GREENVILLE — Tribute Funeral Homes and a network of local businesses, sponsors and volunteers provided 710 meals to Darke County veterans following the Veterans Parade and Memorial Service on Armed Forces Day at the 170th Great Darke County Fair.
The meal was served near the grandstands as part of the fair’s Veterans Day activities.
Grace Fee Dearing of Tribute Funeral Homes said the annual meal is one way the organization and its supporters can express their gratitude to those who served in the military.
“We love our area veterans,” Dearing said. “They have given absolutely so much to our country, and this is the least we can do for them, for sure.”
Although Tribute Funeral Homes started the meal, Dearing said serving hundreds of veterans requires considerable community support.
“We have a ton of local support,” she said. “It definitely takes a village. We fed 710 this year, so we definitely couldn’t do it by ourselves. We have a large network here.”
That network includes local businesses that contribute to the meal and volunteers who help prepare and serve it. Dearing said 710 people were served in about 30 minutes. The event was well organized and ran smoothly, allowing volunteers to serve the large number of veterans and guests efficiently.
“We have a great crew that volunteers each year as well,” she said. “The energy from the group is great. They really think of everything and take charge, which takes a lot off our shoulders when it comes to feeding that many people.”
The meal is part of Tribute Funeral Homes’ ongoing commitment to supporting veterans throughout Darke County.
“At the heart of what Tribute does is giving back to veterans,” Dearing said. “It’s always been heavy on our owner Eric Fee’s heart to give back to area veterans and those who have served.”
Dearing credited the volunteers with making the large undertaking run smoothly.
“I think you need the best team for that, and we do have the best team,” she said.
The veterans outreach is also a family commitment for the Fees. Dearing works behind the scenes with her father, Eric Fee, and other family members to make the meal and the funeral home’s other community efforts possible.
When jokingly asked how she felt about her father often receiving the public recognition for work she helps perform behind the scenes, Dearing responded with a chuckle.
“His thanks are my thanks,” she said. “Even if it’s not by name, I don’t mind at all. It’s kind of a family thing.”
Dearing said her father, mother, brother and husband all share in the family’s commitment to serving the community.
“If one of us does something, I feel like we all do it,” she said.
That family effort, combined with contributions from local businesses and volunteers, enabled Tribute Funeral Homes to serve 710 veterans and guests during one of the fair’s most meaningful annual traditions.
The dinner was hosted by Tribute Funeral Home with the support of the following sponsors:
