Bloomington and NWHSU to thank veterans for their service

A capacity crowd of Twin Cities-area veterans, active-duty service members and their families is expected at a special event Sunday where the City of Bloomington and Northwestern Health Sciences University will thank them for their service.

The Veterans Appreciation Day event will include a brunch as well as ceremonies, music and speeches thanking veterans and active service members one day before the nation officially celebrates Veterans Day. This is the third year that Bloomington and NWHSU have teamed up for a major event thanking a large number of local veterans and military personnel.

The event begins at 11 a.m. in the main building on the NWHSU campus, 2501 W. 84th St., Bloomington. After welcoming remarks and the posting of colors, guests will enjoy brunch. Bloomington Mayor Gene Winstead will thank the veterans and service members, anthems from all branches of the military will play, and guests will be treated to a live performance featuring music from the Frank Sinatra/Rat Pack era. The event concludes at 2 p.m.

In addition to Winstead, local officials expected to attend include: U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), state Rep. Steve Elkins (DFL-Bloomington), Bloomington Board of Education member Dick Bergstrom and Bloomington City Council members Jack Baloga and Dwayne Lowman.

The event is free to all veterans and active-duty service members along with one guest each. In addition to the city and NWSHU, American Legion Post 550 and Touching Hearts at Home are event sponsors. For more information, please call 952-563-8733 or email outreach@bloomingtonmn.gov. Media are invited to cover both events and can set up as early as 10:30 a.m., entering through Door 3 of the main university building.

Thanks to Fox 9 News and 5 Eyewitness News for covering the event!