The Sidney Elks Lodge was the place to be Friday evening  as a packed house gathered to celebrate the commitment of American military veterans.

The Elks main floor was busy with the noise of people sharing a meal and conversations at a table. The free meal brought together friends, neighbors, veterans of past service and new friends who take the time to meet local veterans. The event focused on the traditional meal of ham and beans with cornbread, in addition to new food options. The offerings included different varieties of beans; some with ham, some without.

The meals were served by Elks Lodge members and the Veterans Service Office staff.

The highlight of the night is when the Elks leadership presented a $2,500 check to Whitney Whatley of the Cheyenne County Veterans Service Office. The funds are a grant from the Elks Foundation for repairs on the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) van.

The history of a "bean feed" on Veterans Day can be traced back to the Civil War. In Erie, Kan., for example, where the the tradition is nearing 150 years, the reunion of soldier started when northern veteran of the Civil War settled in the Erie area. In 1873, the community started hosting a reunion of soldiers and sailors in the area. In the celebration, they served beans. The idea of the came from their military experience. Salt pork and navy beans were a staple of the soldiers diet in the Civil War.