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5K run/walk to raise funds for Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade

Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, PA) - 10/31/2014

Oct. 31--WILKES-BARRE -- The Wilkes-Barre District A Fund Committee will sponsor a 5K Run/Walk 11 a.m.Nov. 8 at Miner Park, Old River Road, to raise funds for the annual Veterans Day Parade Committee and AmVets Post 59.

According to Sam Greenberg, treasurer of the annual parade committee since its inception in 1948, the budget is about $10,000 and the committee has raised $7,000 of that through donations from local veterans posts and private citizens.

The race, he said, will help make up the difference.

Sue Greenfield of the District A Fund said pre-registration for the race is $15 and $30 on the day of the race. She said the registration fee is waived for all veterans and current military personnel. She said pre-registration is suggested and day of event registration begins at 9 a.m.

Greenberg, 87, of Kingston, is a World War II veteran and has served as national president of the Jewish American War Veterans.

"It's important to hold this parade every year to remind people that veterans fought for our freedom and they should be honored and remembered," Greenberg said.

Greenberg said there are many expenses involved in putting on the parade, such as insurance, a pre-race brunch, an essay contest for students in grades 4 through 12 and a special fly over airplane.

"We also purchase about 3,000 small American flags that we distribute to spectators at the parade," he said.

Greenberg and fellow World War II veteran Jim Walsh of Wilkes-Barre also distributed larger flags that were hung on utility poles on Market Street and given to businesses to display.

The parade steps off near Kingston Corners at 2 p.m. on Nov. 9.

For the 5K Walk/Run, Greenfield said there will be eight age divisions for male and female participants. Those pre-registered will receive a complimentary t-shirt.

For more information, including a course map and registration forms, contact Greenfield at 570-905 4960 or go to www.wbdistrictafund.org.

She said the District A Fund is administered by the Luzerne Foundation and was created to support efforts to improve the quality of life for residents and promote business in South Wilkes-Barre. Together with the Luzerne Foundation and a team of dedicated volunteers, the group works to maintain, repair and improve existing municipal and community facilities throughout District A, enhance safety and security for all residents and create a business-friendly neighborhood.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillO'Boyle.

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(c)2014 The Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.)

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