Edinburg Housing Authority had its annual Senior Citizens Awards Night on Friday.

"May is Older Americans Month," said Olga Regalado, social services coordinator for the Edinburg Housing Authority.

"We do this event to honor all elderly who are participants of public housing."

This year's theme was patriotic because of Memorial Day weekend. The gymnasium at Albores Courts was decorated in red, white and blue. Several of the residents dressed in costume, including a living Statue of Liberty.

On hand to honor the residents was Ofelia de Los Santos, who served as mistress of ceremony; and the Rev. Eusebio Martinez of Holy Family Church, who gave the invocation.

Estella L. Treviño, executive director of the Edinburg Housing Authority, presented awards. Laura Leal, administrative secretary, received employee of the year, and Elsa Cervantes, senior citizen of the year.

Named community citizen of the year were former mayor Joe Ochoa and City Commissioner Alma Garza.

Special entertainment was provided by the musically talented Raymond Lee family of McAllen. Mr. Lee played the autoharp and sang hymns in English and Korean, accompanied by his wife Sunhee on vocals and sons Raymond Jr. on flute and Dennis on saxophone. Raymond Jr. performed solo, singing "Bésame Mucho" while playing the guitar.

There were other young people who helped make the night special for their elders.

Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas Troop No. 342. They showed how helpful youngsters can be if only given the chance. Under the guidance of Maggie Ojeda, troop leader, and Sonia Garza, assistant leader, the girls presented a flag ceremony and helped serve dinner and clean up. This intergenerational experience is part of their badge work.

It was great to see parents teaching their children how to honor their elders and encouraging them to use their talents as part of community service.

Nora N. Garza is a County Extension Agent with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Hidalgo County, a part of the Texas A&M System. She can be reached at n-garza@tamu.edu.