Starting on Wednesday, Veteran’s Services and other supporters in Provo began hosting a special Veterans Day celebration.

Veterans will be honored through a special program, awards ceremony and informational booths – both historical and current.

Referring to veterans as exceptional, Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi said, “I can’t think of a better word to describe my expectations for our service delivery to our residents because we are an exceptional community. And that is never more obvious than when surrounded by the exceptional examples of our veterans.”

With that, Kaufusi announced the new mission statement for the city — “Exceptional care for an exceptional community.”

“In the most challenging of circumstances, facing fears, doubts, and their very mortality, these brave men and women helped America become exceptional,” Kaufusi said. “Our thank you to them is to not just be inspired by their exceptional example–but to become one of our own.”

Events will be held each day at the Historic County Courthouse with a special program Thursday at Timpview High School.

Wednesday

9 a.m. — Coffee, Hot Chocolate and Refreshments.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Veteran and Community Resource Tables.

1 p.m. — Welcome with Utah County Commissioners and Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi. There will be special presentations of the Utah Cold War Victory Medals and a presentation recognizing the Utah County Veteran of the Year.

Thursday

Timpview High School Veterans Day Celebration – Timpview Student Council Program (Sponsored by the Freedom Festival, Provo Mayor’s Office and Utah County Veterans Services Community Partnership.)

The event will be held at 10 a.m. at the Timpview High School Thunderdome Gym, 3570 North 650 East, Provo. Steven Shallenberger, a former Air Force Top Gun pilot, will be the featured speaker. Lunch will be served to veterans and their families following the program. Following lunch, the fair resumes at Historic Courthouse.

Noon — Celebrate the Marine Corps’ 247th Birthday with a cake cutting hosted by Utah County Commissioner Tom Sakievich.

2 p.m. — Suicide Prevention Speaker, Danielle Johnson Suicide Prevention Community Panel, at the Veterans Conference Room #317.

9 p.m. to 5 p.m.–  visit Veteran and Community Resource Tables 4 p.m. A special drum circle, to drum out suicide, will demonstrate drumming skills. Members of the public are invited to participate.

Finale — A flag retirement ceremony will be held.

Throughout the day, a canned food donation box will be available for the VA Food Pantry.

Friday

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Veteran and Community Resource Tables briefings from all organizations on community services, job opportunities and benefits.

4 p.m. — Drum Circle.

Finale – Flag retirement ceremony.