Free event honors veterans, first responders

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) — Several Bowling Green organizations came together Wednesday to honor veterans and first responders with free food, live music, door prizes and fellowship.

Good Deeds KY Director Mary Osborne said veterans groups, nonprofits and volunteers worked together to make the event happen. The gathering, which began in 2019, is meant to thank those who have served their country and community.

Volunteers step up to serve

Students from several Western Kentucky University organizations, Greenwood High School FFA and the Men’s Addiction Recovery Center were among those helping serve guests.

That support is a big part of what keeps the event going, Osborne said. But the focus remains on the veterans and first responders being honored.

“I hope that they are able to sense our gratitude,” Osborne said. “I hope that they know we thank them for their service and sacrifice. When you think what a first responder or veteran has done for our country and community, it’s the least we can do.”

A chance to connect

The event also gives veterans and first responders time to visit with one another and experience what Osborne described as “the fellowship of the community.”

Putting it all together takes help from many people. For Osborne, seeing volunteers, organizations and guests gathered in one place is part of what gives the event its meaning.

At its heart, the day is a simple thank-you to people who have spent years serving others.