Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected in Washington, D.C., today to witness the dedication of the National World War II Memorial.
In Warsaw, a live broadcast of the dedication is just one event during a day of festivities honoring World War II veterans at the American Legion Post 39, on the corner of Buffalo and Main streets and at Warsaw Community High School.
A non-denominational prayer breakfast is at 7 a.m. at the Legion, corner of Buffalo and Main streets. World War II veterans may eat for free; others are asked for a donation.
Following the breakfast is a wreath-laying ceremony at the Kosciusko County Courthouse.
At 8:30 a.m. is a motorcycle poker run send-off.
An exhibit area opens at the high school at 10 a.m. featuring:
• American Legion Post 49;
• American Legion Auxiliary;
• Sons of the Legion (all from Warsaw);
• Salvation Army;
• Kosciusko County Veterans Affairs Officer;
• Disabled American Veterans;
• American Red Cross; and
• Various archive and military displays.
The American Red Cross also will hold a blood drive today at the high school.
The Disabled American Veterans provide free counseling services and claim-filing assistance to all veterans and members of their families. The mobile office is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More than 300 invitations have been sent to current World War II veterans living in Kosciusko County. They will be recognized and honored by the community and each will receive a certificate of recognition at 11 a.m.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At 1 p.m. is the live broadcast of the dedication in Washington, D.C.
At 3 p.m. is a public concert and dance presented by The Starry Knights Band from Indianapolis featuring "music that won the war" - big band tunes of the 1940s.
Closing ceremonies are at 5 p.m.
