Celebrate America 250: Honoring Our Veterans

Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Perry County Cultural Arts Center
447 S. Main Street, New Lexington

The Opera House Players are inviting veterans and their families to a special afternoon honoring those who served our country as part of the Celebrate America 250 observance.

The Wall: A Pilgrimage

The featured event is a 50-minute one-act play, The Wall: A Pilgrimage, written by Jan Stuckey.

The play follows a family traveling to Washington, D.C., to visit the name of their loved one on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Director Betsy Martin was inspired to create this event while reflecting on the Vietnam era.

“In 1970, the Vietnam War was in full swing. Ohio University closed due to the protests and Kent State shootings. Many of my friends were drafted and sent to Vietnam. Eventually, The Vietnam Memorial Wall was erected with the names of soldiers who lost their lives over there. As we celebrate our country’s 250-year anniversary, I felt we should honor these veterans.”

Free for Veterans and Their Families

Admission is FREE for veterans and their families.

The event will also include:

• 🍕 Free pizza
• 🥗 Salad
• 🍰 Desserts
• 🥤 Beverages
• 🎟️ Door prizes for veterans
• 🔨 Silent auction

Local businesses are donating food and other items to help make the event possible.

Honoring Local Veterans

The event will include a special recognition of local veterans who lost their lives in Vietnam.

The cast of The Wall: A Pilgrimage includes:

• Maryann Headley — Mother
• Parker Adams — Brother
• Julie Scott — Wife
• Addison Scott — Daughter
• Dave Brehm — Father
• Mike Fulk — Soldier

Robin Pickenpaugh will assist with lights and sound.

Event Information

Celebrate America 250: Honoring Our Veterans
📅 Sunday, November 8, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM
📍 Perry County Cultural Arts Center
447 S. Main Street, New Lexington

The event is presented by the Opera House Players, featuring local performers.

Questions or additional information:
Betsy Martin
Text/Cell: 220-201-6024
Email: martinb3@ohio.edu