Veterans Week Celebration Set

In recognition of Veteran’s Day 2011, which takes place on Friday, November 11, Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center will host an eight-day-long celebration, paying tribute to Veterans. Many events are open to the community.

“We are looking forward to this year’s Veterans Week celebrations.” said Medical Center Director Gary W. Devansky, “As always, our goal is to honor Veterans and make sure they enjoy this special week. I hope that the celebration prompts area Veterans to check out VA Healthcare –Veterans recently returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are entitled to five years of free healthcare for any condition related to that service, so it is worth checking out.”

A Gospel Concert will kick off the festivities on Wednesday, November 2 at 2pm in the All Faith Chapel, Building 72. The Tiller Sisters, a group of sisters (some of whom work at CVAMC) will perform a mix of gospel and patriotic songs. The concert is open to the public. Any Veterans interested in learning about VA Healthcare enrollment and the services that Coatesville VA Medical Center offers should attend New Enrollee Orientation which takes place on November 3 from 1:30pm to 3pm in Building 2, Room 107A. A luncheon for Veteran residents of the Community Living Center, where round-the-clock care is provided, will take place from 12pm to 2pm at Building 138.

All are welcome to attend the Veterans Week Parade on Friday, November 4, beginning at 9:30am on the medical center grounds. Korean War Veterans will serve as this year’s Parade Grand Marshals and will be honored throughout the day. Veterans and their spouses will arrive in style on an amphibious “Ride the Duck” vehicle which is based on the WWII DUKW vehicle. Many local organizations and groups will celebrate Veterans, including the Coatesville and Octorara High School marching bands and local fire and police departments. Classic cars and floats representing CVAMC services will participate. Veterans service organizations and mascots from Philadelphia sports teams are also expected.

A flag ceremony will follow the parade, beginning at 1pm. Veterans and other participants will line up and proceed to the American Flag flying high at the top of the hill. A ceremony that calls all to reflect on the meaning of the flag will ensue. Korean War Veterans will be especially honored at this celebration.

Also on Friday, November 4, the Radnor School will visit homeless Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary of Pennsylvania, District 9 will host a karaoke party for Veteran inpatients.

On Monday, November 7, the Women Veteran’s Luncheon will be held in the Great Hall, Building 5. The luncheon, featuring delicious dishes prepared by CVAMC’s Nutrition & Food Service, is open to all women Veterans in the community. The program begins at 10:30am and will run through 1pm. Registration is required.

On Tuesday, November 8, at 2pm, an Interfaith Service will take place in the All Faith Chapel, located in Building 72. This event is open to the public.

On Wednesday, November 9, a flag raising ceremony will take place at Building 138 at 2:30pm.  Veteran residents of the Community Living Center will participate in the event.

On Thursday, November 10, there will be a Day of Beauty where women Veterans will have their hair and nails done in preparation for the evening’s event – the annual Veteran’s Banquet taking place at the Great Hall at 5pm.
On Friday, November 11, Veterans Day, at 10:45am, the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 1777 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 287 will hold a special salute to Veterans at Veterans Plaza on First Avenue and Lincoln Highway in Coatesville. Many Veterans receiving care at CVAMC will be present to take part in this solemn tribute. Additionally, CVAMC Director Gary W. Devansky along with dignitaries and other community leaders, will reflect on Veterans Day. The observance will conclude with the laying of a wreath at the base of the Coatesville Veterans Council War Memorial.

The culmination of the Week’s activities will take place later that day at a second Salute. Inpatient Veterans will enjoy activities such as bingo, live entertainment, gifts from veterans service organizations, and refreshments.
The entire eight days are dedicated to providing Veterans with world class health care, and to showing them a much-deserved good time.

Any woman Veteran (employees included) interested in attending the Women Veteran’s Luncheon must register ahead of time by calling 610-384-7711 extension 3546. All other event questions can be answered by calling 610-384-7711 extension 2241. Updated event information will be posted on the Event Calendar link.