Veterans, Families Invited to Public Flag-Raising Ceremony

Local veterans and their families are invited to attend a flag-raising ceremony on the 30-acre grounds at Ames Family Hospice House, 30800 Hospice Way, Westlake, on Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. The ceremony will take place in the large Veterans Garden located in front of the house.

Spokesperson Laurie Heinrichsen said veterans from Avon and Avon Lake are welcome to attend the ceremony.

American Legion Post 12 from Elyria will be donating a new 4 x 6 foot flag to wave from atop the 30-foot flagpole located in the center of the garden and will perform a ceremony honoring the memory of all who have lost their lives in service to the county. A bugler will perform Taps.

The flag donation came about through the efforts of veteran Ken Sedlak, whose sister-in-law was cared for at Ames Family Hospice House.

 “When I visited the house earlier in the year, I noticed the flag was beginning to show some wear, and the recent storms took an additional toll. With Veterans Day coming, it was an opportune time for us to donate a new one,” Sedlak, a LaGrange Township resident, said.

Leading to the Veterans Garden at Ames Family Hospice House is a Walk of Honor, paved with 27 commemorative, engraved bricks that have been purchased by families, and loved ones to pay tribute to both veterans and to their loved ones still serving in the Armed Forces. All brick donations benefit Hospice of the Western Reserve’s patients and their families. Both the Veterans Garden and Walk of Honor are open the community. One need not have any connection to hospice to have a commemorative brick installed in the Walk of Honor. Those interested in more information may call 855-475-0245, or visit www.hospicewr.org/campaign.