Veterans to be honored during second annual Mayor's Week of Valor
From left to right: Anesha Blakey, John Launius,Jennifer Hancock, Senator Dan Seum, Sarah Peterson and Gwen Cooper at a VCAL meeting at Volunteers of America Mid-States headquarters office.
The 2015 Mayor’s Week of Valor will be held November 7 – 15. Coinciding with Veterans Day, Louisville’s second annual Week of Valor celebrates veterans with a week-long series of events to honor and commemorate the contributions of past and present service men and women, veterans and their families in our community.
The Mayor’s Week of Valor is supported by the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville (VCAL). VCAL is an initiative launched in 2014 through the combined efforts of Volunteers of America, Seven Counties Services and Leadership Louisville. VCAL is led by an advisory board comprised of more than two dozen individuals representing corporate, non-profit, government and civic organizations. VCAL’s mission is to create an integrated network of support for veterans and their families by coordinating services, resources and initiatives to increase communication across organizational lines, enhance quality and delivery of service and promote veteran-friendly community relations in Louisville.
To learn more about you can get involved with Mayor’s Week of Valor events or Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville, visit www.vcalouisville.org or check out this year’s schedule of events below:
Week of Valor events:
November 6, 6 p.m. and November 7, 4 p.m.
Carry the Fallen 22 Challenge Ruck March
A 22-hour relay style ruck march to remember the 22 veterans a day that commit suicide. Learn more at www.activeheroes.org.
November 7, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Team Red, White & Blue Hosts Workout of the Day -Armistice
Louisville’s Team RWB Community joins with 150 locations around the country to provide a functional fitness tribute workout that uses all forms of exercise to help veterans set and achieve goals, re-energize a sense of purpose and form bonds in the community to strengthen the nation’s connection between veterans and civilians. Learn more at www.crossfitcovalence.com.
November 8, Noon Registration, Race Begins at 2 p.m.
Run with our Heroes 5k
Hosted by Seven Counties Services and the University of Louisville. Race festivities include Presentation of Colors, a wounded soldier and senior lap, and a special POW ceremony. Register online at www.runwithourheroes.org.
November 9, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Kentucky Veterans of the Year Banquet
This annual event honors one male and one female Kentucky veteran for their heroic efforts defending our country and our Commonwealth’s way of life. Learn more at www.kentuckyveteransoftheyear.org.
November 10, 8 - 10 a.m.
Louisville Business First Salute to Veterans
An annual event honoring 20+ veterans who impact the Louisville Community. www.louisvillebusinessfirst.com
November 10, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
2015 Veterans Administration Welcome Home Event & Premier of “From War to Home” Traveling Exhibit
An annual celebration honoring veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service. The Kentucky Center Arts In Healing Program will have local Veteran’s artwork on display during the premier. The event will also host the United States Air Force Band-Mid-America. The traveling exhibit will be on display through December 10th. Learn more at www.louisville.va.gov.
November 11, 11 a.m.
Veterans Day Parade & Massing of the Colors
A parade honoring all veterans and active duty personnel followed by the Massing of the Colors Ceremony and related community events. Learn more at www.louvetparade.com.
November 11, 4 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Active Heroes Pound Challenge & Telethon
Active Heroes and gym partners across America will work to lift 22 million pounds to raise donations and awareness to end veteran suicide. WAVE 3 will host a telethon in partnership with The Factory. Learn more at www.activeheroes.org.
November 14, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Veterans Complimentary Care Expo at Beargrass Christian Church
A showcase of complementary care programs and practices provided to Veterans through Robley Rex Veterans Administration Medical Center and its community partners. Demonstrations from: Arts in Healing, Yoga Warriors, Tai Chi & Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing. Learn more at www.louisville.va.gov.
November 14, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Adaptive Sports Rollout
Metro Parks Adaptive Leisure Services, Frazier Rehab and Paralyzed Veterans of America present an Adaptive Sports Rollout for Veterans, showcasing the many adapted sporting opportunities in Louisville available to veterans with mobility issues and other disabilities. Paralympic athletes will be on hand to visit with veterans and demonstrate their sports.