The Armed Forces Program Committee is sponsoring an annual Armed Forces Day event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 19 on the grounds of the Van Zandt VA Medical Center, Altoona.
This year's program will include the Altoona Chorus of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide women's barbershop organization; the Jaffa Highlanders; Vietnam Veterans of America Honor Guard; a wreath-laying at The Wall That Heals by Operation SOS, Korean War Veterans, Blair County Veterans Honor Guard, Vietnam Veterans of America, Destroyer Escorts; Armed Forces Mothers; Naval Enlisted Reserved Association; and military equipment displays.
Escorts for Gold Star Families will be by the Civil Air Patrol.
Article Photos
Courtesy photos
The Vietnam Veterans of America are shown at last year’s event.
The master of ceremonies will be Navy Reserve Capt. Dennis Smith, and the invocation/benediction will be presented by VA Chaplain Klavens Noel. A rifle salute will be presented by the Blair County Honor Guard, and Sen. John H. Eichelberger Jr. and Les Hart will play "Taps.''
The keynote speaker will be Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Hileman of the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion of Johnstown. The Vietnam Veterans of America will retire the colors.
The program is free and open to the public.
Veterans of all generations, their families and the community are welcome to attend.
