Veterans from all branches of the military gathered at City Hall to kickoff the first observance of Military Appreciation Days in Kokomo.
Throughout the week, 38 local businesses will offer various discounts to those who served in the military.
The idea for the week-long celebration came from Rick Riddle, manager of the Golden Corral restaurant, which will provide a free meal to veterans next Monday.
“I’m blessed to be a member of this community,” said Jim Ault, former commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8035. “This is a community that is recognizing and honoring veterans.”
Ault asked those in attendance Monday to remember those who gave all this Veterans Day, and also to honor POWs who have been waiting years to come home.
“Dedicate one moment of your day to honor our comrades,” he said.
Mayor Greg Goodnight said Kokomo is known as a caring town filled with people generous with their time and talents.
He read a proclamation declaring this week as Military Appreciation Days.
“This is known as a town with a strong military presence,” Goodnight said. “Kokomo residents were the first to answer the call to serve our country. When they returned home, they continued to serve our community.”
Goodnight encouraged local residents to thank all veterans and members of the military for their service.
Riddle said he was proud to expand the eight-year tradition of providing recognition to veterans.
“Great things are going to happen this week,” he said. “Men and women serving deserve all the praise. There is a price of freedom that we take too much for granted. Veterans who served laid the groundwork for where we are today.”
Riddle said he finds it hard to believe there was a time our society didn’t appreciate the nation’s veterans.
Lester Creason, past commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, said it was a pleasure to attend the ceremony and to thank everyone who is helping veterans.
“I’m glad they’re doing this,” he said.
Peggy Ault, commander of the Lady’s Auxiliary of Post 8035, said she wasn’t surprised businesses came together to honor the community’s veterans.
“I think all communities need to respect and honor our veterans,” she said. “Many have sacrificed their lives.”
Chris Roegner, manager of the Half Moon Restaurant & Brewery, brought his daughter, Katie, to the ceremony. It’s the second year the restaurant is providing discounts to veterans.
“She’s grasping it a little bit,” he said of his daughter. “She gets excited to see everyone in their uniforms.”
Roegner said Riddle approached him last year about taking part in a veterans’ recognition.
“How can you not want to be behind something like this?” he asked. “This has made me more aware.
“This is something the rest of the state and nation will look at,” he said, “honoring the military.”
A list of all participating companies is available at www.milappdays.americasfirstcar.com.
• Ken de la Bastide is the Kokomo Tribune enterprise editor. He can be reached at 765-454-8580 or via e-mail at ken.delabastide@kokomotribune.com
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