Operation Bugle Boy asks the community to help kick off a celebration Thursday for veterans far and wide, waving their flags and patriotic signs.
Starting at 4:15 p.m. Thursday, eight honorary veterans will roll through the Capital City in a motorcade leading them to St. Martins Knights of Columbus Hall, where OBB will host its annual Veterans Appreciation Night dinner.
Veterans Appreciation Night is a free event planned for 500 military veterans and their guests. Guests can start to arrive as early as 3:15 p.m. at Columbus Hall.
"Waving a flag as the motorcade carrying Operation Bugle Boy's honorary guests passes is a simple gesture," said Mike Flanagan, Wave 'Em If You Have 'Em chair. "It takes very little time, but it means a great deal to the men and women who see those flags as they make their way to the Operation Bugle Boy event."
The motorcade route leaves from Candlewood Suites, 3514 Amazonas Drive, turns left on Truman Boulevard then right on Country Club to Business 50 through Apache Flats, followed by a right on Route T in St. Martins and a left into the Knights of Columbus parking lot.
Among those veterans will be Sgt. Jeffrey Pugliese of the Watertown, Massachusetts, Police Department, who played a role in taking down the Boston Marathon bombers in 2013.
"This will be a memorable day for everyone involved, but especially for the veterans who come out that evening," said OBB President Chris Jarboe.
To be a part of this salute to veterans, contact Flanagan at 573-619-6353.