Westfield opens submissions for Veterans Day poster, poem & essay contest

The City of Westfield will honor local veterans at its annual Veterans Day Ceremony, presented by Citizens Energy Group, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the IMMI Conference Center, 18880 East St.

“Being a member of the U.S. Marine Corps is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Mayor Scott Willis said. “I’m proud that our community is coming together again to celebrate and honor the incredible men and women who put their lives on the line in the name of freedom.”

Veterans, their families, and members of the community are encouraged to attend. The Veterans Day Ceremony is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to RSVP in advance at westfieldin.gov/veteransdayRSVP.

Complimentary coffee, sponsored by Mark Heirbrandt, and breakfast, provided by Westfield High School Foodies Rock, will be available from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will feature special remarks from Mayor Willis and Citizens Energy Group President Jeff Harrison, as well as a keynote address from U.S. Air Force veteran and veterans advocate Lisa Wilken.

Hometown Heroes

The city will honor local veterans during the presentation slide show. To submit a photo of yourself or local veteran you know, please submit a photo of the veteran with full name and service branch by Friday, Oct. 30 to be featured on the presentation at the ceremony. To submit your Hometown Hero, visit westfieldin.gov/veteransdayceremony.

Poster, Poem & Essay Contest

Local students are invited to participate in the annual Veterans Day Student Poster, Poem, and Essay Contest, sponsored by T-Mobile Fiber. Students are encouraged to use their creativity to explore this year’s theme and reflect on the important role veterans have played in protecting the freedoms we enjoy.

This year’s theme is “What Does Freedom Mean to Me, and How Have Veterans Helped Protect It?”

Poem contest winners will have the opportunity to share their poems, and the essay contest winner will be recognized and invited to read their winning essay at the Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the IMMI Conference Center.

For more information or to submit your poster, poem, or essay, visit westfieldin.gov/veteransdayceremony.