The Clay Chamber Military Appreciation Luncheon took place Wednesday at the Thrasher-Horne Center in Orange Park.

The annual gathering honors those who serve and have served in the U.S. military and salutes their families as well. Ret. Navy Capt. Bo Norton said, “The most important reason to come home is family.”

Retired Command Master Chief Bradley Shepherd kicked off this year’s ceremony. Navy Rear Admiral Daniel Fillion served as keynote speaker.

Arvid Nelson, a Navy veteran of 26 years, was saluted as Volunteer of the Year with two rounds of applause from the full house. Operation Lifeline Inc. was recognized as Veterans Organization of the Year.

A handful of honorees included Army Guard Sgt. Brittany Smith, USMC Sgt. Tatiana Corbeil, USN-AWO1 Tiffany Johnson, Air Guard SSgt. Samantha Baker and CG AMT2 David McLaren.

Retired Coast Guard Commander Bob Olson assisted on the POW-MIA Remembrance that featured, on stage, a small "dining table for one" to collectively symbolize those soldiers who are captured, held hostage, missing, lost or possibly deceased. The table’s white cloth signified purity, the red rose symbolized blood and sacrifice, a lemon slice represented "bitter fate" and a drinking glass was inverted so it couldn’t be used for a toast.

Other participants on hand: Chamber of Commerce President Jon Cantrell; Fleming Island High School ROTC with the presentation of colors; Chief Warrant Officer Gayward Hendry; Brooke Thomas; Rev. Reese Edwards; Col. Daniel “Matt” Johnson; Sean Dougherty; Capt. Chip Dobson; Clay Chamber Board Chair Patricia Evans; and singer Ella Heck, who belted out “God Bless America” like nobody’s business.