Veterans Day Rally connects veterans, community members

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Sunday marked the 2025 Veterans Day Rally, hosted by the Military Veterans' Educational Foundation at the National Veterans Memorial Museum.

Carrie Killingsworth, president of Ohio MILVETS, said the event creates a space to honor veterans and celebrate their contributions to the nation. 

“A lot of people expect to see a guy wearing a hat in Kroger and recognize that he’s a veteran and that's great, but there's really no way for the community to connect with that guy,” Killingsworth said. “It's really hard and God love people who say thank you for your service. That's a lovely gesture, but it doesn't give you this, that person-to-person connection that you can get here at the rally.” 

This was the second annual Veterans Day Rally. The event had everything from historical displays, guest speakers, entertainment and food, all for free. Ohio MILVETS also gave out educational scholarships to the families of central Ohio service members who died during service.   

“I hope that everyone here today sees that its multigenerational, that we are coming together to support our veterans and what it means to be a veteran, and all the things veterans have done for the country and the community,” Airforce veteran SMSgt Mike Dedousis said.  

Organizers said another highlight from the event was seeing young cadets and ROTC members from various schools throughout Columbus connecting with veterans. They hope it will help guide them on their journey towards the future.   

“Our veterans fought for what they knew was right and it's very good to honor them because some of them died and they couldn't come back to see their families,” Kamiya Smith of Arts Impact Middle School said. “So its a good to honor them and appreciate everybody who did that.” 

Organizers said they hope the event can continue to be a bridge to connects and support veterans in the future.