Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission hosts 3rd annual Appreciation Day at TQL

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CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Officials are hoping for great weather this Saturday, Aug. 15, as the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission welcomes thousands of veterans and their families to TQL Stadium for a huge, free celebration.

This is their third big year for the event: first at Great American Ballpark, then at Sawyer Point and now at TQL.

“We’ve just got a fantastic relationship with FC Cincinnati and TQL,” said Glenn Welling, executive director of the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission.

“We’re asking people to register ahead of time to make sure that we have enough food because we’re providing it for free to get in, free for veterans, for their families, free food, refreshments, free parking. There’s 2,300 free parking spaces there at TQL.”

The day will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guest speakers, then get right to all the fun.

“Well, there’s going to be an opening ceremony right there on the plaza on the Central Parkway side on the east side of TQL Stadium,” said Welling, who added that this is a celebration of every branch of our Armed Forces and their service to our great nation.

There’s also a special presentation for the Montford Point Marines, which is a similar organization to the Tuskegee Airmen.

“And there is a Montford Point Marine who was a World War II veteran whose family is going to be recognized for their Marine service there,” said Welling. The veteran is deceased, but his family will receive the honor on his behalf.

“We’re going to have 100 vendors there across a wide range of services in terms of physical health, financial health, mental health, also representatives from the VA as well as our team there if you want to file a VA benefit claim, if you’re looking for financial assistance, assistance with transportation, just the broad spectrum of services that all of our veterans have earned,” he said.

There’s a kids zone and lots of free food and drinks for veterans and their families! Welling said, this is a great time for veterans to reconnect.

“As a veteran, the biggest thing that I miss about my time in service is the camaraderie,” said Welling. “And so that’s also what this is all about, is bringing our thriving veteran community together and to share with one another and to celebrate with one another.”

Welling said, they’re expecting around 5,000 veterans and their families, but Hamilton County has some 37,000 vets! He said it would be amazing if more come!

There will be live music, free food, even red, white and blue candy, all donated by a local candy company. There’s so much to do, and even if the weather does not cooperate, it’s all happening inside the covered concourse at TQL!

“You’re good to go and it’s going to be perfect,” said Welling.

Now, they want to make sure they have enough food for everybody, so those planning to attend should RSVP.

The event is Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at TQL Stadium, and it’s free for all Hamilton County veterans and their families.

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