VERO BEACH — Since November is the month of Veterans Day, in recent years, it has been the tradition of the Indian River Genealogical Society to honor veterans at the November meeting.
The program planned for the Nov. 1 meeting will be very special. President Tony Young, an Army veteran, and his team of super sleuths will present their research and relate stories about the veterans who are memorialized at Veterans Memorial Island and Sanctuary.
Because the City of Vero Beach will be using the library on Election Day, the IRGS will meet Tuesday, Nov. 1, a departure from the regular schedule of meeting on second Tuesdays.
The IRGS will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the large first floor conference room of the Indian River County Main Library, 1600 21st St., Vero Beach.
Following a brief business session and refreshments, the program will begin about 10:45 a.m.
The Indian River Genealogical Society invites the public to remember and honor the 73 Indian River County veterans who are memorialized at Veterans Memorial Island & Sanctuary.
Earlier this year, a dedicated team of genealogy researchers, led by Col. Anthony W. Young, US Army (ret.) began a project to uncover information about each of these heroes. The research team will outline the techniques they used and share interesting stories learned in the process.
A special invitation is extended to veterans and their families, especially those of the 73 heroes whose markers are found on the island.
Col. Young, known to his friends and family as Tony, is a native of Vero Beach and the grandson of the first mayor of Vero Beach. He attended Virginia Military Institute on an Army ROTC scholarship and had a 30-year distinguished career in the Army Medical Department.
Tony retired in 2006 after serving in the Bosnia Conflict, Operation Desert Shield and Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is a recipient of the Legion of Merit and many other awards. The IRGS is most fortunate to have him as its president.
For more information about this Veterans program, call (772) 321-2692.
For information about the IRGS and membership, visit www.irgs.org.