September 8th marks day of honor for Veterans at 2008 Clay County Fair

SPENCER, IOWA- From what began as a modest program on a grassy clearing at the Clay County Fairgrounds six years ago, now serves as a large, day-long event at the fair honoring the men and women who have served our country.

Monday, September 8, the Clay County Fair will host the sixth annual Veterans Appreciation Day. All military components active, National Guard, retired and honorably discharged will receive free admission to the fair. Veterans can indicate so at the gates or wear their Veterans Day button from previous years to receive free admission. Events will kick-off with a “Parade of Honor” at 10 a.m. and follow with the Veterans Appreciation Program honoring all Veterans at 11 a.m. in the Clay County Regional Events Center Grand Ballroom.

The “Parade of Honor” will be composed of color guards from various posts and chapters as well as military parade entries and high school bands. Those interested in entering any military floats, color guards or bands in this year’s parade are encouraged to call Darrel Tonderum, Veterans Day Parade Coordinator at 712-262-2302.

At 11 a.m. the Veterans Appreciation Program will begin in the Grand Ballroom located in the Clay County Regional Events Center. The Iowa Lakes Community College will perform patriotic music prior to the program from 10:45 to 11 a.m. and also during the program. Rev. Brian Bopp will present the program called “Freedom”, which depicts various eras of military service members and their contributions to our freedom. In conclusion to Rev. Bopp’s presentation, Jack Ryan and Kurt Schwarck will perform the patriotic song, “Taps”.

Concluding the Veterans Appreciation Program, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) will be encouraging employers to sign the Statement of Support (SoS) proclamation. The ESGR program is organized to gather support among employers for those active in the National Guard and Reserve. The week of Sept. 6-13 serves as National ESGR Week. Employers attending the Veterans Appreciation Program will be encouraged to sign the Statement of Support, which states they recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Information regarding the ESGR Statement of Support can be found by contacting Tom Manly at 712-260-6986.

At 2 p.m. in the 4-H Auditorium, Joan Waller, Director of Clay County Veterans Affairs, will present, “Salute to Old Glory- Your American Flag”. All are welcome to attend as Joan will present the history of the American flag as well as proper flag etiquette. Also featured during the program will be Sergeant Major Bradley A. Kasal of the United States Marine Corp. Sergeant Major Kasal will speak of his experience while serving in Iraq where he earned a Navy Cross for heroism.

Information will be available to Veterans, spouses and dependents following the program and all week long at the Veteran’s Information Booth located in the Smoky Mountain Railroad Depot. Representatives from the Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Medical Center, Iowa Veterans Home, Vet Center and County Service officers will be there to answer any questions.

For more information on Veterans Appreciation Day, contact Joan Waller, Clay County Veteran’s Affairs Director at 712-262-5547.