On Nov. 10, signs bearing the names of the 133 veterans from Hendricks County who died serving their country will be proudly displayed on the grassy lawn at the WWII Memorial Park located in Avon. Many are accompanied by their military photos—some from recent conflicts; others are grainy pictures dating back to WWI.
The display will be part of the third annual Veterans Day ceremony hosted by the local Wa-Pe-Ke-Way Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR).
Veterans, active military and Hendricks County residents are invited to attend with their family to honor our local military members.
“I love America, I’m a proud American. I just feel like our veterans need to be honored,” Rhonda Beck, DAR Service to Veterans Chapter Chair and Indiana DAR State Organizing Secretary, said. “It’s America’s duty to show respect for them. What they did is what a lot of people didn’t do and that was serving.”
She helped launch the ceremony three years ago at the park. Community members got on board to help make it an annual tradition.
The ceremony will begin with the presentation of colors by the Hendricks County Color Guard. The Belles et Beaux Chorus will also perform. Complimentary coffee and water will be provided by the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA Togetherness Group and seating will be donated by Hoosier Tent and Party Rentals of Avon.
“It is nice to get the community’s support in volunteerism,” Beck said.
The keynote speaker is Dave Galloway, Retired Army Veteran.
Janice Schauwecker, a Gold Star Mother who lives in Avon, will be laying the Remembrance Wreath at the ceremony. Schauwecker lost her son, Staff Sergeant Richard “Rick” Blakely, when he was killed in Iraq by a sniper’s bullet in 2006. She and her husband have been advocates for veteran issues and she will speak at the ceremony.
Twenty-five members from the Plainfield High School chorus will also participate.
“We try to get the youth involved in our programs. I think that when they attend these events it brings light to what these services mean,” Beck said.
If you go:
What: Veterans Day Ceremony
When: Nov. 10, 1 p.m.
Where: WWII Memorial Park, 7866 East County Road 100 South (corner of 100 South and Dan Jones Road), Avon.
