In a parking lot near Reading Area Community College, the sound of the national anthem Saturday morning came through loud and clear in the mist along the Schuylkill River. As veterans snapped to attention and saluted the colors, Ed McCaffrey belted out "The Star-Spangled Banner" a cappella at the start of the Reading-based Veterans Coalition of Pennsylvaniaâs monthly Stand Down gathering. In classic God-and-country fashion, Scott Birmingham invoked a blessing and wished the 50 or so people in attendance a safe and healthy holiday season. - Advertisement - G. Robin Gilmore, coalition executive director, said the gathering of veterans coming together to help other veterans in need was in keeping with the spirit of the season.