Hilliard is trading its Veterans Day parade for a sit-down meal.

The city will host its first Veterans Day Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at The Well, 3993 Cosgray Road, according to a city announcement. The free event begins at 11:30 a.m. in Alton Hall, with lunch provided by businesses.

The luncheon replaces Hilliard's Veterans Day Parade, which was recently held on Sunday afternoons. The city said winter weather had presented challenges for veterans participating in past parades. The indoor format will let veterans and community members gather on Veterans Day itself and hear from military and community leaders.

The city is partnering with American Legion William R. Schnug Memorial Post 614 and CPT Nicholas J. Rozanski Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4931 to put on the event. Both organizations helped organize the Veterans Day parade scheduled for Nov. 10, 2024, which was canceled because of expected bad weather.

Four speakers are scheduled for a ceremony following lunch:

  • Master Sgt. Sean Clifton, a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and Purple Heart recipient
  • Al Burzynski, a veterans advocate and volunteer with Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster relief organization
  • Amber Hudson, executive director of M.A.S.H. Pantry, a nonprofit serving veterans and military families
  • Maj. Gen. Deborah Ashenhurst (U.S. Army, retired), former director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services and a Hilliard resident

Ashenhurst served in the U.S. Army and Ohio National Guard for more than 37 years, according to the city. Gov. Mike DeWine appointed her to lead the Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) in 2019. During her tenure, she focused on modernizing living conditions and enhancing medical care at the Ohio Veterans Homes in Sandusky and Georgetown, according to a governor's office announcement.

The event is free. The entire community is invited.

Upcoming community events

  • Wednesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., The Well, 3993 Cosgray Road. Free and open to all.
  • Friday, Nov. 13: Hilliard Social Center Veterans Day Luncheon, 11 a.m., 3993 Cosgray Road. Veterans and spouses eat free; registration required by the day before.