well-worn kitchen to serve their neigbors and friends breakfast. Monthly in warm season for as long most can recall, the old building comes alive with the sound of a full house. People come to enjoy a hearty breakfast of pancakes or french toast with all the trimmings!
Occasionally someone jokes that they still call it “french toast”? But here these men remember young men, long ago buried under french soil. Those graves are well-cared for all these long years later. Vicissitudes of recent politics don’t alter feelings of respect among these men for the people they liberated long ago. People still who maintain those American graves.
This morning the friendly banter and brotherhood among old warriors lives on here in the kitchen. These men (and the few women) move a little slower than they did when they wore the uniforms of their country. But the dining hall must be made ready for the hungry crowds who will be arriving soon. Tables wiped clean of any dust from the winters respite. The kitchen must be “spit-shined”, stove and cooking implements prepared and laid out. Floors mopped and waxed, larder stocked. Coffee pot serviced and made ready to brew up some “joe” to wash down those flapjacks!
 These labors all accomplished cheerfully by men who once detested “KP” duty (kitchen police to you civilians). Hands stay busy while quiet banter flows. These people have spent a lifetime working. Tasks are not so much assigned as shared in an orderly fashion. Each knows from long experience what needs doing and they go about completing duties with practiced ease.
 All the while sharing something more important than simply “getting the hall ready”. As they divvy up the chores, they share friendship, stories and memories. Many often recalling others who once worked amongst them here in this old building. Men like them, forever bound to one another by one thing. Their common service to the country they love. This nation which, at one time or another, called upon them to serve. Sometimes in peace, sometimes in war (or threat of war). Sometimes with all they had.
 Even the building remembers. It carries the names of three contemporaries of the aging men here today. Those three young men also served. During that long ago “good war”. Ultimately sacrificing all they had.
 This building, like thousands scattered across the land might be a grange hall, masonic temple, church basement, odd fellows hall or firehouse. They and many more are similiar in purpose. Utilized as they are by volunteers serving their communities in so many ways. They all contribute to charities and the betterment of mankind.
And yet, this building is different. For the most part, the folks serving here learned their lessons of volunteering and service in armed defense of their country. The people here feel the need to maintain the camaradarie of serving alongside people who share that common experience.
This building houses an American Legion Post Home. There are many scattered across the country. Many, like this one struggle to keep up and open in a changing world. These old men watch and scout for “relief troops” in the form of younger men to join them. But it’s a long wait. The young don’t seem ready to join up and “continue serving”. We all hope that changes..., and soon.
 Meanwhile, a “shameless plug”, join us for breakfast!  7:30~11:30, every second Sunday through October. Route 191, couple miles South of Equinunk, Pa.
 I don’t know about you..., I plan to enjoy breakfast, while continuing to serve.
Cal Teeple, sole member of the Observational Cogitation Consortium is often found three stools down from you. He may be ignored, accosted or contacted at: twinews@wayne independent.com.