The University of Toledo will honor area veterans with its 22nd annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast and Resource Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 8 to 11 a.m. in Savage Arena, the university announced. The free event is open to all current and former military members and their families.
The breakfast is organized by the American Red Cross, The University of Toledo and the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission, according to the university’s announcement. Along with the meal, attendees can connect with more than 35 military-focused community resources gathered in one place.
Students from across the Toledo area will help welcome the guests of honor. Members of the Rossford High School S.O.S. (Serving Our Soldiers) Club will greet participants and assist veterans through the breakfast line, fourth-grade students from Waterville Primary School will provide musical entertainment, and members of the Toledo Opera will perform the National Anthem, the university said. Local DJ Jeff Mentel will provide background music.
Historical displays will include items from the Marine Corps Reserve Company and uniforms from the Northcoast Veterans Museum, according to UToledo. To mark the country’s 250th anniversary, representatives from the Fort Meigs Historical Fife & Drum Corps will present the colors in replica uniforms.
Longtime local television personality Dan Cummins will serve as master of ceremonies, and the guest speaker will be Jeremiah Workman, an Ohio native and decorated Marine Corps veteran, the university announced.
“This event is all about honoring our local heroes,” Peggy Holewinski of the American Red Cross, Western Lake Erie chapter, said in the university’s announcement. “We are grateful for the involvement of students from the area schools to help us in this effort.” David Oravecz, executive director of the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission, added in the same announcement: “Freedom is not free. It requires service and sacrifice. This event is all about celebrating the brave men and women who answered the call.”
Parking permits will not be required and will not be enforced for the event, the university said. Veterans and families who want more information can contact UToledo’s Military Service Center at 419.530.1392 or [email protected].
Photo: Savage Arena at The University of Toledo, where the breakfast will be held. Photo: MrJacon000, CC BY-SA