By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Hays VFW’s Veterans Day ceremony will feature retired Command Sgt. Maj. Ivanhoe Love, a Vietnam War veteran, as its keynote speaker on Tuesday.
Mike Morley, commander of VFW Post 9076 in Hays, said love is also the first Black Command Sergeant Major to serve as an instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.
"He was wounded in Vietnam and received a Silver Star for his actions in combat. He is a phenomenal American who's got an incredible life story," Morely said.
The ceremony is set for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 2106 Vine St., and will include a free-will donation lunch with chicken fried chicken, potatoes and gravy, and vegetables. Morley said students from O’Loughlin Elementary School will start the program with the Pledge of Allegiance.
"This is one of the most patriotic communities I've ever lived in," he said.
The Silver Star is one of the nation’s highest military honors. After serving 28 years in the Army and retiring in 1990, Love pursued a career in public service in rural Kansas.
You can learn more about Love during the ceremony. Morley said the free event is open to the public, with a special invitation to fellow veterans.
"If the veterans of Ellis County can take an hour of their day to join us, we would love to have them. We like to recognize everybody, regardless of branch of service or time," he said.
Morley said this year’s event will not include the outdoor flag raising conducted in previous years. The nonprofit offers medical assistance and helps veterans file their VA claims. You can learn more here.