The Observation Deck

Veterans: Now hear this:

On Friday morning, 23 May, at Garfield School in Lakewood, there will be a
breakfast, followed by a program honoring our nation's veterans and those who
perished in the service of their country, as well as those who are/were either POW or MIA.

Breakfast begins at 7:30 am.

My father, WWII vet, Chemical Warfare Specialist and Army Bandsman, Robert Rice, will be conducting "The American Veterans Last Salute March" that we wrote a few
years back, and for which we received Congressional recognition.

Veterans and their families are invited to attend, bring memorabilia, wear
uniforms, and speak with classes after the program. This is a wonderful event
that always gives great opportunities for veterans to interact with students and
with each other.

Interested veterans and their families should contact Garfield School so that they can have a head count for the food.

Best Wishes, and thank you for your service. Welcome home.

Gary Rice

Just wanted to bring this thread back to the top concerning Lakewood's recognition of veterans and those veterans who are missing in action, prisoners of war, or who have fallen.

If you are a veteran, please consider coming to Garfield tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. If you know a veteran, please let them know that this is happening, and encourage their attendance.

Many veterans surprisingly have never attended an event like this one. It is a very positive, welcoming, and supportive environment.

It is so revealing to me that only 74 people bothered to view this posting thus far.

Our veterans have done so much for us. Many, a great many, gave all they could give.

Events like this need to be given greater attention. Veterans need your support.

They supported you.

Thanks to all who contributed to a tremendous program this morning. Thanks especially to a large number of veterans who turned out.

Thank you for your service, as we also remember your fellow service personnel who perished in the line of duty, or have not returned to us.

Lakewood is one community that fittingly recognizes the veterans among us.

Again, thanks to one and all.

Gary,

It was a great event!

Here are some photos from the event.




Pack 68 Cub Scouts and Ward 1 Councilman David Anderson




Troop 68 Boy Scouts help Ohio House District 13 Representative Nickie J. Antonio get into her unlocked car.




Pack/Troop 68 Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts (photo taken by Christine Gordillo and posted at http://www.lakewoodcityschools.org/phot ... id=0#image)




Gary and his dad perfomed their own march with the Garfield Middle School Band.


And Stephanie Toole took the following photos of Pack/Troop 68 retiring the Garfield Middle School flag at the Garfield Middle School 17th Annual Memorial Day Recognition Program:

Matt,

Thank you for those beautiful photos and a terrific remembrance. Thanks so much to your Scouts. Their contribution was spectacular.

A special thanks to my bagpiper friend Don, for filling in wherever needed. He added so much.

One of those wonderful days, remembering the veterans who served our country; many in particular who gave everything they had for our freedoms.