Voices of Hope event to honor veterans

CEDAR RAPIDS — Organizers of this year's Voices of Hope event promise attendees a patriotic evening with music, military ceremonies and food.

The free event, hosted by the Christian organization Serve the City and affiliated with the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival, takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday at New Covenant Bible Church, 3090 N. Center Point Rd.

Now in its 16th year, the daily program features a Color Guard of veterans with 98 years of combined service, a Missing Warrior Ceremony and a Welcome Home Ceremony for all veterans. The centerpiece is a choral presentation of patriotic music and narration by an 82-member choir.

The music starts at 7 p.m. and the concert will be rebroadcast on KMRY 1450 AM at 4 p.m. on July 4.

Before the program, a resource fair featuring more than a dozen organizations is set to take place. Participating organizations include American Legion Post 298 in Marion, Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival, Definitely Dogs, Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, HACAP-Operation Home, Iowa City Veteran Affairs Health Care System, Kirkwood Office of Veteran Affairs, Linn County Office of Veteran Affairs, Linn County Veterans Charity, Metro Veterans Council, Midwest Military Outreach, Quilts of Valor and The Vet Center.

Additionally, Tuesday's program will feature an Oath of Enlistment Ceremony for several new recruits conducted by the U.S. Army and Wednesday's program features a Flag Retirement Ceremony during which up to 300 flags are to be officially retired.

Serve the City is a network of more than 50 churches and faith-based organizations in Eastern and Central Iowa. Information about the event is available at servethecity.org or by calling (319) 395-0021.

l Comments: (319) 368-8542; rilyn.eischens@thegazette.com