Veterans honored at University of Toledo breakfast

11/11/2013
BLADE STAFF
  • CTY-vetsday12p-Guadalupe-Flores

    World War II veteran Guadalupe Flores, center, salutes as 'Taps' is played at the conclusion of the ceremony.

    The Blade/Jetta Fraser
    Buy This Image

  • World War II veteran Guadalupe Flores, center, salutes as 'Taps' is played at the conclusion of the ceremony.
    World War II veteran Guadalupe Flores, center, salutes as 'Taps' is played at the conclusion of the ceremony.

    Veterans from World War II to those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan gathered for breakfast -- and a word of thanks -- at the University of Toledo today.

    Among the elected officials offering their gratitude to the assembled veterans was Toledo Mayor Mike Bell, who gave a shout out to Mayor-Elect D. Michael Collins, a Marine Corps veteran. Mr. Bell congratulated Mr. Collins on his successful campaign for the mayor’s office then thanked him -- and all veterans -- for their service to the country.

    Tables were decorated for the event Veterans Appreciation Breakfast and Resource Fair at the University in Toledo
    Tables were decorated for the event Veterans Appreciation Breakfast and Resource Fair at the University in Toledo

    “It is because of you, we are, so thank you very much,” Mr. Bell said.

    The electronic scoreboards inside Savage Arena showed waving U.S. flags rather than basketball scores for the 9th annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast and Resource Fair.

    The keynote speaker, Gen. Victor E. Renuart, Jr., said Ohio has sent the eighth largest number of men and women into the Armed Services -- more than 890,000.

    “People in Ohio know how to stand up and say, ‘Send me,’” he said.

    General Renuart recognized the handful of World War II veterans in attendance, the slightly larger group of Korean War veterans, a much larger gathering of men and women who served in the Vietnam War, as well as the ROTC cadets in attendance.

    PHOTO GALLERY: Veterans Appreciation Breakfast

    RELATED ARTICLES:

    Toledo Marine keeps honors in perspective

    Slavos of syrup serve as way to get veterans to D.C.

    Obama pays tribute to 107-year-old veteran, others