Veterans Day Events

By Alex Crichton

Rochester, NY – There are a number of events today to mark Veterans Day.

--Rochester Institute of Technology is hosting its inaugural Veterans Day Recognition and Celebration. The event pays tribute to members of the campus community with a history of service in the country's armed forces. It runs from 8 til 10 this morning at the Gordon Field House.

--The Rochester Museum and Science Center, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, is holding a blood drive today. They'll be taking donations from 11am to 4pm at the Eisenhart Auditorium. Organizers say one hour of each donor's time can save the lives of up to three people. Walk ins are welcome.

--Students with the day off today will be helping build a home for a veteran. The program, in conjunction with Flower City Habitat and the Veterans Outreach Center, will bring students between the ages of 16 and 22 together today to build a home on Orange Street in the city for US Army Veteran Ronald Wright. That program runs from 9 til 2 today.

--St. Ann's Community will conduct a special Veterans Day Service at St. Ann's Chapel on Portland Avenue this morning at 10:30. There will be patriotic songs and a flag ceremony. A number of veterans who live near St. Ann's Community are expected among the 150 people expected to attend the service.

--Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge will gather for a ceremony this morning at the Port of Rochester Building. Dick Brookins, one of the founders of that group, will speak at 11am. Vince Hope, President of the Honor Flight for World War II Veterans, will also speak. Several members of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge Group recently took an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

--The City of Rochester plans an "Honoring Our Heroes" Veterans Day concert tonight at 8 at Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theater. The Rochester Philarmonic Orchestra will pay tribute to local military veterans and their families. Favorites like "Stars and Stripes Forever, " and "America the Beautiful" will be featured at tonight's concert.

--The Rochester Americans Hockey team is holding "Salute the Troops Night" tonight as the Amerks take on Binghamton at the BlueCross Arena. Fans are encouraged to donate care package items that will be sent to service members deployed overseas. Items ranging from Q-Tips to shampoo to dental floss and lip balm will be collected at tonight's game. Visit amerks.com for a complete list of items that can be included in the care packages.