TOP STORY OF THE DAY: How Will You Celebrate Loyalty Day?

Clay County Loyalty Day is Saturday, April 30, and it’s all about appreciating your veterans.

Starting at 11 a.m. with a Veterans Dinner at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1127, 303 S Depot St, Brazil. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Sign-up sheets are available at the VFW Post, American Legion Post #2, and at the Veterans Office (Room 104, first floor) at the Clay County Courthouse, 609 East National Avenue/US 40. This year’s speaker has yet to be announced.

Veterans Service Officer Randy Kaelber says people need to sign up for dinner to ensure enough food is available.

“This is a meal given to our veterans and their guests to show how much we appreciate and are thankful for what they have sacrificed so much for us,” said Kaelber. “Local businesses sponsor the event and door prizes for the guests. A sponsor’s list will be posted during the dinner.”

Annually held at “Pappy’s BBQ,” the recent fire involving several smokers caused it to be moved this year to the VFW Post 1127.

At noon, the Loyalty Day parade entries start lining up along the west side of town, near Depot Street. There will be people on hand to help the entires line up.

The route will continue along National Avenue/US 40 to Vandalia Street. Parade entries can be made by downloading an entry form on the V>F>W> Post 1127 Facebook page and emailed to vfw1127@yahoo.com by or before Saturday, April 23. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be announced for the best interpretations of this year’s theme: Freedom. Winners will be announced following the parade.

Loyalty Day became a national holiday in July 1958. It is a special holiday meant to reaffirm loyalty to the United States of America and the recognition of the heritage of American freedom. President Dwight D. Eisenhower urged Congress to move Child Health Day to the First Monday in October to avoid conflicting with Loyalty Day. A dozen states, including Brazil, Indiana, celebrate the day with an annual celebration.

The nation will celebrate Loyalty Day on May 1, 2022, throughout the United States.

Veterans Van Fundraiser

The Clay County Veterans Service Office continues to raise funds to replace the current transport van. They have collected half of the funds necessary so far.

Veterans Service Officer Randy Kaelber said earlier this year, the Veterans Administration helped purchase the van used to transport local veterans to the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center located in Indianapolis, the new VA Hospital in Terre Haute, or to one of the Community Based Outpatient Clinics.

Kaelber said, “It doesn’t take long to develop 30,000 miles with a transport van.”

About 50 veterans locally use the van transport service.

Anyone wanting to support the purchase of a new transport van for the Veterans Service Office can stop by First Financial Bank. Tell a bank teller you wish to donate to the Clay County Veterans Van Replacement Fund.

“They can also come up here to the office,” said Kaelber about his office on the west side of the Clay County Courthouse’s first floor. “I am here (in the Veterans Service Office, Room #104) five days a week, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.”

Kaelber is available to provide services for veterans and their families. He urges people to call 812-448-9015 for information or questions, “That’s what this office is here for.”

VOLUNTEER

DRIVERS NEEDED

Another way to show appreciation to veterans and the community is by volunteering to drive the van, and Kaelber is “the guy” you want to call.

“There are a lot of veterans locally who are unable to get to medical appointments because they don’t have transportation,” said Kaelber. “We are down to two right now, but we need more.”

Applicants must be 18, pass a physical, a background check, and have a valid driver’s license. Those interested can stop by or call 812-448-9015 for more details.