U.S. Sen. Todd Young will visit Columbus on Saturday to speak during the community’s annual Veterans Day ceremony.
Young, a former 9th District Republican congressman elected to the Senate a year ago, asked if he could participate in the 11 a.m. remembrance at the Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans on the Courthouse grounds.
The traditional, solemn event attracted about 250 residents last year, demonstrating a loyalty and reverence for all former military members who attend.
After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, Young served as a U.S. Marine from 1995 to 2000, working mostly as an intelligence officer specializing in counter-narcotics and anti-terrorism.
While several Indiana communities have moved Veterans Day observances to Friday this year since Nov. 11 falls on a Saturday, that idea failed to garner local support, said retired U.S. Air Force Major Gen. Mark Pillar, a member of the organizing committee.
“There’s no law stating Veterans Day should be held the second Friday of November,” Pillar said. “We observe it at the designated time, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.”
In fact, organizers are grateful this year’s weekend ceremony will provide more opportunity for school-age children to attend, Pillar said.
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What: Bartholomew County Veterans Day community observance.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday.
Program: Welcome by John Foster, national anthem sung by Janie Gordon, invocation by Chaplain E. Reeves Flint, remarks from special guest U.S. Sen. Todd Young, laying of wreaths by Gold Star Mothers, memorial balloon release and reading names of Bartholomew County veterans who have died in the past year, three rifle volleys by the Bartholomew County Color Guard, benediction by Chaplain Flint, closing comments by Foster and closing music by the Cummins Diversity Choir.
Where: Memorial for Veterans, southwest of the Bartholomew County Courthouse, Columbus.
Rain location: Donner Center shelterhouse.
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