Parade, meals, programs will salute veterans

Several schools and organizations are planning parades and programs on or around Veterans Day to show appreciation for service members and their families.

In addition, most veterans’ clubs will offer a meal and fellowship on or around the holiday.

Nov. 9

• Richmond: Richmond Parks and Recreation is organizing the city’s annual veterans parade at noon along Main Street, Richmond. Participants will travel from 12th to Fifth streets. Free. 765-983-7275
• Hagerstown: Veterans eat free at the 4-7 p.m. chili supper at the fire station, 151 N. Plum St. The public may buy an $8 meal that also includes a side dish, drink and dessert. Hot dog meals are $4. 765-489-6171

Nov. 10

• Cambridge City: American Legion Post 169 is planning a pitch-in open to local veterans and their families, in addition to the post’s members. The meal starts at 1 p.m. at 25 W. Church St. 765-478-3877

Nov. 11

• Cambridge City: Lincoln Middle/High School will offer a program at 10 a.m. in the gym, 205 E. Parkway Drive. 765-478-5916
• Fountain City: Northeastern Wayne Schools are offering breakfast for veterans and their families at 8:30 a.m. in the high school cafeteria, 7295 N. U.S. 27, followed by a program in NHS’ gym. Guests should enter through Door 18 (school’s south end). 765-847-2821
• Hagerstown: Hagerstown Elementary fifth graders will honor veterans at 10 a.m. in their gym, 299 N. Sycamore St. The public is invited, especially local veterans.
• Richmond: At least three public events are planned.

At 8:15 a.m., Seton Catholic Schools are offering a program in Holy Family Church, 815 W. Main St. All are welcome, especially veterans.

The annual ceremony will take place at 11:11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in the first block of East Main Street in Richmond.

From 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Ivy Tech Community College is organizing a panel discussion in its Stidham Auditorium in Johnson Hall, 2357 Chester Blvd., Richmond. Local veterans will share their experiences and insights. Admission is free, and food will be provided. Those interested in speaking are asked to contact Joseph Moore, a campus specialist in enrollment, recruitment and veteran/military benefits, at Jmoore425@ivytech.edu by Nov. 7. They’re asked to send a photo of themselves in military attire as well as service dates, service rank and combat deployment dates, if applicable.

Discounts

Some restaurants, hair salons, retailers and other businesses provide free or discounted meals or services on or around Veterans Day to retired and/or active military who show military IDs or proof of service. A few sources of those lists include dav.org, military.com and veteran.com. However, not all locations of national chains participate in those promotions, so it’s recommended to call ahead to verify.

Upcoming project

Representatives from Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs and the Dayton VA Medical Center will lead a local discussion about building a suicide prevention coalition for service members, veterans and their family members in Wayne, Fayette and Union counties.

The meeting, which is open to the public, will be from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Morrisson-Reeves Library, 80 N. Sixth St., Richmond.

Tribute bricks/banners

Some recognition opportunities go beyond one day.

Cambridge City Chamber of Commerce and Centerville’s C-LOVE effort, in connection with the town’s library, have installed banners along U.S. 40 featuring faces, names and service eras for many of their communities’ veterans.

And, engraved bricks recognizing living or deceased veterans can be purchased for at least two parks in Wayne County.

Application forms to install a brick at Centerville’s Maplewood Park are available at the town’s municipal building, 220 E. Main St., or 765-855-5515.

Bricks also can be ordered for Wayne County Veterans Memorial Park in Richmond through veteransmemorialpark.org/bricks.html

Ongoing assistance

• Wayne County’s Veteran Services office is in the administration building, 401 E. Main St. For more information, call 765-973-9207. Additional resources are listed at co.wayne.in.us/web/dept/veteran/.
• Circle U Help Center operates a food pantry just for veterans from 9-11 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday each month. Food is distributed at the Veterans Affairs clinic, 1010 N. J St. in Richmond. For information, call 765-966-1013.