MILVETS 2025
VETERANS DAY RALLY
NATIONAL VETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUM
300 WEST BROAD ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43215
Join us at the MILVETS Veterans Day Rally on November 9th to celebrate and honor our Veterans. The FREE event will feature entertainment, a free meal and Veteran-related vendors while you visit the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.
Please join us for activities for all ages. From Santa Claus’ first appearance in Columbus to Veterans recording their stories and donating to “Toys for Tots”, let’s come together to show our appreciation for those who have served to protect this great nation.
FREE and open to the public
🍽️ Free meals for all attendees
🛍️ Veteran-related vendors
🎅 Santa Claus’ first appearance in Columbus
🎁 Support for Toys for Tots – BRING A NEW, UNWRAPPED GIFT
🎙️ Story Corp recording booth for veterans to share their experiences
🎓 Presentation of scholarships to veterans and their children and grandchildren
🎤 Guest speakers sharing messages of honor and inspiration
Program Begins at 1:30pm
Welcome – Stacia Naquin – Anchor, WBNS
Invocation – Herschel Craig – State Senator for the 15th district
Presentation of the Colors – Ft. Hayes HS JROTC
National Anthem – Sgt Szu-Yu Chu
Pledge of Allegiance – Ft. Hayes HS JROTC
Speakers
- Maj. Gen. (Ret) John C Harris Jr. – Director, Ohio Department of Veteran Services
- Chris Yingling – Associate Director, VA Central Ohio Healthcare System
- Col (Ret) Buck Bramlish – Executive Director Franklin County Veterans Service Commission
- Nancy Day-Achauer – City of Columbus Councilmember
Scholarships – Ralph Veppert, Trustee, Military Veterans Educational Foundation
- $5K – Attorney General Dave Yost
- $2500 – John & Louise Spahia Memorial
- $2500 – Q-FM 96
- $2500 – MilVets
- $2500 – Nationwide Insurance
Raffle Drawing
Closing Remarks – Carrie Killingsworth, President, Military Veterans Educational Foundation