"Salute to Veterans" community festival

Posted April 09, 2014 in Press Releases

Cleveland, OH— This year’s “Salute to Veterans” community festival in University Circle will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2014 on Magnolia Drive between the Louis Stokes VA Hospital and the Mt. Zion Congregational Church, UCC.

This year’s honoree is Leon Bibb. Bibb is a decorated military veteran who served in the United States Army. He received a Bronze Star Medal for his service the Vietnam Conflict. Currently, Bibb is a multimedia journalist and anchor with Cleveland’s WEWS Channel 5. He has a place in the Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame and has been awarded six local Emmy awards.

"I am deeply appreciative of the honor given me. When my nation called, I felt it was my duty to answer its call to arms during the war in Vietnam. I am thankful for the honor being bestowed upon me and I humbly accept it,” said Leon Bibb. “However, at the same time, I think of those members of the U.S. military service who wore the uniforms of the United States. They, too, are honored. At the same time, I reflect on those in the military service who gave their last full measures of devotion and died in service to this country, no matter the war, no matter the battle. They, too, answered the call. Let us always keep them in our memories."

Free and open to the public, this community event features live entertainment, classic cars, community booths, and BBQ ribs and side dishes from local restaurants. The festival begins at Lakeview Cemetery at 10:00 am, with a wreath lying ceremony at the grave of a local veteran. Following the ceremony, guests can proceed through Wade Oval to the festival on Magnolia Drive. Activities and entertainment continue until 5:00 pm.

“The ‘Salute to Veterans’ community festival gives us a chance to honor veterans in Cleveland each year”, said Calvin M. Curry, Chief, Voluntary Services, U.S. Department of Veterans

Affairs. “Leon Bibb is a light within the veteran community, and honoring him at this year’s

festival is a small token of our appreciation for how important he is to veterans and the city of Cleveland.”

Free and open to the public, this community event features live entertainment, classic cars, community booths, and BBQ ribs and side dishes. The festival begins at Lakeview Cemetery at 10:00 am, with a wreath lying ceremony at the grave of a local veteran. Following the ceremony, guests can proceed through Wade Oval to the festival on Magnolia Drive. Activities and entertainment continue until 5:00 pm.
“This fun, family event brings together the community to thank and honor veterans and their continued commitment,” said the Rev. Paul Hobson Sandler, Sr., Pastor of Mt. Zion Congregational Church, UCC. “We will continue to look for opportunities in which we can unify the communities of Cleveland in support for those who proudly serve and represent our country.”
Community support for Salute to Veterans is apparent in the list of event sponsors: The Louis Stokes VA Hospital, the Mt. Zion Congregational Church, UCC, Western Reserve Historical Society, University Circle, Inc., and Lakeview Cemetery.
“The Western Reserve Historical Society feels honored to be involved in such an important community event”, said Kelly Falcone-Hall, Interim CEO at WRHS. “Veterans are an integral part of this region’s history and continue to have an impact on the community at large. We hope to continue to serve and support the veterans within our community by sponsoring the ‘Salute to Veterans’ event and more.”

The Western Reserve Historical Society History Center is located in Cleveland’s University Circle at 10825 East Boulevard. Museum hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday, Noon to 5 pm. Admission is $10/adult and $5/child age 3-12. Western Reserve Historical Society members and children two years and under are admitted free of charge. Group rates are available. The History Center is handicap accessible, and includes an elevator to various levels of the museum.