By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
There was a day when troops for the U.S. Armed Services were enticed to enlist by a poster stating that Uncle Sam wants you. Now VFW Post 1078 in Bucyrus is sending the same message out to past and current service men and women.
But this time it is not to encourage them to do their part, but because they have done their part.
The local VFW is putting together a special event to honor those servicemen and women during this summer’s Bratwurst Festival. In addition to the activities the VFW normally organizes and holds the three days of the festival, this year there will be a ceremony recognizing all local veterans who have served or are currently serving.
But organizer Lori Charlton says the time to sign up is now even though the Bratwurst Festival is Aug. 18, 19, 20.
“People are already out and about during the festival. We have a stage with entertainment. It is an appropriate setting,” Charlton said regarding combining the three days of entertainment at the VFW and other family activities there with an event to recognize and honor veterans. “My heart is just there. I believe in supporting our veterans.”
To fund the event, sponsorships and donations are being solicited. There are no public funds involved in any way.
But perhaps more importantly, the VFW needs to identify local veterans who will attend the Saturday afternoon event. For those deceased veterans or veterans who are deployed, the VFW is encouraging their family members to represent them at the ceremony.
Getting those names, brief histories of their service and a commitment to be there is a time consuming task. The VFW is asking veterans to register to attend and have that registration returned to the VFW no later than July 1.
Registration forms are available at Wise Funeral Home and True Value Hardware in Bucyrus. Online registration is available at a special Facebook page, VFW Annual Remembering Our Heroes Event.
Those individuals, businesses or organizations who wish to donate in support of the event may contact Charlton through the VFW.