The City of Lakewood’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony will take place Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial in Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue. Lakewood’s annual Veterans Day observance is a tribute to the men and women who served our country in the armed forces.
Lakewood’s Veterans Day program will begin with the Presentation of Colors followed by the National Anthem by performed by the Lakewood High School Ranger Marching Band.
This year’s keynote speaker is Jim Quisenberry. James “Jim” Quisenberry was born in Waynesboro, Virginia in 1948. His family moved to Cleveland in the early 1950’s. He graduated from West Technical High School in 1966 and then enlisted in the US Army for Infantry Airborne that same year. Jim served in the 82nd Airborne Division and in 1967 took part in a fire team mission to the Congo. In 1968, he served in Vietnam with the 173RD Airborne Brigade until wounds received ended his tour of duty.
He retired from his civilian career in 2006 after almost 32 years with The Illuminating Company and then retired from his career at First Federal Lakewood Bank after 10 years in 2018.
Jim has been active for over three decades on many projects and activities that relate to veteran’s issues, our community and civic events. He was inducted into The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2005. Also, The Joint Veterans Council of Cuyahoga County recognized Jim as the 2016 Veteran of the Year when he accepted the Christian G. Girard/James B. Cole award on behalf of Noncommissioned and Petty Officer Corps.
He is a member of the 82ND Airborne Division Association John Towle-Cleveland Chapter, 173RD Airborne Brigade Association Mid – West Chapter, American Legion Post 385, Catholic War Veterans S.S. Cyril & Methodius Post 579, Cleveland Grays, DAV Parma #116, PLAV Post 30, Purple Hearts, VFW Post 2533, Vietnam Veterans of America Greater Cleveland Chapter # 15. Jim also serves as a board member for two non-profit organizations: Citizens Vision and Equal Honor for All.
Jim resides in Lakewood, Ohio with his wife, Donna, of 46 years. They have been blessed with two children Jim and Angela and three grandchildren.
Other highlights of this year’s program include performances by the Lakewood High School Band, a poem by Bill Knittle and a 21-gun salute by the Joint Veterans Honor Guard. The Veterans Day Ceremony is free and open to the public. Following the ceremony, coffee and doughnuts will be offered in the Woman’s Club Pavilion at Lakewood Park.
