YMCA’s Veterans Prayer Breakfast planned for Nov. 1
MADISON – For the 18th year, Heart of the Valley YMCA is presenting the annual Veterans Prayer Breakfast, a community event that honors local military veterans, both past and present.
Craig and Steven Hogan Family YMCA in Madison will host the breakfast on Nov. 1.
Doors will open at 6:45 a.m. for check-in and a coffee social. The formal program will start promptly at 7:30 a.m. The event marks the official kickoff of Veterans Week in the Tennessee Valley.
The Veterans Prayer Breakfast is held in partnership with the North Alabama Veterans and Fraternal Organizations Coalition. The program honors “Courage, Sacrifice and Duty” of military personnel and will feature musical performances, a prayer ceremony and an award presentation that recognizes outstanding service to veterans.
“The City of Madison, our educators and youth organization leaders do such a fantastic job honoring our servicemen and women during Veterans Week,” Jean Downs said. Downs is Vice Commander of Madison American Legion, Post 229.
“All schools, our Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and JROTC units show an incredible amount of support by placing flags on graves, providing hundreds of cards and letters, and donating gifts for local veterans,” Downs said.
For 2024, the breakfast will feature two inspiring keynote addresses delivered by distinguished guest speakers: CW5 (Ret.) Dr. Harry Hobbs, Vice President of Employee Engagement at Huntsville Utilities, and Lieutenant General Sean Gainey, Commanding General of U.S. Army Space & Missile Defense Command.
“For more than 100 years, the YMCA has been dedicated to supporting and uplifting our veterans, and the Veterans Prayer Breakfast is a significant part of that mission,” Heart of the Valley Interim CEO Jeff Collen said. “This event holds special meaning for the YMCA as we come together to recognize and honor the sacrifices made by those who have defended our freedoms.”
“We invite the entire community to join us in this heartfelt celebration, showing our collective gratitude for the men and women who have served our country,” Collen said.
Event proceeds will directly benefit the YMCA Military Outreach Program, which provides essential services and support to veterans and their families. The program offers scholarships, discounted or free memberships and access to YMCA programs designed to support the health and well-being of local, active service members and their families.
The YMCA will offer complimentary admission during Nov. 1-11 to all veterans, individuals with valid Military I.D. and their families at all branches of the Y: Downtown Express YMCA, Southeast Family YMCA in Huntsville and Hogan Family YMCA in Madison.
Sponsorships are available for the prayer breakfast.
Heart of the Valley YMCA’s association office address is 238 Business Park Blvd., Building 23B, Suite 101 in Madison.
Tickets cost $35. For more information or to buy breakfast tickets, call (256) 428-9622, ext. 208, or visit ymcahuntsville.org/VPB.
