Veterans Day, held on Nov. 11 to mark the end of “the war to end all wars,” will offer at least three events within and near Leelanau County to honor those who served.
VFW Post 7731 in Lake Leelanau will host a solemn ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, with Vietnam War veteran Gene Kelly providing the keynote address. Kelly was recipient of the Army Commendation Medal and Bronze Star during his tour. He is a Suttons Bay Township resident and former owner of PDF Lumber in Bingham Township.
The Traverse City Elks Club will be providing a free dinner to all retired and active members of the Armed Services from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fee for non-veterans will be $15. The club is located at 625 Bay Street.
Finally, The Bay Community Theater in Suttons Bay is offering showings Monday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. of the lauded Mel Gibson movie, “We Were Soldiers.” Based on the bestselling book “We Were Soldiers Once … and Young,” the film accurately portrays the first major battle between American and North Vietnamese troops. According to a description on the Bay Community Theater website, “It is a film about uncommon valor and nobility under fire, loyalty among soldiers, and the heroism and sacrifi ce of men and women both at home and abroad.”
Tickets are free for veterans. They are $10 each for non-members of the theater association.
