The city of Mentor will host a Veterans Day ceremony at 11:11 AM on Monday, November 11, 2024, to honor the men and women who have served our country in the military.

Originally known as Armistice Day,the observance was first held November 11, 1919, marking the first anniversaryof the end of World War I and honoring the heroism of those who died in thecountry’s service. In 1954, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day – anational holiday celebrating all veterans.

This year’s keynote speaker is CindyParsons with the Wounded Warrior Project whose son, Shane, was severely injuredin combat in 2006 while deployed in Iraq. Ms. Parsons left her job as aregistered nurse and, for the next decade, served as Shane’s primary caregiver.She learned first-hand the challenges faced by the family members of injuredveterans. Her passion for helping others led her to become a strong advocatefor the family support members of other wounded warriors. In 2009, Cindy helpedWounded Warrior Project (WWP) lobby Congress for the passage of the Caregiverand Veteran Omnibus Health Service Act of 2010 – a bill providing assistanceand support for caregivers of injured servicemen and women returning from war.

The public is encouraged to attend. Veteran groups are warmly invited to participate. Please contact KevinCindric, Recreation Coordinator, at (440) 974-5720 or [email protected].

The ceremony will be recorded andaired later on the Mentor Channel for those unable to attend. In the event ofinclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Mentor Senior Centerlocated at 8484 Munson Road.