Veterans’ Day at the 2015 Illinois State Fair
Sunday, Aug. 16
Free admission for Veterans, entertainment, memorial service, veterans’ benefit fair and much more

[August 14, 2015]  SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois State Fair invite veterans and their family members to enjoy a day at the Illinois State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015.

In addition to all the great activities, events, entertainment and food the Illinois State Fair has to offer, the following programs and events are planned for veterans at the Abraham Lincoln Stage and adjacent area on the fairgrounds:

10a.m.–3p.m.
Helping Our Hometown Heroes Benefits Fair
Illinois Fallen Heroes Traveling Memorial Wall Display

10a.m. – 10:30a.m.
5 Star Brass Quintet,
144th Army Band,
Illinois Army National Guard

10:30a.m.–11:30a.m.
Memorial Service

11:30a.m.–Noon
Special Performance by Sound Celebration Chorus

Noon–1p.m.
Official Program, Lincoln Stage
Official Greeting, IDVA Director Erica Jeffries
Presentation of Awards:
IDVA Employee of the Year
Veteran Business Partner of the Year
Illinois Veteran of the Year
Special Guest Speaker,
Cmdr Jess Porter USS Illinois-SSN 786
Honors and thanks to our Illinois Veterans

1 p.m.
Lunch served to Veterans and Families, sponsored by USAA

1 p.m.–2:30p.m.
Musical Entertainment by Patt Holt Singers

4 p.m.
Veterans Day Parade with Veteran Service Organizations leading.
The parade forms at Illinois and Grandstand Ave on the fairgrounds.

During the Official Program beginning at noon, the IDVA will highlight the work of the IDVA Employee of the Year, the Veteran Business Partner of the Year, and recognize and thank a distinguished veteran for a lifetime of contributions as the Illinois Veteran of the Year.

The Helping Our Hometown Heroes Benefits Fair includes information, services, and activities for veterans and family members with the IDVA, state and federal agencies, veteran service organizations, and Illinois Joining Forces, and will be open until 3 p.m.

The Veterans Day at the Illinois State Fair is supported by all major Illinois Veteran Service Organizations, with thanks to the State Fair Committee for their time, efforts, and energies in making this event possible.

[Illinois State Fair]