Meadville, PA, Nov 11, 2011: Through a Veteran's Eye: A Salute to focus on women

From The Meadville Tribune: Through a Veteran's Eye: A Salute to focus on women

MEADVILLE — Active Aging Inc. is ready to honor area veterans with its 12th annual Through a Veteran’s Eye: A Salute on Nov. 11 at 8:30 a.m. at the Lew Davies Community Building, 1034 Park Ave.

The festivities begin with a flag-raising ceremony conducted by the Meadville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2006 and Vietnam Veterans Post 52 color guard. Following this will be a short message by state Sen. Robert D. Robbins. Those attending will assemble in the building’s Community Center after the ceremonies for a continental breakfast sponsored by Vantage.

This year’s event is specifically held to honor women veterans. Guest speakers will include:

--Shutsy Reynolds, who tells her story of females flying on the World War II home front, when she was a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP), and the challenges they faced.

--Dessie Ford, a decorated nurse who served in combat-support hospitals in North Africa and Italy during World War II. She survived bombings and military action on the front line, while tending to the injured and dying.

Both women, now in their 90s, have amazing stories to share with fellow service personnel and interested public.

The ceremonies to honor veterans will continue with a special recognition of all former or current servicemen and women in attendance. All veterans, as well as the public, are invited to attend this annual event to honor and thank the community’s veterans.

There is no cost to attend. Immediately after the breakfast and speakers, veterans will be part of a special photo opportunity that will be organized as a special recognition for servicemen and women in each branch. The photo shoot is sponsored by The Meadville Tribune. The Salute will be broadcast on Armstrong channel 23.

Volunteers on the Veteran’s Salute committee include Fred Cunningham and Agnes Folmar, co-chairmen; Ray Andel, Tom Barratt, Patrick Emig, Jack Kordes, Dr. Bob Moyers, Ray Packard, Dr. John Robb, Dick Runnels, Lon Wilson and Gary Mason.

-More information: Contact Pam Roberts at 336-1792 or (800) 321-7705, or by email at proberts@activeaging.org.