Sailors from Naval Station Great Lakes are treated to special holiday dinner northwest of Chicago
ANTIOCH, Ill. (CBS) -- The true spirit of the holiday season shined brightly in Antioch northwest of Chicago this past weekend, as the community came together for the 18th year to host men and women from Naval Station Great Lakes.
"Jingle Bells" played as Santa Claus waved and the sailors arrived for the Annual Antioch Community Sailors Dinner. The sailors did not show up in one-horse open sleighs—there was no snow to dash through, for starters—but donated luxury buses got the job done for shuttling all the 200 sailors to VFW Post 4551.
Once inside, the sailors found the VFW Hall transformed into a festive holiday haven. They were also treated to rounds of applause from volunteers.
Local veterans followed the sailors. They all turned out to enjoy a traditional holiday feast fit for heroes of all ages—roast beef, ham, mashed potatoes, broccoli—the works.
Businesses in and around Antioch provided the funds, and numerous volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help make and serve the traditional meal for the young sailors—many of whom were far from home for the very first time.
"It's really nice," said U.S. Navy Sailor Shania Liburv of the Virgin Islands. "I like the vibe in here."
Dorothy Larson volunteers for the event.
"My husband and I do it. We get more out of it than the kids do," she said. "You want them to feel like they're with family."
There was even time for singalong Christmas carols—and photos with Santa.
"Being away from home, this is a very comforting part of what we get to do," said U.S. Navy Sailor Logan Jimenez. "It's great to be, I wouldn't say celebrated, but appreciated."
"You may leave your family back at home, but when you come here, you gain a family," said U.S. Navy Sailor Andrew Shirley.
One of the night's most special moments was celebrating a true American hero—101-year-old Navy veteran Lloyd Eugene Paris. His birthday was this week.
"It helps spread a lot of good morale here," said U.S. Navy Sailor Danielle Lehman. "So it's just, it's wonderful."
And as a special token of appreciation, each guest received a coin—a meaningful symbol of gratitude and honor—along with swag bags filled with fun goodies to bring back to base.
"Being able to have them here tonight is just very touching. When you see all the smiles, and they're laughing, and they're talking—you know, they get to relax tonight," said event organizer April Andrews.
The night came to a close with a rousing rendition of "Anchors Aweigh"—the official song of the U.S. Navy.
For the sailors, it symbolized more than a safe journey ahead. The event marked new friendships, a community connection, and a holiday experience they will never forget.