The Lions Club is recognized as one of the largest service organizations in the world. Veterans of the United States military know a little something about service themselves.

It's that shared belief, that common bond, that will make the Quarryville Lions Club's upcoming event so special.

"Our motto is 'We Serve,' and that really sums up what we're all about," said Gerald Wagner, who's been the Quarryville Lions Club's secretary for 15 years. "We're private citizens, and veterans were government sponsored. A lot of times when national disasters occur, the Lions Club and the National Guard are sent there to get things back in order. For the Lions Club, disaster relief is one of our things."

In cooperation with the Wakefield Lions Club of Peach Bottom, the Quarryville Lions Club will host this year's edition of its annual Veterans Appreciation Banquet beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7 - four days before the national celebration of Veterans Day - at Chestnut Level Family Life Center, 1068 Chestnut Level Road, Quarryville. The banquet is free for local veterans, each of whom may bring a guest at no charge, and interested individuals are asked to call Wagner at 717-786-2195 or Joe McMullen at 717-786-6080 to register before Thursday, Nov. 6.

As many as 10 current members of the Quarryville and Wakefield Lions Clubs served in the military.

"I'm 76, and when the Vietnam War was going on, it got controversial and a lot of veterans weren't appreciated," said Wagner. "Some of the guys in our club, when they came back, they wouldn't wear their uniforms. People, especially in my generation, don't want that to happen to the people who are in the service now."

In addition to a full-course meal of ham, potatoes, green beans, an appetizer, dessert, coffee and beverages, the Quarryville Lions Club's Veterans Appreciation Banquet will feature camaraderie and fellowship. The meal will be prepared by ladies from Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church and served to the veterans by members of local Scouting America and the Girl Scouts of the USA troops.

Individuals attending the banquet are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys as donations for the United States Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program.

A gift card, donated by C.R. Lapp's Family Restaurant in Quarryville, will be awarded to the oldest veteran in attendance.

"It's a pretty cheerful occasion," said Wagner, a resident of Quarryville. "Almost everyone who comes knows the other guys. Some only see each other every year at the banquet."

Before the tasty meal is enjoyed, flags from all five branches of the military - Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard - will be paraded into the hall. A rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" will also be played.

Following the banquet, singers from the Solanco High School chorale will perform.

"My favorite part is just the socialization," said Wagner. "I enjoy sitting around the tables and talking to all the guys who are there."

This year marks the 15th time that the Quarryville Lions Club has served its Veterans Appreciation Banquet. As many as 150 individuals, veterans, their families and their friends, are expected to attend.

"Around Veterans Day, a bunch of us just decided we ought to honor veterans at our expense," said Wagner. "That's how it got started. Then it just grew by word of mouth. Some of the churches put it in their bulletins."

The Quarryville Lions Club, which meets on the second and fourth Mondays of every month at The Daily Grind, 1 S. Church St., Quarryville, was established in 1926. A member of Lions Club International, the local Lions Club was an all-men's organization until women were invited to join in 2003.

"We donate a lot of money to nonprofits," said Wagner. "Each year we have fundraisers, and we try to put the money back into the community."