Mayor Fischer urges community to celebrate veterans during 9th annual Week of Valor
Throughout our history, brave men and women have stepped forward to swear an oath to protect and defend the United States of America, placing their lives on the line to keep us safe and free.
I have an idea about the sacrifices involved in answering that call to service because my dad, George Fischer, was an Air Force pilot who served in the Korean conflict. I am so proud of him and that his military service is part of our country’s and my family’s heritage. Accompanying him on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., in 2019 is a treasured, shared experience for us.
All veterans deserve our respect, and attention – and in my first year as your mayor, I made it a priority to bring the city’s Veterans Day Parade back after an absence of about 60 years.
Just a few years later, recognizing that one day was not enough to honor our veterans, our Office for Veterans partnered with the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville to establish a full week of events − the Week of Valor – and to provide a full suite of support services for the 43,000 vets who live in our community.
Now in its ninth year, our 2022 Week of Valor will run November 1-12, and the Veterans Day Parade is November 5 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Southeast Christian Church, Middletown campus, 920 Blankenbaker Pkwy. This year, the veterans’ units in the parade will be on static display and visitors will be shuttled to where the veterans are and will walk past and visit with them.
The parade is a communitywide celebration, and I urge you, your friends and family to join us in saluting military men and women for the sacrifices they made or are making for us.
This is a good start but truly honoring our veterans means more than a week of events. It takes a 365-day commitment.
That’s why our city was among the first to meet the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness, a White House challenge issued in 2014.
Partners VCAL, the Coalition for the Homeless and others set an ambitious goal to house all the homeless veterans in our city within a year – and we did it. We continue to maintain "functional zero" in Louisville, meaning that we are housing homeless veterans as fast as we’re able to identify them.
Additionally, our Office for Veterans works closely with the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs, making referrals to the Homeless Veterans Trust Fund, a proven, successful effort that gets homeless veterans off the streets and provides assistance to those at imminent risk of homelessness by connecting them with resources across the state.
We’ve also worked to have Louisville become a destination city for veterans separating from the military and transitioning to the next stage of their careers. Nearly 6,000 veterans have taken jobs with Louisville-area companies. We appreciate champion employers like Jim Beam, Humana, and UPS for their long track record of hiring veterans, as well as supporting veteran organizations and events.
Connecting more veterans with job opportunities is good for our veterans, for our businesses, for our city, and for our country. We are proud to have more than 400 veterans on our Metro Government team, who now serve as police officers, firefighters and other first responders, and many others who provide leadership in virtually every Metro agency.
New for this year, our Office for Veterans will be releasing a free Veterans Resource Guide for the public that will be available during the Week of Valor. For a copy, please download from louisvilleky.gov/RCS or contact John.Miles@louisvilleky.gov.
Service men and women thankfully answer the call to protect our Constitution and our country. Though we owe them a debt we can never repay, let us use our Week of Valor as one effort amongst many to say thank you.
For more information about the Week of Valor, visit www.louisvilleky.gov/valor.
Week of Valor Events
Tuesday, November 1, 2022,10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Mayor’s Week of Valor Press Conference
Join us in the Mayor’s Gallery at Metro Hall, 527 W. Jefferson St., 4th Floor. This is the official kickoff for Mayor Fischer’s 2022 Week of Valor, and all are invited to attend. For more information, please contact John Miles at (502) 574-5748 or john.miles@louisvilleky.gov
Tuesday, November 1, 2022, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Department of Veteran Affairs Caregiver Support, Caregiver Resource Fair
Please join us on November 1st for a caregiver resource fair. We will have resource booths with information from the VA and other community organizations. This event will be held at the Veteran’s Club, 4218 Shelbyville Rd., Louisville, KY 40207. If you are unable to attend, please see the link for a virtual option offered on November 14th. This event is FREE to the public. For more information, please contact Lori Paris at (502) 936-1388 or lori.paris@va.gov. Visit our website at https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
Tuesday, November 1, 2022, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Team RWB Louisville, Casual Tuesday Ruck
Please come out and join the fun! We will meet at the base of the flag that is flying near the Indiana end of the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge on Tuesday at 6:30 pm and ruck a 5k at a casual pace. You are not required to wear a ruck. This event is FREE to the public. For more information contact Richard Rush at (812) 987-7874 or Richard.rush@teamrwb.org. Please visit our website at https://about.teamrwb.org/local-virtual.
Wednesday, November 2, 2022, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Veterans Administration S.A.V.E Training at the Veteran’s Club
VA S.A.V.E. Training (Community Training for Suicide Prevention) will be offered in person at the Veterans Club Headquarters at 4218 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207 on Wednesday, November 2nd, as a part of the Mayor’s Week of Valor activities. This will be the first of ongoing Veteran Focused Suicide Prevention trainings offered at the Veteran’s Club on the 1st Wednesday of every month from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm as part of a partnership between Veteran’s Club, the RRVAMC Suicide Prevention Program, Community Engagement and Partnership Programs. For more information, please contact Jonathan (Kelly) Marcum at (502) 287-4011, Cell - (502) 936-0171 or jonathan.marcum@va.gov.
Saturday, November 5, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Baptist Health LaGrange, KY, Healthy Living/Healthy Giving
Baptist Health LaGrange is sponsoring a community Health Fair, Healthy Living/Healthy Giving, on Saturday, November 5th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at, 1025 New Moody Lane, LaGrange, KY 40031. We are extremely grateful for the service our veterans have given to us all and would love to have you all at our health fair to provide information and highlights for veterans. For more information, please contact Susan Arnold at (270) 317-6566 or sarnold1@bhsi.com.
Saturday, November 5, 2022, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
2022 Kentucky Veterans Parade and Celebration
Come out to honor our veterans and their families. Units will be on static display and attendees will be allowed to walk through the venue to visit with each veteran unit. Organizations will include the Sons of the American Revolution Honor Guard. Located at Southeast Christian Church, 920 Blankenbaker Parkway, Middletown, KY. This is a free event. For more information, contact: Treva Brockman at
(502) 552-1131 or tpbrockman@gmail.com | http://www.kyvetparade.com.
Saturday, November 5, 2022, 11:00 a.m.
Flags4Vets, 2022 Veterans Grave Flag In Event
Flags4Vets invites the Louisville community to help place flags on 7,500 veteran graves at the Cave Hill Cemetery for Veterans Day. You must park your car and gather at the Breckinridge School, 1351 Payne St. which is within 100 feet of the U.S. Military Section of Cave Hill Cemetery. We will pass out grave flags and enter the cemetery as a group at 11:00 am. For more information, contact Fred Moore at (502) 931-0374 or moore@theUSflag.com.
Saturday, November 5, 2022, Kickoff 7:30 p.m.
University of Louisville Football Salute to Service Game
Louisville Football is honored to invite all those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces to join them for their annual “Salute to Service” game with various ticket offers and recognitions throughout the day. This event is set to take place for the Cards matchup against James Madison on Saturday, November 5th at Cardinal Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. For more information contact Cardinal Ticket Office at 502-852-5151 or tickets@gocards.com or Kyle Davie at (770) 688-6460 or kyledavie@gocards.com. Visit our website at, http://gocards.com.
Sunday, November 6, 2022, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Meet the Horses at the Veteran’s Club, Inc
Come out and meet the horses of the Veteran’s Club! Our Equine Facilitated Mentoring Program uses these horses to help Veterans, First Responders, Service Members, and their families move past trauma. This is a great way to check out the program while going thru a session. This is an event for the whole family and attendance is free. Located at 375 Normandy Heights Road, Taylorsville, KY 40071. For more information contact Corey Bowlin at (502) 487-1464 or cbowlin@veteransclubinc.org.
Sunday, November 6, 2022, 4:00 p.m.
Veterans Day Observance at Jeffersontown Veterans Memorial Park
On Sunday, November 6th at 4:00 p.m., the American Legion G.I. Joe Post #244 and the City of Jeffersontown will host veterans, active-duty military for the Annual Veterans Day Program at the Veterans Plaza, Veterans Memorial Park, 10707 Taylorsville Road. This is a FREE event for all. For more information contact Mr. John Wright at 502-548-3143.
Monday, November 7, 2022, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Be at Ease, Dogs Helping Heroes
Dogs Helping Heroes is proud to host the 5th annual event, “Be at Ease”, at the Mile Wide Beer Co, 636 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204. This event features food, drink, a raffle drawing, and a chance to meet some amazing Hero Teams! Tickets are $25 to $40. To purchase tickets: https://bit.ly/BeatEase22. For more information please contact Adressa Flynn at (812) 329-0244 or Dogshelpingheroes@gmail.comor visit our website at http://Dogshelpingheroes.org.
Wednesday, November 9, 2022, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana, 2022 Kentucky Veterans of the Year Awards Dinner
Join us as we celebrate and honor the 2022 male and female 2022 Kentucky Veteran of the Year! This event will be held at the Jeffersonian, 10617 Taylorsville Rd., Louisville, KY 40299. This is a FREE event w/RSVP. For more information, please contact Donald Bow at 502-909-2023 or dbow@efky.org. Also, you can visit our website at http://www.saluteyourhealth.org/
Thursday, November 10, 2022, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Congressman John Yarmuth’s 15th and Final Community Dialogue with African American Veterans
You are cordially invited to join Congressman John Yarmuth of Kentucky’s Third Congressional District for his 15th and Final Community Dialogue with African American Veterans Thursday, November 10th from 8:30 am to 10:00 am, at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage,1701 W. Muhammad Ali Boulevard, Louisville, KY 40203. This event is an opportunity for a discussion on the issues of the day. Please bring your thoughts and questions for this conversation with Congressman Yarmuth. Breakfast will be served; space is limited. This is a FREE event. Please RSVP no later than Thursday, November 3rd to 502-582-5129 or YarmuthRSVP@mail.house.gov.
Thursday, November 10, 2022, 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Retired Senior Volunteer Program and the Office for Veterans, Veterans Health Fair
This will be a health fair for the Veterans who work for Louisville Metro Government and the RSVP Volunteer Veterans. The event will offer information and services through the VA that includes, basic health screenings and various checks, such as blood pressure and eye and ear exams. We will offer all Veterans who attend a Veterans appreciation shirt along with various healthy snacks. This is a FREE event to attend. For more information, contact William Clark at (502) 574-7305 or William.clark2@louisvilleky.gov.
Thursday, November 10, 2022, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Kentuckiana Veteran-Community Integration Coalition (KVIC), The War Always Comes Home
In honor of Veteran’s Day and the Mayor’s Week of Valor, KVIC is partnering with Bellarmine University to host a Veteran, Veteran family, and caregiver showcase. We are looking for Veterans, their family members, and caregivers to submit a story of their experience in service (prior to service, during service, transition out of service). Please share a story you feel would have an impact on our community to understand the sacrifices made for our country. Your story can be expressed verbally (in sharing your experience to a group) or through art of another expression of your talent and creative side. This event is scheduled for November 10th, FREE to the public to attend. This event will be held at Hilary’s on Bellarmine University’s campus. For more information, please call Lindsay Gargotto at (502) 272-7027 or Lori Paris at (502) 936-1388 or lori.paris@va.gov.
Friday, November 11, 2022, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Metropolitan Sewer District Veteran Recognition Celebration.
Please join us as we celebrate and recognize our Veterans here at MSD. This event will be held at the Central Maintenance Facility, 3050 Commerce Center Place, Louisville, KY from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. MASKS are requested! For more information, please contact Gina Davis at (502) 540-6421 or Gina_Davis@louisvillemsd.org.
Friday, November 11, 2022, 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.,
Veteran Recognition Program at Mission BBQ
Please join us as we celebrate and recognize our military Veterans and their families November 11th, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm at Mission BBQ, 4607 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207. This is a FREE event to attend the ceremony only. For more information, please contact Adam Lee at 502-206-3331 or mission40207@mission-bbq.com. Please visit the website at http://mission-bbq.com
Friday, November 11, 2022, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
James B. Beam Distillery Co., Veterans Day Event
Join us as we celebrate our Veterans at the James B. Beam Distillery Co. at 568 Happy Hollow Rd, Clermont, KY 40110. Companies will be present to provide information for all Veterans, i.e., the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs, USA Cares and the Volunteers of America will be present. For more information, please contact Connie Wheat at (502) 811-5294, (502) 855-8365 or connie.wheat@beamsuntory.com.
Friday and Saturday, November 11-12, 2022, 4:00 p.m.
Bourbon & BBQ Louisville
Join this great event which will include 20 plus pitmasters, chefs and 20 Kentucky distilleries. This event will begin after the military flyover and color guard ceremony Friday, November 11at 4:00 pm. The location for this event is 1001 River Road, Louisville, KY 40206. There will be several ticket options available. Portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Middletown VFW Post 1170. For more information, please contact Grace Fitzmorris at (504) 390-2259 or grace@bblwaterfront.com. Please visit the website at http://bblwaterfront.com. Instagram: @bblwaterfront, Twitter: @bblwaterfront, Facebook: @bblwaterfront and Pinterest: bblwaterfront.
Friday, November 11, 2022, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Kentucky Shakespeare/ Louisville VET Center, Shakespeare with Veterans
Open to all Veterans, the Kentucky Shakespeare hosts a free discussion group using Shakespeare text to inspire conversation around various topics relating to Veterans. This event will be held at the Louisville VET Center, 1347 S. 3rd Street, Louisville, KY 40208. This is a FREE event. For more information, contact Amy Attaway, (502) 435-1344, amy@kshakespeare.com or Debbie Sawyer at Deborah.sawyer@va.gov.
Saturday, November 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
National Association for Black Veterans and Rotary Club of Louisville Suburban
Join this ceremony honoring over 500 Black Military Veterans interred ranging from the Civil War to Vietnam War. On November 12th at 11:00 am there will be a special ceremony to honor these Veterans. This event is free to the public to attend. For more information, contact Mike King at (502) 548-6821 or mrfking001@gmail.com
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Veterans Day: Mayor Fischer celebrates his final Week of Valor
