Veteran’s Day Events to be held in Parkersburg

by Alex Kimble

For all of you who don’t know, Veteran’s Day falls on Sunday, Nov. 11. For this special day, our community will be holding a number of events for our veterans. Here are some of the special events that will be taking place in the MOV for in which one can participate.

Jan Dils’ annual appreciation dinner has been taking place since 2012. She has helped thousands of veterans receive their disability benefits. The law firm has enjoyed giving back to the veterans. The cookout used to take place in the afternoon, but, because of weather, they have changed that. The event will raise money for Operation Transportation that is part of Walk4Vets Foundation. This Foundation has raised over $65,000 for local Veterans in our community. Operation of Transportation gives our veterans free bus passes in the Mid-Ohio Valley (MOV).

The Veteran’s Day parade in the MOV will be held Nov. 10 in Parkersburg at PHS. Patriot Guard Riders are participating in this annual event. They will help lead the parade from Parkersburg High School over to Parkersburg City Park. For the ceremonies, they will stand and maintain a flag line, which will begin at 10 a.m. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. at PHS. Contact Carl Spade with questions at ace_gunsmith@hotmail.com. The Patriot Guard has done this for many years; they are asking for everyone to come out and support their local veterans.

On Monday, Nov.12, a parade one with the same route begins at 10 a.m. It lasts until noon and is known as the Parkersburg Veterans Day Parade. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at Parkersburg City Park.

Golden Corral will be giving out free meals to the veterans. They have been giving out free meals  for 17 years. They’ve provided a free buffett to more than 5.4 million people and have raised more than 14 million dollars for the Disabled American Veterans. The veterans will be receiving their free meal on their military appreciation night Monday, Nov. 12, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. It is important to ask a local Golden Corral if it is participating before going to get a free meal. A free meal is available to all who served in the U.S. military. This includes people who have served in the National Guard, reserves, active duty, retirees and veterans. One doesn’t need identification, but the website says it is better to be safe than sorry. Veterans can bring their families, but families must pay for meals. Logan’s Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse do free meals for Veteran’s Day as well.

Several veteran festives can be found in the MOV from fundraisers to parades and free meals to show our appreciation for our military men and women.