Soldiers celebrate holiday in Harlem
Harlem celebrated Thanks-giving two days early with military men and women at Harlem United Methodist Church.
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Nicole Phillips serves Pfc. Rod Jones (from right), followed by Pfc. Amanda Quigley, Pvt. Shaun Morrison and Pvt. Robert Weissmann. The city of Harlem fed Fort Gordon soldiers with a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings to show its gratitude.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
"We just wanted to serve our troops and let them know how much we appreciate them," Mayor Scott Dean said about the second annual "community effort" dinner event. "We believe this is the taste of Harlem, but the flavor of Harlem as well."
This year's dinner, which was scheduled for two sittings, served more than 100 soldiers at the church's dining hall, said Roger Vest, the pastor of Harlem United Methodist Church.
David Queen, 18, an Army private from Boston, said his meal was satisfying.
"I'm thankful that I'm actually having Thanksgiving, and I can be thankful that I'm having a meal like this no matter where I am," he said.
Amanda Quigley, 22, a private from Everett, Wash., agreed.
"The food is really good," she said. "This (dinner) was really nice. I'm glad (the people here) try to make you feel at home."
Harlem held the Thanksgiving dinner at Harlem United Methodist Church. Many volunteers from the community and several area churches contributed to Tuesday's event.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
While some soldiers stood in line, dressed in their uniforms and waiting to feast on a meal of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy and a smorgasbord of desserts, others talked with volunteers and residents.
Mary Willcox, a Harlem resident, said she enjoyed dining with the soldiers.
"I hugged each one of the soldiers, the tall and short ones,'' she said. "They're so handsome. There isn't a better place than right here."