Since Central Kansas Medical Center wants to take advantage of special venues to spread the health-care message, it will set up shop at the upcoming veterans’ recognition event.
The Second Annual POW-MIA Recognition Ceremony and Flag Retirement is set for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18 and 19. The first day will begin at 12:30 p.m. with the POW-MIA Memorial Remembrance Ride and Parade, starting at Brit Spaugh Park and ending at Jack Kilby Square.
The POW-MIA Ceremony begins at 1 p.m. with a presentation on the Vietnam War by Bob Couch in the band shell at the Square. Lakin Street will be blocked to traffic from Main to Kansas.
CKMC representatives will be on hand to provide free blood pressure checks and to raise awareness about osteoporosis on Saturday only.
"We are grateful that the hospital will be there again this year," said Carol Danielson, organizing-committee member. "A lot of people who attend this event are older and the information about osteoporosis will be helpful to them, as well as everyone else."
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become fragile and more likely to break. Information about the disease, which can affect men and women, will be printed on free bandanas provided by CKMC.
Mark Mingenback, CKMC executive director of community, marketing and the Foundation, noted that at last year’s event the hospital reached out to many people with information on stroke symptoms.
"This year we wanted to raise awareness about osteoporosis," Mingenback said. "We always want to spread the word about health-care issues and we appreciate the veterans’ organizations allowing us to participate. This community gathering is especially gratifying because it honors the men and women who have given so much to our country."
The Great Bend American Legion and the Legion Riders of Argonne Post 180, 1011 Kansas, will host the event, with the support of other veterans’ organizations.
At 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will meet at the American Legion to help retire 1,400 flags. The public is invited and anyone can dedicate a flag to a loved one who served in the military.
"While everyone in the community is encouraged to attend any of the weekend’s activities, we hope young people will take the opportunity to learn about what the veterans have contributed," Danielson said. "We want them to understand what veterans have gone through."
Information about how and where veterans can seek help will be available and a missing-man flyover of vintage World War II planes is scheduled for Saturday. Local dignitaries will attend and food vendors will be available.
For more information, contact the American Legion by calling 620-793-5912.
