Salute to veterans Sunday

DU QUOIN - Veterans and family members are invited to enjoy a day at the Du Quoin State Fair on Sunday when their admission to the fairgrounds will be free.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for all Gold Star families is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. that day at the VIP 1 area. The Black Tigers Honor Guard will be part of the ceremony.

All Gold Star families are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Activities that day planned by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs includes the following:

• 9:30 a.m. Celebration of Life Memorial Service (VIP 1 Area)

• 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Benefits Expo/Hiring Event (Heat 1 & 2 Buildings)

• 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Art Exhibit (Heat 1 & 2 Buildings)

• 10 a.m.-Noon Historical Re-enactor Presentations (Near VIP 1 Area)

• Noon Main Program (VIP 1 Area)

• 1-1:30 p.m. Veterans Lunch (VIP 1 Area)

• 1-3 p.m. Historical Re-enactor Presentations (Near VIP 1 Area)

• 3:30 p.m. Veterans Day Parade (Start at Quarter Mile Track, on Midway Drive)

A Celebration of Life - Memorial Service for all Gold Star Families will be held on Sunday, August 26 - 9:30 a.m. at the Fair. The Black Tigers Honor Guard will be part of the Celebration of Life ceremony. All Gold Star families are welcome and encouraged to attend.

"This Sunday, we come together to honor and remember the brave men and women who fought for the freedom of this great country," said IDVA Director Stephen Curda.

More than 20 companies will be on hand for a Veteran Hiring Event. The Benefits Expo includes information, services and activities for veterans and family members with the IDVA, state and federal agencies, veteran service organization and nonprofits.

The main program will feature a narrative of the past 200 years of Illinois' military history.

Veterans Day at the Du Quoin State Fair is supported by many veterans service organizations, with thanks to the State Fair committee for its time, efforts, and energies in making this event possible.</g