By RYAN CHRISTNER

rchristner@dailynews.net

While many communities are preparing for Veterans Day celebrations next week, some local veterans got a jump-start on the holiday courtesy of the Hays Kiwanis Club, which had its annual tribute luncheon Thursday at the Fox Pavilion.

The Kiwanis luncheon is conducted prior to the national recognition of Veterans Day so as not to conflict with other ceremonies that occur on the holiday, said club member Jerry Ubert, who served in the Army and was stationed in Alaska during the Vietnam War.

The ground level of the building's theater space was packed with about 140 Kiwanis members and veterans, who received a free catered meal from the Bakery Shop as well as a healthy dose of appreciative comments from event organizers.

"Let me first say, on behalf of the club, thank you to all the veterans," Kiwanis President Todd Powell said during the opening greeting.

Among all of the meetings and occasions Kiwanis participates in, this is the "most special," Powell said, adding that the ceremony is "a small way, but an important way, to say thank you."

Veterans of several American conflicts were present, the majority from World War II and Korea, but also a handful from Vietnam, Iraq -- both during Operation Desert Storm and the current military campaign -- and other assignments.

Only two currently serving in the military were present Thursday, and past-president Dawn Gabel said it was her hope that many more could be reached in the coming years.

As is customary, veterans from each category were asked to stand and be recognized.

When the event began, around 10 years ago, the standard practice was to have veterans stand and tell their name and give information about themselves to the other attendants, but the lunches have grown so large that is no longer feasible, Gabel said.

"It was enlightening and fun, but it has become too big for us to do that," she said.

Veterans also were treated to a tribute video created by Fort Hays State University graduate student Trey Morgan.

Featuring actual wartime photographs and video, animated images, patriotic music and inspiring quotes, the video was warmly received.

Later, local veteran Bob Maxwell, who lead the group in singing the national anthem and other music, spoke of the bond that all who have served their country share, the sadness of remembering fallen fighters and the similarities between modern soldiers and those of bygone periods.

"Cold is still cold, hot is still hot, pain is still pain, loneliness is rampant," Maxwell said.

Fellow vet Howard Reynolds of Hays, who wore a "recycled" World War II-era uniform, said he tries to attend the event every year.

Despite the more than 50 years since he completed his stint of military service, he said the meaningfulness of the recognition has not dulled over time.

"I thought it was a very fine program," Reynolds said.