Speakers have been announced for events during the national premiere of a memorial that recognizes those who have fought against terrorism.
The Global War on Terrorism Traveling Memorial Tribute exhibit and the Indiana Fallen Heroes tribute will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Thursday, Sept. 11, through Saturday, Sept. 13, at Wayne County Veterans Memorial Park, 7 E. Main St., Richmond. Admission is free.
Thursday’s ceremonies from 8-10:30 a.m. include Adam Cecys, vice president of the veterans’ park and a volunteer firefighter, State Sen. Jeff Raatz and Richmond Police Chief Kyle Weatherly, who are all Army veterans. Additional speakers are Larry Curl, Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association vice president; Ralph Reynolds, Ohio POW/MIA chairman, minister and Vietnam veteran; Stephanie Moore, American Freedom Traveling Tribute event coordinator and Marine Corps veteran; and David Sangster, a fire chaplain and British Army veteran.
Four speakers for the live VETSOCIAL25 virtual summit beginning at 9 a.m. Friday offer different ways they can help veterans and first responders in their journeys. Speakers include retired Lt. Col Luke Medvegey and Maj. Ryan Patrick Hunt, who are Indiana and Illinois Vetpreneurs of the Year in 2025; Dr. Mecca Nelson, a Gold Star spouse and grief and loss counselor; and Henry Banh, a co-founder of the summit. It also can be watched at event.veteransocialsummit.com.
The Honor our Heroes ceremony from 11 a.m.-noon Saturday features Andy Campbell, president of the veterans’ park; and Cindy Mathews Slick, a Blue Star mother and singer/songwriter; Medvegey, Nelson and Sangster.
Additional Friday events include a blood drive from 2 to 4 p.m., a community dinner at 4:30 p.m. and the Kyle LeMaster Band performing from 5 to 8 p.m.
A toxic exposure screening and resource event will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The day also includes a Jeep show beginning at 9 a.m. and a community lunch at noon.
Volunteers are needed to pack up the tribute Sunday. Call 765-238-9193 or 765-220-1124.
A version of this article will appear in the September 10 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.