News Summary
A group of ten elderly veterans gathered at a White Castle in Lexington to celebrate fellow veteran John Hughes’ 99th birthday. The event highlighted their long-standing camaraderie, decorated with blue and gold, and included gifts from the restaurant staff. Over the years, these veterans have built a strong community, sharing meals and stories of their past, and adapting to life’s changes while maintaining their weekly gatherings. Their bond, forged over decades, showcases the resilience and friendship of this remarkable group.
Lexington – A group of ten men, many in their 80s and 90s, gathered at the White Castle on Reynolds Road in Lexington on Saturday morning, celebrating a special occasion to honor 99-year-old veteran John Hughes. The celebration, which took place on May 31, showcased Hughes’ birthday with cake, festive decorations, and heartfelt camaraderie among long-time friends.
The celebratory event was marked by blue and gold tablecloths and streamers, creating a festive atmosphere that highlighted the bond this group has nurtured over the years. Hughes, alongside fellow veterans like 95-year-old Bob Niles, enjoyed gifts from White Castle employees, including socks, a gift card, and a unique cookie jar shaped like a slider.
For over 30 years, these men have fostered a close-knit community, often referring to their morning gatherings as “cussing and discussing.” Conversations among the group cover an array of topics, including media, farming, and horse racing. With Ray Wedding, 88, often sharing tomatoes from his backyard, the breakfast meetings serve not just as a time to eat but also as a platform for camaraderie and shared interests. The rapport between the group and the White Castle staff is evident, as employees know their regular orders by heart, further enhancing the welcoming environment.
Gail Gurney, the district manager who has been with White Castle for 37 years, is regarded as a cornerstone of this community, often assisting the group during tough times, such as supporting her son during a medical situation. This spirit of support continued during the COVID-19 pandemic when the group adapted by sitting outside and keeping in touch from their vehicles.
Over the years, the composition of the group has changed due to deaths and relocations, but their commitment to gathering remains strong. With Tullis, 82, often claiming to be “the baby” of the group, the bond created by these veterans transcends their time spent at the restaurant. Many members share memories that span several decades, reminiscing about a time when sliders were just five cents.
The origins of this unique coalition began when a few individuals started inviting friends to join them at White Castle, leading to larger gatherings that brought together those from different walks of life. All the men typically order the same meal, providing an additional sense of solidarity amongst them. The presence of veterans like Hughes and Niles enriches the interactions within the group, as they share stories from their time in service and reflect on their experiences.
This occasion not only marked Hughes’ important milestone but exemplified the strong ties of friendship and support that have flourished at the White Castle in Lexington. Each weekly meeting continues to be a celebration of their lives, friendships, and shared experiences, reflecting the resilience and camaraderie of this community.
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- Kentucky.com: Group of Veterans Celebrates 99th Birthday
- Wikipedia: Veterans Day
- Detroit Free Press: Veterans Day 2024 Deals
- Google Search: Veterans Day deals 2024
- Fox19: Veterans Day 2024 Discounts and Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veterans Day
- WDRB: Veterans Day 2024 Discounts and Freebies
- Google News: Veterans Day 2024
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
