On Nov. 11 th ,2017 the Mon Valley Veterans Council will hold our 98 th Regional Veterans
Day Celebration. The day’s events begin at 9:30 am in Chess Park, Monongahela with the Mon
Valley Leathernecks Color Guard Commanded by Master Gunnery Sergeant Howard Weber and
National Anthem sung by local vocalist Ms. Kim Van Vooris. Rev. Ron Ravazio of Journey By
Grace Church will provide a prayerful beginning for the day. The Opening Program will also
include welcome and remark by Mayor Bob Kepecs; the 2 Bell Ceremony by Commander Bill
Hess and the Mid Mon Valley Shipmates; Musical selections by Ms. Van Vooris and David’s
Music House. Following the Keynote Speech and Benediction by Rev. Ravazio, the program will
conclude with Taps and Three Volley Rifle Salute by the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing
Squad, Mr. John Gulick commanding.
Our Keynote Speaker and Parade Grand Marshall, LTC Lawrence Kerr, is an Army
Veteran who served with the Judge Advocate Generals Corps both in Germany and at high
levels at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. After transferring to the Army Reserve, LTC Kerr
completed his military career as Commander of the 125 th Individual Mobilization Unit. He is
presently a prominent attorney practicing law in Greensburg, Westmoreland County.
The Grand Parade of Veterans will assemble and line up at 11:00 am and will step off
promptly at 12:00 noon. The line of march will include Veterans Service Organizations from
around the Mon Valley, invited dignitaries from State and County, 7 High School Marching
Bands, 7 Decorated Floats from different service organizations, Vintage Trucks, Horse Drawn
Vehicles, and of course, the Finest Fire Fighters and First Responders anywhere on their
impressive Emergency Vehicles and Fire Trucks.
All local Veterans are invited to attend and participate in this special event.
