By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
This year, the City of Wyoming has decided to switch things up when it comes to its annual Veterans Day program, replacing its outdoor evening ceremony for a morning breakfast event.
Set for Nov. 12 at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW, the breakfast is free for veterans, $5 for non-veterans. Those interested in attending need to pre-register for the program by Nov. 8 through the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department by calling 616-530-3164, emailing parks_info@wyomingmi.gov, or stop by the office located in City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW.
“The City of Wyoming is committed and proud to recognize those who have served, and continue to serve our country in the armed forces and protect our freedoms,” said Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt. “Our Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ceremonies are a tribute to that service and protection.”
Staff did note that there will be no changes to the Memorial Day program which is held in May.
This year’s Veterans Day program will feature Ken Jones, who served in all four branches of the military, as the keynote speaker. Jones has a decorated military career and retired after 22 years of service to the United States of America. He has a broad range of technical and administrative skills that include aircraft interior design, computer network programming and various federal government program analysis programs. Jones currently serves as a legal administrative specialist for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Major Jack Poll will host the breakfast.
According to Wyoming staff, response to the breakfast has been pretty good. Usually for the Veterans Day program, the city has about 100 attendees with RSVPs for the 2018 breakfast already pass the halfway mark.
As part of the event and during the whole month of November, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW, will be accepting donations for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Items sought for donation include $25 gift cards (local fast food restaurants, Meijer, Wal-Mart, Dollar Tree, gordon Food Marketplace, etc.), candy bars, pens, batteries, stamps, grooming, hygiene items and clothing (new or gently used.)
