Veterans treated to luau-themed party

Seventy veterans from the Capt. James Lovell Federal Care Center in North Chicago were treated to a day of fishing, food and games Friday in Fox Lake.

Members of American Legion Post 703, the American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion hosted the event. About 30 Legion volunteers and their families served the veterans at the luau-themed party.

Upon arrival, the vets were greeted with a smile and Hawaiian leis. The food menu included barbecue pork, hamburgers, brats, ice cream and fruit.

American Legion Auxiliary representative Linda Regalado said they host this special fishing day event twice a year. Legion members who own boats take the veterans out on the lake.

"They love it. When they walk in, you see the smile on their faces and they give us hugs," Regalado said. "We make sure everybody feels equally appreciated and we appreciate them for everything they have done for us."