Veterans to Receive Warm Welcome Home at Summit Park

BLUE ASH, Ohio — Hundreds of veterans will receive an official welcome home at Summit Park this Wednesday. Hospice of Cincinnati is hosting its fourth annual welcome home celebration, honoring veterans’ service with special tributes.

Among those being honored is Karl Matson, a retired Air Force veteran who enjoys taking long walks in the park. ‘The Air Force was a choice, it was one of many choices that offered the excitement of being able to fly,’ Matson said.

At just 24, Matson served seven years as an Air Force instructor pilot. He emphasized the significance of recognizing veterans, particularly those who served during the Vietnam War. ‘It’s incredibly powerful to see the country honoring veterans today, especially for the Vietnam War veterans, they came back in during a tough time,’ he said.

According to Hospice of Cincinnati, one out of four hospice patients are veterans, highlighting the importance of acknowledging their sacrifices. The celebration will include tributes to veterans from various eras, honoring both the living and those who have passed.

Julie Alley, veteran service liaison at Hospice of Cincinnati, shared the event’s purpose. ‘This community event gives us an opportunity to honor veterans now so that they don’t have to wait until end of life to receive this acknowledgment,’ she said.

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m., attracting hundreds of veterans and their families to Summit Park.

‘You know if I had a chance to do it all over again I would do it the same way,’ Matson added, reflecting on his service.