Seventy years ago, the hostilities of the Korean War ended. Dartmouth Veterans honored that anniversary at a luncheon on July 27.

The event was sponsored by the Dartmouth Veterans Service Office, the Dartmouth Friends of the Elderly and the Dartmouth Veterans Advisory Board. The veterans and their families were invited to the luncheon hosted at the Maria Connor Center for Active Living.

“It’s the 70th anniversary, so ... if they’re here, they’re going to be close to 90,” said Matthew Brouillette, Veterans’ Services Officer. “We figure this is really our last chance to get as many [veterans] here as we can.

Over 20 veterans came with their spouses or family to receive praise and be with fellow veterans.

“I did my time, I loved what I did, and I still love what I’m doing today - being retired at 87,” said Sargent Hank Bessette, about serving in the military.

Master Sergeant Aldo Glannelli said he came to the event because he “still loves the military” even though he retired 54 years ago. Glannelli comes from a military family with over 100 combined years served through four generations.

The event gave the attendees lunch and a pin honoring their service. The Dartmouth Community Band was there to play patriotic tunes for the ceremony.

Although Dartmouth did not lose any individuals in the Korean War, 13 local Korean War Veterans died in the past year. In remembrance of those individuals the band played “Taps.”

Maria Connor, president of the Friends of the Elderly, said the friends just can’t say no to helping out the veterans.