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The GFWC Woman's Club of Lake Wales joins the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) in recognizing all Veterans past and present in recognition of Veterans Day

The GFWC Woman's Club of Lake Wales will hold their November General Meeting at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 at 275 E Park Avenue, downtown Lake Wales, and all ladies are invited to attend. This meeting is dedicated to honoring our Veterans both fallen and living.

The program will be include the Color Guard from the JROTC Lake Wales High School and presenting A Mia/POW Table (Missing Man Table) with a Flag folding ceremony and Taps. The Club is honored to present two guest speakers from the American Legion - Peggy Brown who is the only female WW2 Veteran from Post 71 and Kathryn Gates-Skipper who will be inducted into the Florida Veteran's Hall of Fame later this year.

The local 4H will be setting up the Missing Man Table, explaining its symbolism, and the meaning of each fold of the Flag, as well as designing five table settings in the Patriotic Theme for a small competition. Lunch will be provided at a cost of $5 per person. Everyone is encouraged to dress in red, white, and blue.

One of GFWC's Seven Grand Initiatives for its 2018-2020 Administration is a focus on women in the military, and GFWC has a long history of supporting and advocating for our troops. From the 1930s-1950s, GFWC maintained a Committee on War Veterans that provided monetary donations, entertainment, care, and companionship to wounded veterans and their families. In present day, GFWC clubwomen, leadership, and staff annually gather at Arlington National Cemetery for Wreaths Across America Day, as well as welcome Honor Flights that transport veterans to Washington, D.C. to reflect at their memorials.

The General Federation of Women's Clubs is a unifying force, bringing together local women's clubs, with members dedicated to strengthening their communities and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. With nearly 80,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members are community leaders who work locally to create global change by supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic involvement, and working toward world peace and understanding.

For more information, contact Mary Walkup at 863-605-0200 or email womanscluboflakewales@gmail.com.