Avow honors Veterans at 7th annual Armed Forces Celebration

Avow Veterans Committee invites Veterans from all branches and their families to a free event Friday, May 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Avow’s Dick Lee & Mary Martha Tonra Waterview Room in the Ispiri Community Center, 1205 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples.

Keynote speaker for the event is Maj. Randolph Cash, U.S. Army Retired, who was commissioned as a second lieutenant through University of Miami ROTC in 1981. Cash retired from the Army as a major in 1999 after commanding a UH-60 Blackhawk assault helicopter company during Operation Restore Hope in Somalia and serving in Operation Provide Comfort in northern Iraq, Korea, Turkey and Germany. The Golden Gate VFW Post 7721 will present the colors and provide taps. The Marine Corps League of Naples E.T. Brisson Detachment #063 will provide a rifle salute for this ceremony. Rabbi Ammos Chorny with Beth Tikvah of Naples will give the event invocation.

Plans also include special readings to honor veterans, patriotic songs and special recognition of the veterans in attendance. Avow recognizes veterans in this way during ceremonies throughout the year, distributing approximately 2,000 pins for recognition of service annually.

The event is free, but seating is limited. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to 239-285-9300 or 59minutes@avowcares.org.