The season to Give Thanks: Day of Love Published Nov. 26, 2013 By Senior Airman Kristoffer Kaubisch Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Team Minot is gearing up to prepare a traditional holiday meal for the Minot community for the 44th annual Thanksgiving Day of Love on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, at 10:45 a.m. at the Jimmy Doolittle Center on Minot Air Force Base. For more than four decades, members of Team Minot have given thanks to the community during the Day of Love, a celebration that began in 1969 as an event for the senior citizens, and base personnel who are celebrating the holiday away from home. "This long-standing event serves as a way for the base community to honor senior citizens and recognize the fact that they are, truly, the greatest generation," said Susan Wagers, 5th Force Support Squadron special programs coordinator. . Nearly 200 senior citizens from the local area share the Thanksgiving meal with base volunteers on this day. However, word of the traditional meal has spread, causing the guest list to grow, explained Wagers. "In addition to the hundreds of Minot locals, we are also expecting groups from surrounding communities, such as Velva, Drake, and Anamoose," said Wagers. During the gathering, many Airmen and civilians from Minot AFB will volunteer to help serve food. In past years, approximately 70 volunteers, Airmen and civilians alike have stepped up to serve the meal. "We have already signed up nearly 100 volunteers for this year's event," said Wagers. The event will kick off with opening remarks from Col. Alex Mezynski, 5th Bomb Wing commander and Col. Thomas Rudy, 91st Missile Wing vice commander. Following the opening remarks, the king and queen of the event are chosen based on the oldest male and female guests -- a tradition as old as the event itself. Once the king and queen are named, the feast, prepared by volunteers, is served, said Wagers. During the meal, Airmen have a chance to talk to the senior citizens. The event serves as an opportunity to connect with members of the Minot community. During previous years, senior citizens, whether directly or indirectly involved with the military, have shared personal stories when they or their family members also served their country. The base is able to provide a complete Thanksgiving meal and entertainment to the communities most special residents, and it enables airmen, who are away from their families, to be surrounded by a family atmosphere, stated Wagers. "Thanksgiving is the perfect time to hold this event as this is the time when people seem to be keenly aware of what they are thankful for," said Wagers. "Family and community are two of the most important things." The Day of Love began under Claude "Bud" Ebert, who was known Air Force-wide for his dedication to the Air Force recreation programs, stated Mary Brown, 5th Force Support Squadron deputy commander. "The Day of Love lets seniors express how thankful they are to Minot AFB," said Wagers. "More importantly, it allows Team Minot to express how thankful they are for those who laid the groundwork for us."