Oakland County honors veterans this week
Local communities host a week of ceremonies, free meals, and concerts to recognize service members and their families.
By Luka Evans ·
Oakland County prepares for a series of events marking Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
The commemorative week begins on Saturday, Nov. 7, with a free dinner hosted by LakePoint Veterans ministry in Oxford. Doors open at 4 p.m. for veterans, active service members, and widows or widowers of veterans. The program includes a guest speaker and entertainment, with the main segment starting at 5:15 p.m. Registration is required for all attendees. On the same day, Guitars for Vets hosts a fundraising concert in Lake Orion from 1 to 4 p.m. The event features blues and bluegrass music from Trailside Collective and the G4V Detroit Veterans Band. Tickets cost $20 and are limited.
Sunday, Nov. 8, brings a march in Royal Oak where participants carry rucksacks weighing 22 pounds or 22 food items to raise awareness for veterans in crisis. Donated goods will go to the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154, while funds support mental health services at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center. The Royal Oak Concert Band and Woodward Avenue Jazz Orchestra will perform a free concert at Royal Oak Middle School at 3 p.m. In South Lyon, Vietnam veteran Allen Bialek presents his Emmy Award-winning talk on freedom and gratitude at 2 p.m. at the Lyon Township Public Library.
On Tuesday, Nov. 10, the Oakland County Bar Association Veterans Law Committee hosts a commemoration ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in the Oakland County Commissioner’s Auditorium in Pontiac. The event honors military veterans who have served over the last 250 years. Entry is free with registration, and attendees must enter through the south courthouse entrance.
Wednesday, Nov. 11, features the primary observances across the county. Birmingham holds a wreath-laying ceremony at 11 a.m. in Shain Park, featuring retired Air Force Colonel David Spehar as the guest speaker. Light refreshments will follow at the Baldwin Public Library. Commerce Township hosts a breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Rolling Hills Retirement Community. Farmington Hills offers a breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at The Pines Restaurant, with keynote speaker Rich Luterman. Rochester serves a free breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Rochester Eagles Club. Troy holds its annual ceremony at 11 a.m. at Veterans Plaza, including live music and a gun salute. Pontiac hosts a brunch at the Auburn Hills Marriott from 12 to 4 p.m., offering suit fittings and a meal.
Businesses across the county offer free services on the day. MJR Theatres provides free movie tickets to active and retired veterans with valid ID. Big Boy restaurants serve a free breakfast buffet until 11 a.m. to those with military ID. Scooter’s Coffee offers a free medium drink in-store with a valid Military ID. McDonald’s of Michigan provides a free breakfast value meal consisting of an Egg McMuffin, hashbrown, and small coffee to veterans with ID.
Operation Green Light, a partnership between Oakland County Veterans Services and DTE Energy, distributes free green light bulbs. These bulbs are intended to show that veterans are seen and supported. Residents can pick up bulbs at the Pontiac office at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 26E, or call 248-858-0785. The program runs through Nov. 11.
The week concludes on Saturday, Nov. 14, with a parade in Pontiac starting at the Pontiac American Legion. The event includes the unveiling of a City Hall Veteran Hall of Honor at 11 a.m., organized on behalf of H. Bill Maxey, Executive Director of Aces Veteran Service.
