RUMFORD – Roger St. Hilaire clapped along with a group of five musicians who were playing catchy country music before a colorful chicken pie lunch was served Friday.

“It’s beautiful. I love it,” said the World War II veteran, who lives at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris. “I like the way they sing.”

St. Hilaire is one of dozens of World War II veterans living in Oxford County nursing homes, family members and staff, who attended the annual lunch and entertainment at the Eagles Hall in Rumford.

The event is sponsored by the Eagles and the Western Maine Veterans Advisory Committee. John Kezal is the liaison with the homes.

Kelly Kash, chief executive officer of the six Maine Veterans’ Homes scattered through the state, said events like the one held in Rumford take place in every location, each with a slightly different touch, depending upon the region.

“In Scarborough, the nursing home veterans participate in the Memorial Day parade. In Caribou, they have various events. This is the first event of the spring,” he said of the Rumford luncheon.

He said the veterans’ homes house 622 veterans, and employ 1,000 people and have the help of another 1,000 volunteers.

Hundreds more veterans live in other nursing homes in the state. Veterans living in the Victorian Villa in Canton, Rumford Community Home, Market Square Health Care Center in Paris and Ledgeview Living Center in West Paris also attended Friday’s event.

The Rev. Ron Ashworth, pastor at the United Church of Christ in Lovell, said grace and gave the benediction.

“We are proud of those who have served and are serving,” he said.

A moment of silence was held for soldiers serving overseas.

Jim Denholm, originally from Rumford and now living at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris, was in the Army field artillery during World War II. Now, he paints in oils and always attends the luncheons at the Eagles Club.

With a birthday coming May 28 to mark his 90th year, he is believed to be the eldest veteran at Friday’s gathering.

“I like the dinner and the music,” he said.

Besides the veterans, family and staff members, several town officials also paid respects to the World War II veterans, including Mexico Town Manager John Madigan, who is a Vietnam veteran, and Rumford Town Manager Jim Doar, also a former soldier.

He said he has attended similar events in Florida and New York, where he used to live until last year.

Musical tapes of the performances by Don and Leroy Leblanc, Ned Desroches, Ron Trembly and Bill Scott were made by local access channel volunteer Joe Volkernik. They will be distributed to the county’s nursing homes.