Mecosta, Osceola and Lake Counties – There are many events celebrating veterans throughout Mecosta, Osceola and Lake Counties this week.
Veterans Day falls on Saturday, November 11th, so there are several events happening at the beginning of the week. Below is a list of when and where they occur.
big rapids
The annual Veterans Day Breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, in the David L. Eisler Center Ballroom, 805 Campus Drive, Big Rapids. It is sponsored by the Office of the President, which honors veterans, military students, faculty, staff and community members.
The 4th annual Veterans Day Parade begins on Friday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. on Michigan Avenue in downtown Big Rapids and moves north from the Big Rapids Community Library to City Hall. Planned participants include the Mecosta County Sheriff and American Legion Honor Guard, Michigan Warrior Clowns, military and emergency response vehicles, motorcycle riders, Ferris ROTC, Big Rapids High School Marching Band, and Big Rapids Middle School flags. It features all branches of the military. Radio station coverage, street announcements by Pat Curry.
Also on Friday, Nov. 10, the Marine Core Birthday Ball will be held at AMVETS Post 1041, 320 S. 4th Ave. in Big Rapids, celebrating Marine Core’s 248th anniversary. There will be a cocktail hour at the Post starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by a ceremony at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to participate. Tickets are $15 for the pork chop dinner. There are 80 tickets available.
Saturday begins with an SOS breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon at AMVET Post 1941, 320 S. 4th Ave., Big Rapids. This post is only asking for donations.
The Mecosta County Genealogical Society will hold its 15th Annual Veterans Memorial Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 424 N. Fourth Ave. in Big Rapids. Veterans display military memorabilia and share their experiences.
The American Legion Post 98 Honor Guard will participate in two events Saturday. They will attend the annual Veterans Day commemoration at 11 a.m. at the Holland Park Veterans and Homefront Heroes Memorial Park on North State Street. Then, at 11:30 a.m., we will gather at Altercare, 805 W. Ave., Big Rapids, for the dedication of the new American flag and POW flag.
And on Sunday, Nov. 13, the Ferris State Veterans Day Concert will be held at 4 p.m. at Williams Auditorium, 630 S. Michigan Road.
baritone
The American Legion Post 473 Potluck Dinner will be held for all veterans on Saturday, November 11th from 6pm at 145 Northern Avenue in Baritone. A blind auction will then be held that is open to all veterans and family members. Dinner will be provided free to all veterans.
morley
American Legion Post 554, located at 2560 Northland Drive in Maury, will be offering free coffee to veterans on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11.
lead city
Reed City Boy Scout Troop 74 will install flags along Upton Street starting Nov. 9 to honor veterans from all branches.
GT Norman Elementary School will hold its annual worship salute on Friday, November 10th at 9am.
baldwin
A Veterans Day Ball featuring a concert by the Stollen Horse Band will be held at the Duane E. Dewey Amvets Post 1988, 1959 W 24th St. in Baldwin, from 8 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Nov. 10. will be held. This event is open to the public and there is a $5 cover charge per person.
A veterans dinner will then be held on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. It’s free for all veterans, but costs $10 for everyone else.