To recognize the service of veterans in the Central Illinois area and surrounding areas by conducting educational programming and community activities for veterans and the general public.
Organized in 2012 – first event in 2013
MISSION STATEMENT
The Mission of the Veterans Recognition of Central Illinois is to provide a day, annually, to gather all of those who served in any branch of the U.S. military service. The event is to honor all of these veterans for their selfless service to freedom throughout the world.
PAST SPEAKERS
- Shilo Harris – wounded Iraq war Veteran / Inspirational speaker
- Roy Dolgos – Military Police in Vietnam and former Director for Illinois Dept. of Veteran affairs
- Tom Quigley – Vietnam Marine at Khe Sahn
- Bob Dondeville – Driver M-48 Tank in Vietnam – local artist / teacher dealing with PTSD through painting and sculptures
- Stan Taylor – Vietnam Tunnel Rat and author
- Jerry Lay – Vietnam helicopter pilot
- Mark Barthelmy – Decatur Chief of Police / historian and military buff
PARTICIPATIONS
- Annual Veterans Recognition Day event – since 2013
- Memorial Day Wreath laying ceremony
- Veterans Day parade
- Veterans Day Wreath laying ceremony
- Speaker at Decatur 911 Memorial
- Provide Veteran speakers at local schools and social organizations
- Decatur Celebration parade
- Illinois State Fair and Veterans parade