Heart of a Marine & Fifth Third Bank ready for Veterans Day Appreciation Event

Fifth Third Bank and Elk Grove based Heart of a Marine Foundation announced plans for its annual campaign to honor the men and women who serve our country in the armed forces.

“Every single person that lives in the United States benefits from the hard work, commitment and sacrifice of our nation's soldiers," said Robert A. Sullivan, President & CEO, Fifth Third Bank (Chicago). "We're excited to invite the community to join us in demonstrating our gratitude to those who serve in the military through our fundraising campaign and related events."

The Day of Appreciation will be held on Monday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Great Hall of Chicago's famed Union Station. The event is free to the public and will feature ongoing live patriotic music from Great Lakes Naval Base and local school and performance groups.

Many Fifth Third Bank and Heart of A Marine employees will spend the day assembling 1,530 care packages at Union Station. The public is invited to come to Union Station and write notes of support that will go inside the care packages. Other veteran- related organizations will be on hand at the event, including Bringing War Dogs Home, Folds of Honor Foundation, and the Pritzker Military Library. At 2 p.m., the bank will join local elected officials, dignitaries and local celebrities for a ceremonial program of appreciation honoring military veterans and all those who serve in the U.S. military.

The bank will announce the results of its month-long fundraising campaign to provide educational scholarships for the families of area soldiers wounded or killed in action.

"It's an honor and privileges to help the families that stand behind these dedicated soldiers pursue an education," Sullivan said. "We look forward to celebrating our soldiers – both past and present – on November 12, and hope the community will join us in these extensive volunteer efforts."

More information is available at www.53vets.com