TROOP SUPPORT Support The Troops sends free packages to our military year round. While stateside, we send them one free care package to let them know America supports them. While serving overseas, we send them throughout their deployment. Please send names and addresses of those serving, along with the approximate time frame that the address is good for, to sttroops@gmail.com or contact Valerie Ferguson at 610-438-8885 or visit the Lehigh Valley Military Council at lv-mac.org/newsletter/

VETERAN SUPPORT Help support our veterans in nursing and assisted living facilities. The Veterans Visitation Committee is collecting items to make gift packages for residents when they visit. Recommended donations are personal toiletries in individual travel sizes; large print Sudoku and Word Search books, notebooks, pens, pencils; decks of playing cards; warm socks, lap blankets, sweaters; drawstring bags, backpacks; small boxes to hold items; small bag snacks, cookies, lifesavers with the hole in the middle, hard candy. Donations accepted at the Easton YMCA, 1225 W. Lafayette St., or arrange for pickup. Questions: contact Bill Allem at 404-519-3327 or emailbtgbill@yahoo.com

Saturday, Nov. 9,

2024 Veterans and Military Council (visit lv-mac.org/) and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce annual 5K Ruck ‘n Run/Walk to honor veterans and military members, 8 to 11 a.m. There is an One Mile Fun Run/Walk noncompetitive option with no timing or awards. Rain or shine. Off road grass course, Bicentennial Park, 5351 Park West Lane.

Race Day Check-in: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Middle Pavillion. 5K begins at 9 a.m. One Mile Fun Run/Walk begins at 9:45 a.m. Awards Presentations to universities, college teams, employer teams and individual category veteran supporters, and remarks are at 10:30 a.m. To register or donate, visit runsignup.com/Race/PA/Bethlehem/2022LVCollegiateAllianceforVets5kRucknWalk?aflt_token=vkmwDmweQ4iCYn8otSOOnKQ3vCO8buOw; for information, visit https://lv-mac.org/events/chamber-ruck-n-walk-lehigh-valley/

Sunday, Nov. 10

Salute the Troops Concert to benefit Victory House of the Lehigh Valley and other Rotary Club of Bethlehem Morning Star charitable activities in recognition of of veterans and armed forces worldwide. Featuring the Allentown Band and the Northeast MS Band and Chorus. 3 p.m. Northeast MS, 1170 Fernwood St. For information, tsponsorship and tickets, visit lv-mac.org/events/rotary-salute-the-troops-concert/

Marine Corps birthday All Marines and friends and relatives of Marines are invited to an annual ceremony to celebrate the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps Sunday, Nov. 10, starting at 1 p.m. at Cedar Beach Park in Allentown.

The public and U.S. Marines, Fleet Marine Force Navy Corpsmen, Fleet Marine Force Chaplains, and their families have been gathering every Nov. 10 at the iconic U.S. Marine Corps Memorial in Cedar Beach Park to celebrate the annual birthday of the Marine Corps.

The ceremony is simple, but emotional. Marines and FMF Sailors attend from every modern war, from young to old, active duty, retired, and those that did one hitch, all gather in camaraderie and fellowship to hear the inspiring message to all Marines from famed World War I General John A. Lejeune and other, modern military leaders to include the current Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.

The ceremony concludes with the traditional cutting of the birthday cake where the oldest and the youngest Marine, FMF Corpsman or FMF Chaplain are served the first pieces.

Following is a Birthday Cake cutting ceremony at Cetronia Fire Company Social Club, 18 S. Scenic St., Allentown

Contact Doug Graves for more information: doug@graves.org 540-842-2341

Monday, Nov. 11

Traditions of Hanover Veterans hot breakfast (limited seating), 7:30 to 9 a.m. Veterans only: free; cost for guests. This and all donations benefit the honor guard of the Harry F.W. Johnson American Legion Post 379. Traditions of Hanover, 5300 Northgate Drive. Visittraditionsofhanover.com/senior-living/pa/bethlehem/events for information.

DeSales University Office of Veterans and Military Services Veterans Day Ceremony featuring speaker Michael Paradis, human rights lawyer, author, historian and national security law scholar. 11 a.m. De Sales University, 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley. Visit lv-mac.org/events/desales-veterans-day-ceremony/for information.

Open House at Victory House, food, fun, mural dedication. Noon, 314 Fillmore St. Visit VictoryHouselv.org

Nov. 12

LVHN-VHP Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony for all Lehigh Valley veterans, 11 a.m. Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest, 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown. Veterans may register at web.lehighvalleychamber.org/events; information: visit lv-mac.org/events/lvhn-vhp-veterans-day-recognition-ceremony/

The Bethlehem Press calendar listings are, to the best of our knowledge, correct at the time of printing. We are not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of information submitted by external parties.