The City of Madisonville is set to honor local heroes and unite the community with a day of celebration, remembrance, and gratitude as it announces the upcoming Madisonville Salutes event.
According to Pubic Relations Director Jennifer Daves, Madisonville Salutes, a full day of patriotic celebration honoring military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families, will be held on Saturday, May 16th, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Madisonville City Park.
Residents and visitors are invited to come out to the event for a powerful day of remembrance, entertainment, and community spirit.
As part of this year’s celebration, Daves says the City of Madisonville will welcome four prominent traveling memorial exhibits to Madisonville City Park from May 14th through May 17th, giving residents and visitors a meaningful chance to reflect and honor those who have served and sacrificed.
The traveling exhibits will feature America’s Freedom Tribute, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial from Washington, D.C., engraved with the names of over 58,000 service members who gave their lives for our nation.
The exhibit will also showcase the Cost of Freedom Tribute, recognizing the sacrifices of service members in World War I, World War II, Korea, Desert Storm, Somalia, September 11th, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Additionally, visitors will have the chance to see the Traveling World War II Memorial, the Traveling Korean War Memorial, and the Traveling First Responder Memorial on display.
Mayor Kevin Cotton emphasized in a release the importance of bringing all four memorials to Madisonville, stating that each wall holds the names and stories of courageous individuals who have shaped both the nation and the community. He highlighted the significance of honoring the sacrifices made by military members and first responders, encouraging residents to visit the exhibits, reflect on the names, and remember that freedom and safety come at a real cost. During the memorials’ time in Madisonville, visitors are invited to walk along the displays and pay their respects.
Daves says highlights of Madisonville Salutes on Saturday, May 16th, include live music from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Heroes and Hot Rods Car Show from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., local vendors and booths offering food, crafts, and products, military booths and vehicle displays, benefit tournaments, and a fireworks show following the concert.
Families can also look forward to a variety of children’s activities, such as bounce houses and inflatable games.
Daves notes that all activities are free of charge and open to the public.
