Jerry Costello Director of Illinois Department Of Agriculture | Official Website
Jerry Costello Director of Illinois Department Of Agriculture | Official Website
The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA), in partnership with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois State Fair, is inviting veterans and their families to participate in a special day at the DuQuoin State Fair on Sunday, August 27, 2017. This event will feature a range of activities specifically designed for veterans at the VIP 1 Area Tent and nearby locations on the fairgrounds.
The day's schedule includes several key events:
- A Gold Star Family Memorial Service will take place at 9:30 am.
- From 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, there will be a Vet Hiring Event and Vet Benefits Expo.
- The JROTC Drill Exhibition is set from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm.
- At 11:00 am, attendees can enjoy music by the 566th Air Force Band of the Midwest.
- An Official Program is scheduled for noon.
- A Veterans Lunch will follow from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, free for veterans and immediate family members.
- The band performance resumes at 2:00 pm.
- The Veterans Day Parade begins at 3:30 pm.
For the first time, a Memorial Service dedicated to all Gold Star Families will be held. IDVA Director Erica Jeffries stated, "This Sunday we come together to honor and remember the brave men and women who fought for America's Freedom."
The Veteran Hiring Event will present over twenty companies offering job opportunities to veterans. Additionally, the Benefits Expo aims to provide information and services through various organizations including state and federal agencies.
Major General (ret) William L. Enyart is slated as the keynote speaker for the Official Program. Enyart previously served as Southern Illinois' U.S. Congressman during the 113th Congress on both the House Armed Services Committee and House Agriculture Committee until his retirement in January 2015.
During this event, IDVA will also recognize Mr. Lynn Brown as its distinguished Employee of the Year. Other recognitions such as Veteran Volunteer of the Year were presented earlier this month at another fair event.
A drill demonstration by O'Fallon High School's Air Force Junior ROTC is also part of Sunday's activities.
The Veterans and Gold Star Family Day is supported by various Veteran Service Organizations along with contributions from the State Fair committee.
Media are encouraged to attend and promote this upcoming event.
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