PORTLAND – More than 100 people turned out for the second annual Christmas dinner for homeless veterans Saturday night at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Portland.

The event, organized by veterans Jake and John Myrick, was held to give veterans and the city’s homeless a free hot meal on Christmas.

Additional Photos

John Myrick, left, and Jake Myrick, his uncle, hosted a Christmas dinner for homeless veterans at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Portland on Saturday. The Myricks are both veterans. John Ewing/Staff Photographer

Scott McCracken joins hands in remembrance of friends with fellow veterans Nicholaus White and Joshua Lancaster. John Ewing/Staff Photographer

Wendy Rand slices hams in preparation for the meal while Lisa Myrick brings a turkey to the counter. John Ewing/Staff Photographer

“Vets should not be alone for Christmas,” Jake Myrick said.

“The Army teaches you to never leave a fallen soldier behind. In this case, the enemy is the cold and being alone. The Army is one big family. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, or what you do — we take care of each other.”

One veteran who attended the supper was 35-year-old Joshua Lancaster, who served in the Marines for 17 years and now lives at the shelter on Oxford Street. He said if it wasn’t for the dinner, he wouldn’t have a place to go on Christmas.

“It’s greatly appreciated,” he said. “This is awesome.”