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Bob McGary, of Lois' Place, points to the memorial certificate of “Gig” Rienti, a Navy veteran who served in the Korean War. Rienti is server Pam Stout's dad. Forty one of these tributes adorn the walls at the diner on Grand Avenue.
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. —Step inside Lois' Place, a no-frills diner on Grand Avenue, and you can tell a few things.
The food must be good because it's always busy. The ambiance and aroma typify home-cooking at its best. And the proprietor, Lois McGary and her husband, Bob, must have a deep appreciation and respect for those who have served in the military.
Adorning the walls are certificates, made by Bob on his computer. Each one lists the name of a military veteran who has died, their branch of service, and the war they served. Most also have a picture of the veteran.
Bob started the project three years ago.
“We wanted some way to honor our vets on Memorial and Veterans Day,” he said. Bob sought out names of war veterans who were friends or family of his regular customers and employees. Today, there are 41 of these mini memorial certificates adorning the wall, and Bob knows the story of each one quite well.
The very first one on the wall by the cash register is of Odell Patterson, Lois McGary's dad. Patterson made the D-Day landing in Normandy during World War II. He went on to earn two Purple Hearts.
Tracing the names down the wall, you come across Jacob McGary, Bob's dad. He too served in World War II, as well as the Korean War. Down further is a memorial certificate for Wade Oglesby, the Grand Junction soldier who died in Iraq.
“It's fantastic,” said customer David Abeyta of the mini memorials on the wall. Abeyta is a veteran himself having served in Vietnam.
Bob, a retired Navy veteran who served 23 years, said any active duty military service personnel dressed in uniform gets 10 percent off their bill at the diner.
“We think very highly of the military here,” Bob said.
The food must be good because it's always busy. The ambiance and aroma typify home-cooking at its best. And the proprietor, Lois McGary and her husband, Bob, must have a deep appreciation and respect for those who have served in the military.
Adorning the walls are certificates, made by Bob on his computer. Each one lists the name of a military veteran who has died, their branch of service, and the war they served. Most also have a picture of the veteran.
Bob started the project three years ago.
“We wanted some way to honor our vets on Memorial and Veterans Day,” he said. Bob sought out names of war veterans who were friends or family of his regular customers and employees. Today, there are 41 of these mini memorial certificates adorning the wall, and Bob knows the story of each one quite well.
The very first one on the wall by the cash register is of Odell Patterson, Lois McGary's dad. Patterson made the D-Day landing in Normandy during World War II. He went on to earn two Purple Hearts.
Tracing the names down the wall, you come across Jacob McGary, Bob's dad. He too served in World War II, as well as the Korean War. Down further is a memorial certificate for Wade Oglesby, the Grand Junction soldier who died in Iraq.
“It's fantastic,” said customer David Abeyta of the mini memorials on the wall. Abeyta is a veteran himself having served in Vietnam.
Bob, a retired Navy veteran who served 23 years, said any active duty military service personnel dressed in uniform gets 10 percent off their bill at the diner.
“We think very highly of the military here,” Bob said.
Lois'...American Pride
By Peggy Malone
If you're looking for conviction, of strong American Pride. Stop by and eat at Lois', and once you are inside Just settle down, look around, with hot coffee in your hand You will see along the wall, the brave men who served our land She proudly displays their pictures, that truly warm the soul Believing in America, our safety was their goal Shouldering their duties...sons, brothers, fathers, yours and mine Standing tall for their country, during war and peaceful time Stop by this hometown treasure, on the avenue called Grande There's a sign, will catch your eyes, on the wall from where you'll stand Your heart will fill with pride, to share these words... you'll feel a must In bold letters...the fading phrase we love.... IN GOD WE TRUST ! |
