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The ‘Salute to Service’ returns this week. The Veterans’ Day tribute project was created by the volunteers known as the “Friends of Farmville Veterans”, a group representing most of the veteran-related organizations in Southside Virginia. 

The second annual event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, noon – 5 p.m., at Three Roads Brewing Company, 312 W. Third St., Farmville. This is a rain or shine event. Veterans, patriots, civilians, children, friendly pets — everyone is invited to mark their calendars for the most exciting event in Farmville.

Once again, a consortium comprised of the local chapters of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Daughters of American Revolution, Farmville Jarheads, Military Officers Association of America, in association with Three Roads Brewing Company, High Bridge State Park, Longwood University ROTC, and other partners, are joining forces to provide area veterans with a fun day where the community says, “thank you for your service.”

Organizers say attendees can expect two things: a respectful, moving day to properly acknowledge and thank those who served as well as a fun day of food, music, tradition, and patriotism. Red, white, and blue will be on display everywhere. Attendees are encouraged to wear their most patriotic outfits.

Detailing the ‘Salute to Service’ 

So what will happen during the Salute to Service? The day will start with the Irreverent Warriors, a veterans’ group from Richmond, who enjoy participating in physical adventure activities, leaving Three Roads Brewing Company at 9 a.m. for a “Silkie Run” (“silkie” is a nickname for military athletic clothing) on the trail to High Bridge and back, a round-trip distance of approximately 12 miles. This run is open to the public. Folks may walk or run as much, or as little, as they wish. Signups will be held the morning of the event, beginning at 7 a.m. It is scheduled for the runners to return in time to be a part of the opening ceremonies.

At least three food trucks will be on hand offering a wide variety of foods for purchase. These will be up and running by 11 a.m. The food trucks confirmed are Fletcher’s BBQ, Pippy’s Dog House, and El Taco Loco.

The “Veterans Midway” opens at noon. Admission is free for everyone. Veterans will receive a special commemorative souvenir cup plus a ticket for a free drink of their choice. Also at noon, the Southside Community Band, in association with Longwood University, will begin playing patriotic pieces.

There will be numerous booths from veterans-related organizations providing “one stop shopping” for anyone wishing to learn more. Whether interested in information on veterans benefits or how to become more involved with organizations in the area, participants can get their answers at this event.

Also, some of these booths may be having fundraisers to help support various veteran services.

In addition to the others mentioned, a number of groups will be represented, including Longwood University’s “Home and Abroad” writing program; Amelia Veterans Cemetery; Centra Hospice’s “We Honor Veterans” program; the Disabled American Veterans; the Patriot Guard Riders; Trinity Memorial Gardens; the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; the Vietnam Veterans Association; Lonesome Dove Equestian and the Department of Veterans Services. 

Paying tribute through ceremony

Attendees will want to make sure they’re settled in their seats before 1 p.m., when the official ceremony begins. 

Bagpipers, followed by the runners to High Bridge and back, will play while marching to the Brewery, escorting the Ground Zero flag on its way to be presented to local first responders, in a lasting tribute to the first responders on Sept. 11. This flag is scheduled to soon go to a museum permanently, so this may well be one of the last opportunities to see it locally. Per tradition, the crowd will be asked to observe 9 minutes and 11 seconds of reverent silence. At the conclusion, the bagpipers will play Taps. 

If having the Ground Zero flag wasn’t enough, the famous “Dog Tag flag” (the proper name for this memorial is Veteran and Athletic United – VAU – Fallen Heroes Memorial) will also be in attendance. This flag is made up of the dog tags of everyone who has died in the War on Terror. Containing approximately 7,000 dog tags, it measures 28 feet wide and 6 feet tall.

At the conclusion of Taps, the Opening Ceremonies begin. Included will be the Pledge of Allegiance, an Honor Guard, posting of colors, and National Anthem. There will be important recognitions, such as of veterans from different conflicts, gold star family members, purple heart recipients, and more. The theme song from each branch of service will be played and all members of that branch are invited to stand to be recognized. Next comes the POW/MIA (Prisoner of War/Missing in Action) ceremony, sometimes referred to as the Missing Man Rite.

A crowd favorite from last year, the Greater Richmond Chorus, will return to perform a selection of patriotic songs. 

Other activities during the event

Following the conclusion of the Opening Ceremonies and the live music, D.J. Bad Dog will take over, playing the hits and taking requests.

Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park will provide a Civil War Musket Firing Demonstration. Dressed in full Civil War uniform, the presenter was a crowd favorite last year. 

The National Guard will provide a static display of heavy military equipment all day. Everyone, especially children, love climbing in and on these monsters. The kids will have great memories of this. 

Although the Brewery has lots of seating, attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, as a large crowd is expected. The parking lot closest to the event will be reserved for people with mobility problems. There is plenty of free parking within easy walking distance. New this year is a parking area on the opposite side of the train station parking lot. Volunteers will be on hand to help with parking. Other nearby parking areas include the train station, Farmer’s Market, municipal lot behind Caryn’s Bridals, Farmville Wholesale Electric, and any residential street that doesn’t have “Residential Parking Only” signs. Also, there is plenty of metered parking.

For more about the ‘Salute to Service’, you can visit and like “Friends of Farmville Veterans” on Facebook. For more information, call 434-414-4494.