Akron area armed forces veterans will be
saluted by the community at a special, free Veterans Day Concert Friday, November 11 at
7:30 p.m. at the Akron Civic Theatre.Sponsored by the City of Akron, the performance
will feature the talents of two highly-acclaimed vocal groups, the Summit Choral Society
under the direction of Frank Jacobs, and the Arlington Church of God Chancel Choir under
the direction of Leslie Parker Barnes.
"During this difficult time for our country, we wanted to take this opportunity to
recognize those who are serving now and have served our armed forces in the past,"
said Mayor Don Plusquellic. "On this 60th anniversary of the end of the
second World War, we especially want to recognize those men and women who were in uniform
from 1941 to 1945."
Special seating will be reserved for WWII vets and their immediate families. Tickets
for reserved seating have been made available to veterans’ organizations in Greater
Akron. Tickets for WWII vets are also available by calling 330.375.2189.
"We owe a special debt to our Vietnam veterans," said Plusquellic, "who
in many cases, have never been fully thanked by our community for their service."
Maj. Eric Mansfield of the Ohio Army National Guard and a news anchor for WKYC’s
Akron Canton News will be the master of ceremonies for the event. Mansfield returned from
duty earlier this year, as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In recognition of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines on duty in Iraq and
Afghanistan today, the concert will begin with a presentation of the colors by Weapons
Company 3/25, based in Akron. The company returned from Iraq in October, absent the 15
soldiers assigned to the unit who died in combat.
Doors to the Civic Theatre will open at 6:45 p.m. The Summit County Historical Society
will exhibit memorabilia from World War I and World War II in the lobby of the Civic
before and after the musical program.
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