BATAVIA, Ohio (July 12, 2016) – The annual Salute to Veterans, Troops and Their Families, one of the kickoff events for the Clermont County Fair, will take place at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 24, in the Multipurpose Building at the Fairgrounds.
U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, will perform a ceremonial swearing-in of Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force recruits from Clermont County. The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Charlie Bailey, 94, of Owensville. “Mr. Bailey served in World War II as a combat engineer in the Army,” said Commissioner Bob Proud, who organizes the event. “He received five Bronze Stars for heroic achievements during that war. This is very rare, and we are honored to have Mr. Bailey appear during the Salute.”
The Salute will also feature comments from Sheriff A.J. ‘Tim’ Rodenberg, who served as an officer in the Marines, and will retire from the Sheriff’s Office at the end of 2016. “So many of our law enforcement officials are also veterans,” noted Commissioner Proud. “This gives us the opportunity to thank them for serving the country, and for serving their community.”
Howard Daugherty, Executive Director of the Clermont County Veterans Service Commission and a decorated veteran from the Vietnam War, will also speak.
“Our county residents have always been big supporters of our troops and of our veterans,” Commissioner Proud said. “We invite people to come out that Sunday and show their appreciation, especially for these new recruits as they begin their training, and their families too. It’s not easy to say goodbye to your son or daughter as they enter the military.”
Admission to the fair is free for members of the military with proper ID, and veterans with DD214 ID. The Clermont County Fairgrounds are located on Locust Street in Owensville.
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The County Fair website: http://clermontcountyfair.webs.com/
