[VIDEO] Corvette Museum Celebrates America’s Veterans with Vets ‘n Vettes

Some things just go together – like veterans and Corvettes.

You know, as in Vets and ‘Vettes.

The National Corvette Museum feels the same way, and each year they always have a special celebration for three days in November honoring the men, women, and families of those who serve in our military.

Known as Vets ‘n Vettes, the celebration always comes to a close with a big Veterans Day Parade, where the Museum says it “pulls out the stops to show them how much we appreciate their sacrifice and service.”

We’ve never had the privilege of being at the NCM for the celebration, but now everyone around the world can get a great feel for what goes on, thanks to this highlight reel on YouTube from the NCM that’s designed to be a souvenir to those veterans who were at the ninth annual event and an inspiration for those of us who weren’t able to join the celebration this time, to come to Bowling Green next year.

As NCM Executive Director Wendell Strode said: “America’s warriors and America’s sports car – what a wonderful combination!”

“This is one of our most special events we put on at the Museum and the Motorsports Park,” says Katie Frassinelli, marketing and communications manager at the NCM, “because we are honoring those who have served our country, those who fight for our freedom.”

“This is our way of thanking our vets throughout the years,” Museum Events Manager Karen Renfrow told the Bowling Green Daily News. “This is our way of showing our appreciation for them.”

Strode, himself a Vietnam veteran, called the event “a labor of love” since many of the Corvette enthusiasts are veterans.

Vets ‘n Vettes cranked up Thursday with Motorsports Park rides, Wounded Warrior Luncheon, and plant tours.

“My son’s active duty Air Force, I’m retired Air Force,” said a smiling fellow named Jay. “Oh, this is great. I’ve never been to an event before. The people here are fantastic. I’m talking to anybody I walk up to. They start talking to me about their car. Just be a vet, come out here and jump in, man. Just start picking. They got six rows of cars out here. Pick whichever one you want and go!”

Friday’s activities included Vettes Storm Trooper island, Poker Run, Flag Seminar, and Banquet.

“It’s actually an honor for us to lead our group of veterans over to Trooper Island,” said Trooper First Class Jonathan Biven, commander of Trooper Island, which provides free camp for underprivileged children ages 10 to 12.

“Two things I’m extremely passionate about – one is our underprivileged camp as well as our veterans, these men and women behind me have sacrificed for our freedom and that’s something not to be taken lightly so I’m very humbled to get this opportunity today to be able to lead these guys to my other passion, which is Trooper Island,” Biven said.

Saturday’s activities included the Bowling Green Veterans Day Parade and VFW Post 1298 Fish Fry.

We like the way Wendell Strode summed up the celebration when he said: “The definition of a veteran, the best one I’ve ever seen is someone that wrote a blank check to the people of the United States for an amount up to and including their life. Today we honor our military veterans. We want to thank you for your service, and we want to say that may God bless each and every one of you and we also say may God forgive and may God bless America.”

You’ll also enjoy looking at the wide variety of Corvettes that are in virtually every frame, including the beauties in the parade Saturday!

Source:
National Corvette Museum / YouTube

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