WOODHAVEN — Across America, communities took time last week to thank the men and women who served their country in the armed forces.

In parishes of the Archdiocese of Detroit, the gesture could have been as simple as a note in the parish bulletin or a petition in the prayers of the faithful. At Our Lady of the Woods Parish in Woodhaven, though, it took the form of a Veterans Day dinner Nov. 13 a sign of parish support.

The idea came from parish associate Bro. Thomas Hercegovics, OFM Conv., who wanted to do something to honor the parish’s veterans.

“We have a lot of veterans in our parish. We wanted to first thank all the men and women who dedicated their lives to defend our country, and second, we wanted to come together as a parish family,” Bro. Hercegovics said.

Following the 11 a.m. Mass, members of the parish gathered in the social hall, which was decorated in patriotic paraphernalia, including a “missing man table,” in honor of those who gave their lives for their country. Bro. Hercegovics said business and community leaders around Woodhaven donated 34 different gift cards that were raffled off during the event, and a catered meal was served to the veterans and their families.

Before the meal, Ed Drapczyk of American Legion Post No. 426 in Trenton talked about the services offered by the American Legion, which is welcome to all veterans and active service members, including their families.

Our Lady of the Woods parishioner Stan Rogers, a Navy veteran who served from 1958-89, was touched by the parish’s gesture.

“It’s nice to bring the Church and my time in the Navy together,” Rogers said. “I called on God a few times during my time of service. Brother Tom did a great job with this.

“I’m a first-generation American, and the country embraced our family. So my older brothers and I felt a duty to serve. My oldest brother was shot down in a B-24, and the other one was in the Philippines with the Army in World War II. I think of them a lot on days like today, the price they paid. I got lucky, so I use today at church to thank God for seeing me through, and praying for my brothers.”