Patriots Day event honors veterans
ST. JOSEPH, MO. (News-Press NOW) -- A local gathering on Thursday, Sept. 11, at Wyatt Park Baptist Church, will both honor and benefit veterans in the region.
The Veterans Assistance League, a local non-profit, is sponsoring an event that will recognize all local veterans of the Vietnam War, while also educating the public about the history of the war and ways to benefit local veterans.
Tickets for the event are $10 for adults and $5 for children, and all money raised will go to provide veterans at the Veterans Home in Cameron items that are not provided through other means, according to event committee member Michael Meierhoffer.
"Supporting veterans is immensely important," Meierhoffer said. "We're able to do things that the state and federal government aren't able to do."
This event comes after summer golf tournaments that also helped raise money for special events, transportation and other items not included in the state and federal budget for veterans.
Longtime Assistance League member Truman Hardy said in addition to honoring all veterans who will be in attendance, special speakers and memorabilia will be on display.
"The Missouri Vietnam wall will be on display for the event," Hardy said. "This is a mobile wall that displays all Missouri veterans who lost their lives in Vietnam."
Keynote speakers include former prisoners of war, one of whom served alongside the late Arizona senator John McCain.
Members of the Veterans Assistance League said that, in addition to honoring those who served and those who gave their lives, they hope to remind younger generations of the stories of the courage of men and women who are still in the community.
Milt Toratti, a local veteran and author who has written biographies of veterans from every American war since the Civil War, will have books and other memorabilia on display.
All proceeds from book sales and tickets will go to support local veterans.
Wyatt Park Baptist Church is located at 2902 Leonard Road in St. Joseph. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 816-632-6100 or visit the Veterans' Assistance League on Facebook.
