Members of the Mantua VFW at rest during the 2023 ceremony. This year’s event will also include Wenonah’s American Legion Post 192.
Mantua’s Veterans Commission will honor local vets during the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, in front of the township municipal building.
“It’s the only day of the year that veterans have,” said commission chairman Joe Heitman, of a day that recognizes those who have or are currently serving in the military. “It’s important for community members to remember what veterans have done for this country.”
The event will feature members of the Mantua VFW and Wenonah American Legion Post 192, who will wear their military uniforms and acknowledge the bond in arms they all share. Color guards from both posts will also be in attendance.
Guest speakers will include the commander of post 192, John Foren. A township proclamation will be presented to Pat Leary, an Army vet who served in Vietnam and is the former commander of the Mantua VFW.
One of the goals of the event, according to Heitman, is to ingrain in kids just how important Veterans Day is. The commission, as it does every year, will host a poster contest for students in grades three, four, five and six with the theme “What is a veteran?” Two winners from each grade will be chosen and will receive specially minted U.S coins as a prize. They will be chosen by members of the commission.
“We really do try to get the kids involved in order to develop an appreciation for Veterans Day,” Heitman explained. “All the kids do a really great job with the posters, and it’s a daunting task to choose the winners.”
Students from the J. Mason Tomlin Elementary School choir will perform patriotic tunes during the ceremony, and Clearview Regional High School’s vocal ensemble will perform the national anthem. Township officials will also be in attendance.
“Our township is very supportive of the veterans and the things they do for the community,” Heitman noted. “It’s important that people recognize our veterans.”
